Description
This vibrant Beet Salad with Feta, Cucumbers, and Dill brings together sweet, earthy beets, crisp cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, and a bright, herby dill dressing. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and a beautiful marriage of colors and textures, this easy vegetarian salad is perfect as a light lunch, a satisfying side, or a make-ahead addition to potlucks and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium beets, cooked and sliced (roasted or steamed)
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
Cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Prep the Beets: If roasting, preheat your oven to 400°F. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil and roast for 45–60 minutes, until fork-tender. Allow to cool, then peel and slice. If steaming, peel the beets first, then simmer whole for about 30 minutes until tender. Let cool and slice.
- Slice the Cucumber: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to thinly and evenly slice the cucumber. This ensures a crisp, pleasant texture in every bite.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and the optional honey or maple syrup if you’d like a hint of sweetness. Season the dressing with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced beets, cucumber, and chopped dill. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the vegetables and gently toss everything together to coat well.
- Finish with Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top just before serving. You can mix it in gently or leave the chunks on top as a garnish.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh flavor, or cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop more depth.
Notes
- For quicker preparation, use pre-cooked, unsweetened beets available at the store.
- This salad is completely customizable—swap in your favorite herbs, cheese, or add extras like nuts or greens.
- Letting the salad sit for 15–30 minutes before serving will help the flavors blend beautifully.
- If peeling beets by hand, wear gloves to prevent staining your fingers.
- Add feta just before serving if you want to keep it bright and white.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
