Vibrant Beet Salad with Feta and Cucumbers Recipe
This vibrant beet salad combines tender roasted beets with crisp cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, and fresh dill, all tossed in a tangy red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side or light meal, this colorful salad offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, enhanced with optional hints of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 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)
For the Dressing
- 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)
Instructions
- Roast the Beets: 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 they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven, let them cool, peel off the skins, and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and slice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. There is no need to peel if you’re using English or Persian cucumbers. Transfer the pieces to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar or lemon juice with the olive oil. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and add honey or maple syrup if you want a touch of sweetness. Whisk until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: To the large bowl with cucumbers, add the diced roasted beets, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine all flavors without crushing the delicate components.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra sprigs of dill for added freshness and presentation. Serve immediately for best flavor, or refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld further before serving.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the dressing separate until just before serving if you plan to store the salad to maintain freshness.
Keywords: beet salad, roasted beets, cucumber salad, feta cheese, fresh dill, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, fresh dressing
