Vibrantly Easy Beet Salad with Feta and Cucumbers Recipe
This Vibrantly Easy Beet Salad with Feta and Cucumbers Delight is a refreshing and colorful salad combining tender roasted beets, crisp cucumber slices, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing made with olive oil and red wine vinegar or lemon juice. Enhanced with fresh dill and a touch of sweetness, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures ideal for a light lunch or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted beets, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Beets: Roast the beets wrapped tightly in foil at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or steam them for about 30 minutes until tender. Allow them to cool, then peel off the skins and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the Cucumber: Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into thin, even rounds to provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the beets.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, your choice of red wine vinegar or lemon juice, and honey or maple syrup if using. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced beets, cucumber, and fresh dill. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without crushing the vegetables.
- Finish with Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad. You may toss lightly to mix or leave it as a garnish to showcase the colorful layers.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste, or refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill for a more refreshing experience.
Notes
- For roasting beets, wrapping in foil helps retain moisture and intensify sweetness.
- Steaming is a quicker alternative to roasting if you prefer softer beets.
- Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup depending on your desired level of sweetness; it is optional.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated for enhanced flavor.
- Use fresh dill for a vibrant herbal note; substitute with parsley if unavailable.
- To make this salad vegan, omit feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Keywords: beet salad, roasted beets, cucumber salad, feta cheese, healthy salad, Mediterranean salad, fresh dill
