Description
A refreshing and vibrant salad combining earthy beets, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing, it’s perfect as a light side dish or main course. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve chilled for a delightful, healthy option.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad:
- 2 medium beets (roasted or boiled, peeled, and sliced)
- 1 large cucumber (sliced or diced)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 10 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh parsley or dill (chopped, for garnish)
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy flavor)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Beets: Roast the beets at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until tender, or boil for about 30-40 minutes.
- Cool and Peel: Allow the beets to cool, peel the skin, and slice them into thin rounds or wedges.
- Prepare the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber and slice it thinly, or dice it for smaller pieces. Optionally, deseed the cucumber for a crisper texture.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the beets, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add Feta: Add crumbled feta cheese and toss gently.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill for added flavor.
- Chill: Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Beet Preparation Tip: Roasting the beets enhances their sweetness, but boiling works for a quicker option.
- Make Ahead: You can cook the beets in advance and store them in the fridge to save time.
- Cucumber Options: English cucumbers work best for their minimal seeds and thin skin, but any variety will do.
- Customization: Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
- Serving Temperature: This salad tastes best when served chilled or at room temperature.
- Dressing Adjustments: Adjust the dressing’s acidity and sweetness to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g