If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, you absolutely have to try this Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe. It combines earthy roasted beets, crisp cucumber, creamy feta, and the bright, aromatic notes of fresh dill all tossed in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. This salad is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a fantastic starter or a refreshing side dish that feels both wholesome and a little bit special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe, you only need a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the salad’s harmonious flavor and texture. From the natural sweetness of beets to the tanginess of feta and the brightness of fresh dill, every item is essential.
- 3 medium beets: Roasting, boiling, or steaming them brings out their natural sweetness and tender texture.
- 1 cucumber: Thinly sliced for a cool, crisp crunch that contrasts the softness of the beets.
- 100 grams feta cheese: Crumbled for its creamy saltiness that complements the earthy beets perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill: Chopped fresh dill adds a wonderfully fragrant, herbaceous note.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: A good-quality olive oil is key for a smooth, fruity dressing base.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural tastes without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a gentle hint of spice.
How to Make Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beets
Start by cooking the beets until they are fork-tender. You can choose to roast, boil, or steam them depending on your preference and time. Roasting will give a slightly sweeter, caramelized flavor, while boiling or steaming keeps them tender and moist. Once cooked, allow them to cool enough to handle.
Step 2: Peel and Slice
Once the beets are cool, peel off the skins with your hands or a gentle rub with a paper towel; this is surprisingly easy once cooked. Slice the beets into even pieces, either rounds or wedges, depending on your presentation preference. Slice the cucumber thinly into crisp, translucent rounds.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
Arrange the sliced beets and cucumber in a large salad bowl or a beautiful platter. Layering them thoughtfully can really show off the vibrant colors and create an inviting look.
Step 4: Add Feta and Dill
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the arranged beets and cucumber, followed by scattering the chopped fresh dill. The feta adds a luscious creaminess, while the dill infuses the salad with fresh, herbaceous aroma.
Step 5: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. This simple dressing ties all the ingredients together with a silky, tangy finish without overpowering the salad’s natural flavors.
Step 6: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving to keep the beets and cucumbers fresh and crisp. Toss gently if desired, or leave it beautifully layered for a stunning presentation of your Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe.
How to Serve Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra vibrancy and texture, try garnishing with a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans. Their crunch contrasts delightfully with the softness of the beets and the creaminess of the feta. A few lemon zest shavings or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully alongside grilled chicken or fish, making it ideal for a light summer lunch or dinner. It also complements hearty grain dishes like quinoa or farro bowls if you want a vegetarian-friendly balanced meal. The crispness and acidity act as a perfect counterpoint to richer main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the beet salad in a clear glass bowl for a colorful, layered effect that showcases each ingredient’s brilliance. Alternatively, serve it on individual plates with a swirl of dressing around the edge for a restaurant-quality look. You can even stuff pita pockets with this salad for a portable, refreshing snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the cucumber.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, especially due to the fresh cucumber and feta, which will become watery and lose texture upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days when properly stored in the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you cooked your beets fresh, you can serve them warm before chilling, but the assembled salad tastes best chilled to enjoy the crisp textures and refreshing flavors.
FAQs
Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?
Yes, canned beets can be a convenient substitute, but they tend to be softer and less flavorful than freshly cooked beets. If using canned, rinse them gently and slice as usual to keep the salad’s texture balanced.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
The feta cheese in this Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe is not vegan. However, you can easily substitute with a vegan cheese or omit it altogether, adding extra nuts or seeds to maintain some creaminess and crunch.
What dressing alternatives work well?
If you want to switch things up, a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze also complements the beets and feta beautifully. Just be mindful of balancing acidity with the natural sweetness of the beets.
How do I store fresh dill for this recipe?
Fresh dill can be kept for several days by wrapping it loosely in a damp paper towel and storing it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Alternatively, place dill stems in a glass of water, covered with a loose plastic bag.
Can this salad be made ahead for parties?
Absolutely! Just hold off on adding the dressing until right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Preparing the beets, cucumber, feta, and dill in advance makes assembly quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
This Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe is a standout dish that offers effortless elegance and a burst of fresh, natural flavors. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for sharing with friends and family. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every colorful, delicious bite!
Print
Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Beet Salad with creamy feta cheese, crisp cucumber, and fresh dill, dressed with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar vinaigrette. This colorful salad is easy to prepare, perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, and combines earthy roasted beets with tangy feta and aromatic herbs for a deliciously balanced flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 medium beets (roasted, boiled, or steamed)
- 1 cucumber (sliced thin)
Dairy
- 100 grams feta cheese (crumbled)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Cook Beets: Cook the beets until fork-tender by your preferred method—roasting, boiling, or steaming. This will usually take about 45 to 60 minutes depending on size.
- Prepare Vegetables: Allow the beets to cool, then peel off the skins and slice them. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds.
- Assemble Salad: Arrange the sliced beets and cucumbers on a plate or in a bowl, creating an appealing base for the salad.
- Add Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the arranged vegetables.
- Add Fresh Dill: Scatter the chopped fresh dill over the salad for a burst of herby aroma and flavor.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Dress Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and vibrant.
Notes
- You can roast beets wrapped in foil at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes for extra depth of flavor.
- If in a hurry, boiling or steaming beets for 30-40 minutes also works well.
- Use fresh dill for the best aroma; dried dill can be substituted but is less vibrant.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Leftovers keep well for 1-2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
