
🥗 Roasted Beet and Orange Salad with Fresh Herbs (Gluten-Free Recipe)
By Chef Varouj
Looking for a vibrant, healthy side dish that’s both refreshing and full of flavor? This roasted beet and orange salad combines the earthy sweetness of beets with juicy citrus and fresh herbs — a perfect match for spring and summer meals.
It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with antioxidants, and simple enough for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
🥬 Ingredients
- 10 to 12 small beets (approximately 1–4 inches in diameter)
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon or another sweet herb (thyme, basil, oregano, or marjoram work beautifully)
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👨🍳 Directions
1. Cook or buy beets
- You can roast, steam, or boil your beets — or purchase pre-cooked beets (Chef Varouj recommends the ones from Costco).
- Avoid canned beets — they don’t have the same fresh flavor or texture.
2. Dice the beets
- Cut into your desired size (½ to ¾ inch pieces).
3. Season and mix
- Toss beets with 1 tablespoon of your chosen herb.
- Add the vinegar, shallots, and olive oil.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Marinate and serve
- Let the salad marinate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra orange segments or fresh herbs if desired.
💡 Chef’s Tip
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding:
- A sprinkle of goat cheese or feta
- A handful of toasted walnuts or pistachio
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving
This dish pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, salmon, or quinoa for a complete meal.
🌿 About the Chef
For more recipes from Chef Varouj, visit www.culinarycreator.com.
Check out his new Simply Gluten-Free Weekly Menu Plan — it’s everything you need to prepare healthy, delicious meals in minutes for your family!

Dr. Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC, CCN, DACBN, DACNB
Dr. Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC, CCN, DACBN, DACNB is a Doctor of Chiropractic, certified clinical nutritionist, and brain wellness expert with 34+ years serving Fresno families at The Natural Path Health Center.
Learn More About Dr. Parsons


