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This Quick and Easy Beet Salad with Feta, Cucumbers, and Dill is a burst of flavors that can be put together in just 10 minutes. Packed with sweet, tangy, and salty notes, this vegetarian and gluten-free side dish is a true delight!
A Simple and Nutritious Salad
Creating this beet salad is a breeze. Whether you use roasted or canned beets, red or golden, you’ll combine them with crumbled feta cheese, refreshing cucumbers, and aromatic dill. The dressing is equally straightforward, consisting of lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and kosher salt. That’s all it takes!
This lettuce-free salad is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Beets are rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are a true nutritional powerhouse. It’s funny how beets are often labeled as “foods that kids don’t like,” just like meatloaf. Personally, I can’t understand why meatloaf gets a bad rap. After all, it’s like a giant meatball, and who doesn’t love meatballs?
Rediscovering the Joy of Beets
Now, let’s talk about beets. These sweet and earthy gems have a crisp yet tender texture and the most beautiful color. I recently discovered my love for them, and I’m making up for lost time by enjoying them as much as I can. The best part is, my toddler loves them too!
By adding cucumbers, dill, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and a touch of feta cheese, we elevate the taste and nutritional value of this beet salad. It fits perfectly into the Mediterranean Diet, offering plant-based goodness and the healthy fats found in extra-virgin olive oil.
Cooking with Beets and Beet Greens
If you’ve never cooked with beets before, it can feel a bit intimidating. However, there’s a simple shortcut: canned beets. They are delicious and available year-round, allowing you to enjoy this salad whenever you want.
But if you’re up for a little adventure, you can roast your own beets. It’s incredibly easy. Just wash them, trim off the greens, individually wrap them in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, and bake at 400 degrees F for about an hour. Once they cool down, you can easily peel off the skin using your hands.
One important thing to note: red beets are very red and can stain surfaces. If you have easily stained countertops or are concerned about your hands turning red, consider wearing gloves. Alternatively, you can use golden beets for a less messy yet equally beautiful salad.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
If you have leftover beet greens, don’t throw them away. They can be used just like spinach or kale – add them to soups, sauté them with scrambled eggs, include them in a frittata, or toss them in a salad.
While the red color of the beets will turn everything in this salad pink, it creates a visually pleasing effect. However, if you prefer to keep the ingredients distinct, you can reserve some cucumbers, feta, and dill to sprinkle on top after mixing everything else together, just as I did in the photos.
Other Flavor-Packed Salad Recipes
If you’re looking for more delicious salad ideas, here are a few recommendations:
- Roasted Beet Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette
- Egyptian Barley Salad with Pomegranate and Feta
- Mango Quinoa Salad
- Watermelon Salad with Queso Fresco, Lime, and Cilantro
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