Name: Vibrant Beet Salad with Feta and Cucumbers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 medium beets, roasted or steamed until tender; 1 large cucumber (English or Persian, seedless); 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh dill (can be replaced with mint or parsley); 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice; 4 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

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Introduction

This Vibrant Beet Salad with Feta and Cucumbers is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for any season. The combination of earthy beets, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta creates a delightful balance of flavors. A zesty dressing ties everything together for a salad that’s both simple and satisfying.

The dish shows a fresh salad served in a white bowl, layered with bright red beetroot cubes that have a smooth and shiny texture, interspersed with pale green cucumber slices with a slightly translucent look and moist surface. Scattered on top are white blocks and crumbles of soft feta cheese, speckled with black pepper and tiny dill sprigs, adding texture and contrast. Small green herb leaves are placed evenly over the salad, enhancing the colors with fresh green accents. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 medium beets, roasted or steamed until tender
1 large cucumber, use English or Persian, seedless
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled fresh for optimal taste
1/4 cup fresh dill, can be replaced with mint or parsley
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice, offers tanginess
4 tablespoons olive oil, adds richness
Salt, to taste, enhances overall flavor
Pepper, to taste, use freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional for sweetness

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 60 minutes, or until tender. Once cooled, peel the beets and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Wash and slice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. There’s no need to peel if using English or Persian cucumbers. Place the cucumber pieces in a large bowl.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar or lemon juice with the olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and honey or maple syrup if using. Mix well to create the dressing.
Step 4: To the bowl with cucumbers, add the diced beets, crumbled feta, and chopped dill. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Garnish with extra dill sprigs if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a different herbal note, substitute dill with fresh mint or parsley.
Try adding toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a brighter citrus flavor.
Keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain freshness.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. Reheat is not recommended, as this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A fresh salad in a white bowl features three main layers: the bottom layer has round cucumber slices with a smooth green skin and translucent light green centers, the middle layer consists of deep red beet chunks cut into cubes with a moist and glossy texture, and the top layer includes white feta cheese cubes sprinkled with ground black pepper and drizzled with olive oil, along with fresh green basil leaves and delicate dill sprigs as garnish. The ingredients are shiny and well mixed, sitting on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beets instead of roasted or steamed?

Fresh raw beets are quite firm and earthy, which may overpower the salad’s delicate balance. Roasting or steaming softens them and brings out their natural sweetness, so it’s recommended to cook the beets first.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu or a plant-based cheese. Goat cheese also works well and adds a creamy tang similar to feta.