Simple Citrusy Greens Salad with Beets and Carrots

This citrusy greens salad with beets and carrots will bring some much needed color to your winter plate! Thinly shaved beets and carrots, buttery avocado, tangy goat cheese, punchy shallots, and a bright citrus vinaigrette.

this recipe

Wisconsin winters are long, and by mid-winter, I’m always craving something fresh and vibrant to bring me back to LIFE! That’s where this leafy salad with beets and carrots comes in. It’s packed with color, crunch, and a burst of citrus in every bite—this version featuring Swiss chard, thinly sliced raw beets and carrots, buttery avocado, tangy goat cheese, and a zippy citrus vinaigrette.

Whether you use chard or swap in your favorite greens, this salad is quick to make (just 15 minutes!) and perfect as a winter side or a hearty main with added protein (maybe oven roasted chicken or a simple baked salmon?). It’s the kind of simple, nourishing dish that makes eating veggies fun and delicious!

Ingredients & Notes

This recipe features produce that's seasonal in winter months, including beets, carrots, avocado, and citrus. While I used chard for the greens in this photographed recipe, I encourage you to use your favorite greens or whatever is in season! I love this salad with spinach, red leaf lettuce, or kale as well. Note, if you choose to use kale, I highly recommend massaging it with a bit of vinaigrette first - it helps tenderize the kale and mellow any bitterness.

For a spicy-sweet flavor twist, top this salad with maple cayenne toasted walnuts for an amazing crunch factor instead of sunflower seeds (though both are delicious).

P.S. If you're skeptical of raw beets, these simple herb-roasted beets could be swapped in, or you could make this roasted beet avocado salad instead!

Let's Make This Salad!

Step 1: Prep veg

Prep your veg! Thinly slice carrots, beets, and shallot, chop your chard or greens (if needed) and cilantro, and dice your avocado. I can't recommend a mandolin enough for slicing the veggies ultra-thin.

Step 2: Make dressing

Shake together vinaigrette ingredients in a jar until fully emulsified. text

Step 3: Assemble!

Assembly time! Layer greens in a large serving bowl, and distribute carrots, beets, avocado, and shallots throughout. Sprinkle goat cheese and sunflower seeds on top. Pour citrusy vinaigrette over the top and gently toss to coat. You're done! Yum!

Sustainability Tips

• Save beet and carrot tops! Did you get whole beets or carrots in your CSA or at the market? Use the beet greens in this salad (feel free to combine with other greens). Save carrot tops for homemade pesto, or store them in a bag with other collected veggie scraps to make homemade veggie broth.
• Make it seasonal. Did you know that carrots and beets can be grown year-round in frost-free areas? This means it's possible to get these seasonally and locally in cooler areas (like Wisconsin) in all seasons. So while I've been enjoying this salad in winter, it can also be enjoyed in other seasons! Simply swap out the greens for whatever is in season.
• Use it up. Do you have grains, beans, pasta, or protein in your fridge that need to be used up before it goes bad? Toss them in with this salad for texture, flavor, and reducing waste.

Pairing Suggestions

Looks for some inspo on what to make with this salad? Here are some ideas for proteins and flavorful add-ins.

Did you try this citrusy salad with beets and carrots? Don't forget to leave a star rating 🌟 and comment below, and tag me on Instagram and Pinterest so I can see what you made!