Beet Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Dill Recipe
Introduction
This Beet Salad with Feta, Cucumbers, and Dill is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm days or as a light side. The sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with tangy feta and fresh dill, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 medium fresh beets (about 250g)
- 1 English cucumber (about 200g), sliced
- 100g crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 45 minutes or until tender. Allow to cool before peeling and dicing.
- Step 2: While the beets roast, slice the cucumber into thin rounds.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers and diced beets.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped dill over the vegetable mixture.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Step 6: Toss the salad gently until all ingredients are well coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- You can roast the beets a day ahead and keep them refrigerated to save time on the day of serving.
- For added texture and flavor, try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences for the perfect balance.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to avoid sogginess. To reheat the beets, warm them gently before mixing, or serve the salad chilled for best freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned or pre-cooked beets instead of roasting fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned or pre-cooked beets to save time. Just rinse and drain them before dicing and mixing with the other ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
This recipe includes feta cheese, which is dairy. To make it vegan, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether.
PrintBeet Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Dill Recipe
This Beet Salad with Feta, Cucumbers, and Dill is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Roasted beets add natural sweetness and earthiness, complemented by crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic fresh dill. Finished with a simple balsamic and olive oil dressing, this salad is vibrant, healthy, and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium Fresh Beets (about 250g)
- 1 English Cucumber (about 200g), sliced
Dairy
- 100g Crumbled Feta Cheese
Herbs
- 2 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Aged Balsamic Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast the beets for approximately 45 minutes, or until they become tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, allow them to cool completely before peeling off their skins.
- Prepare the cucumbers: While the beets are roasting, slice the English cucumber into thin, round slices to add a crisp texture and fresh flavor to the salad.
- Combine vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers with the peeled and diced roasted beets, taking care not to mash them.
- Add feta and dill: Crumble the feta cheese evenly over the beet and cucumber mixture, then sprinkle the fresh chopped dill on top for an herby finish.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Beets can be roasted a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to save time.
- Adjust the seasoning of salt and pepper based on your personal taste preferences.
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or seeds such as pumpkin seeds.
Keywords: Beet Salad, Feta Cheese Salad, Cucumber Salad, Roasted Beet Recipe, Healthy Salad, Mediterranean Salad
