Arugula and Beet Salad

This vibrant Arugula and Beet Salad is the kind of dish that makes healthy eating feel a little fancy. You may also like our Arugula Quinoa Salad.

Why You'll Love This Beet Arugula Salad Recipe

• Bold flavor balance. The peppery bite of arugula pairs perfectly with the sweet earthiness of beets.
• Beautiful presentation. The deep red beets and bright green arugula make this salad look restaurant worthy.
• Whole food plant based. Made with simple ingredients that nourish your body.
• Quick to assemble. Once the beets are cooked, the salad comes together in minutes.
• Great for entertaining. This elegant salad feels special enough for holidays or dinner parties.
• Versatile recipe. Works as a side dish or a light main meal with a few add ins like our air fryer tofu nuggets.

Jump to Recipe

The natural sweetness of beets balances beautifully with the bold, peppery arugula, crunchy hazelnuts, and a sweet, tangy orange citrus dressing. This beet arugula salad is colorful, nutrient dense, and seriously satisfying. If you are looking for a fresh plant based side dish that looks impressive but takes very little effort, this beet and arugula salad is about to become your new favorite.

Health Benefits

• Beets are rich in antioxidants, nitrates, and fiber. Dietary nitrates found in beets may support healthy blood flow and cardiovascular health. If you love beets, check out our Cleansing Beet Soup.
• Arugula is a cruciferous leafy green that provides vitamins A, C, and K along with beneficial plant compounds that support detoxification pathways.
• Hazelnuts add heart healthy fats that help your body absorb fat soluble nutrients from the vegetables.

Key Ingredients

1. Arugula: adds a fresh, peppery bite that keeps the salad from tasting overly sweet. It also gives the salad a light and airy texture.
2. Beets: the star of the salad. They provide natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a tender texture. Their earthy flavor balances the peppery greens beautifully.

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of boiling beets, you can also peel and roast them.
• Swap hazelnuts for walnuts, pistachios, pecans, or sliced almonds.
• Add fruit, such as orange segments or pomegranate arils (seeds) for brightness and a pop of juicy sweetness.
• If you do not have arugula, baby spinach or mixed greens work well.
• Add cooked quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a filling lunch.
• Other toppings: microgreens, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, additional orange zest, fresh cracked black pepper.

How to Make This Arugula Beet Salad

1. Step 1: Wash and trim the beets with a knife.

2. Step 2: Add beets to a small pot with water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for 40 minutes.

3. Step 3: While beets are cooking, add pitted date and cashews to a small dish with hot water. Soak for 15 minutes to soften.

4. Step 4: Zest and juice a fresh orange.

5. Step 5: Add date, cashews, orange zest, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and water to a mini bullet blender.

6. Step 6: Blend until smooth and creamy.

7. Step 7: When beets are done cooking, rinse them under cold water to handle. Carefully use your fingers to remove the skin.

8. Step 8: Slice the beets, and assemble by adding them to a bed of arugula and top with chopped hazelnuts. Dress with orange citrus dressing and enjoy.

Expert Tips

1. Cool beets before handling and slicing.
2. Toast the chopped hazelnuts in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor.
3. Dress generously right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• For a full fancy-restaurant experience, enjoy this salad with our Portobello Steaks or Cauliflower Steaks.
• Add Air Fryer Tempeh to make it a full, protein-packed meal.
• Enjoy with a cup or bowl of our Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Soup or Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup.
• For a summer meal, pair with our Italian Gazpacho or Tempeh Reuben Sandwich.

Arugula and Beet Salad FAQs

This Arugula and Beet Salad proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. The sweet roasted beets, peppery greens, crunchy nuts, and tangy balsamic dressing deliver layers of flavor and texture in every bite. It is elegant enough for entertaining, yet easy enough for everyday meals.

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