Beet, Citrus & Arugula Summer Salad with Lemon-Garlic White Balsamic Dressing

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Gut-Loving, Hormone-Supportive, Nutrient-Dense & Refreshing

Bright, fresh, and full of summer flavour, this salad combines earthy roasted beets, sweet-tart grapefruit or Cara Cara oranges, tangy pickled shallots, and peppery arugula. Tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic white balsamic dressing, each bite is refreshing, nourishing, and packed with antioxidants, fibre, and nutrients to support digestion, hormones, and overall vitality. The optional pumpkin seeds or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Perfect as a light lunch, side, or starter.

Ingredients

Serves 2–3

Salad:

2 medium roasted beets, peeled and sliced

1 large grapefruit or 2 Cara Cara oranges, segmented

½ cup pickled shallots (see below or store-bought)

3 cups fresh arugula

2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts (optional)

Pickled Shallots:

2 small shallots, thinly sliced

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup filtered water

1 tsp maple syrup or maple syrup

Pinch sea salt

Lemon-Garlic White Balsamic Dressing:

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 small garlic clove, minced

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1–2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

1 tsp honey or maple syrup

Salt + black pepper, to taste

Method
Combine vinegar, water, maple syrup, and salt in a jar. Add shallots, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavour.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast 40–50 minutes until tender. Let cool, peel, and slice.
Remove peel and pith, then cut between membranes to release individual segments.
Whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Toss arugula, roasted beet slices, citrus segments, and pickled shallots in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Top with pumpkin seeds or walnuts for extra crunch if desired. Serve immediately for a refreshing lunch, side, or starter!

Recipe by Taylor Robinson – Holistic Health & Wellness Nurse | Nutrition Specialist