Australian Beetroot and Feta Salad with Pepita Dressing
A vibrant and earthy salad combining roasted beetroot, creamy feta, and toasted pepitas with a tangy vinaigrette inspired by Australian flavors. This australian-inspired salads ready in about 45 minutes blends divided olive oil, divided sea salt, toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes beetroot
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/4 cup, toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 100 g, crumbled feta cheese
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 3 medium peeled and cubed beetroot with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until tender and edges caramelize, stirring halfway.
- Step 2: While beetroot roasts, toast 1/4 cup pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine roasted beetroot, 4 cups baby spinach leaves, 100 g crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pepitas. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Australian Beetroot and Feta Salad with Pepita Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Australian Beetroot and Feta Salad with Pepita Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Australian Beetroot and Feta Salad with Pepita Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Australian Beetroot and Feta Salad with Pepita Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Australian Beetroot and Feta Salad with Pepita Dressing?
Australian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.