Coral Reef-Inspired Beet and Citrus Salad with Feta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful salad featuring roasted beets and citrus segments topped with creamy feta and fresh herbs, evoking coral reef hues. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs divided olive oil, divided salt, divided black pepper into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 3 peeled and cut medium beets with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread beets on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While beets roast, whisk together 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine roasted beets, 1 large segmented orange, 1 medium segmented grapefruit, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coral Reef-Inspired Beet and Citrus Salad with Feta take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coral Reef-Inspired Beet and Citrus Salad with Feta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep divided olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coral Reef-Inspired Beet and Citrus Salad with Feta?

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 Coral Reef-Inspired Beet and Citrus Salad with Feta 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.

Is Coral Reef-Inspired Beet and Citrus Salad with Feta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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