Beet Salad with Spinach, Feta

Beet Salad with Spinach, Feta, Oranges, Pine Nuts, and Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing
This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, with a nice crunch from the pine nuts and a refreshing citrus kick from the oranges!

Ingredients:
For the Salad:
* 3 medium beets (red or golden, or a mix)
* 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (or mixed greens)
* 1 large orange, peeled and segmented (or 2 small)
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts, if preferred)
For the Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing:
* 2 tbsp honey
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and trim the beets, removing any roots or tops.
3. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 45-60 minutes, until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Let them cool, then peel the skins off (you can use a paper towel to rub the skin off, which should come off easily).
5. Once peeled, slice the beets into thin rounds or wedges, depending on your preference.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed by adding more honey or lemon juice.
9. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, sliced beets, and orange segments.
10. Drizzle with the honey-mustard lemon dressing, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
11. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts on top.
12. Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for a short time if you prefer a chilled salad.

Additional Tips:
1. For a richer flavor, you can also lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
2. You can substitute goat cheese for feta if you prefer a different cheese.
3. If you’d like to add more protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas would complement the flavors of this salad.

Enjoy!