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My latest obsession is this colorful beet salad that comes together in just 10 minutes. The combination of sweet beets feta cucumbers and dill creates such amazing flavors. I love serving this as a side dish since it's both vegetarian and gluten-free. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but impressive.
Fresh Flavors in Every Bite
I always keep this salad in my recipe rotation because it's so simple yet stunning. The sweet roasted beets pair beautifully with salty feta while cucumbers add the perfect crunch. Fresh dill brings such brightness and my simple lemon olive oil dressing pulls everything together. No lettuce needed this salad stands perfectly on its own.
Shopping List
- Beets: I use roasted canned or fresh whatever I have on hand. They're packed with nutrients and give the salad its gorgeous color
- Cucumbers: The crisp sweet crunch balances the tender beets perfectly
- Feta Cheese: Get a block and crumble it yourself for the best texture and flavor
- Dill: Fresh dill makes all the difference with its lovely herbal notes
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze it fresh for the brightest flavor
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use your favorite good quality oil here
- Kosher Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop
How to Cook Your Beets
- Home Roasted Beets
- Whenever I have time I love roasting my own beets. Simply trim off the greens give them a good wash and wrap each one in foil with a drizzle of olive oil. Pop them in a 400°F oven for about an hour. Once they cool the skins slip right off. The flavor is incredible.
- Quick Options
- On busy days I grab canned beets and they work beautifully. You can also use your slow cooker or instant pot if you prefer. The salad turns out delicious no matter which method you choose.
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Kitchen Wisdom
Take it from someone who learned the hard way wear gloves when handling those red beets. They stain everything. Sometimes I use golden beets instead they taste just as wonderful without the mess. My favorite presentation trick is to save some of the cucumber feta and dill to scatter on top after mixing. This keeps the salad looking fresh and pretty instead of everything turning pink from the beets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does this beet salad stay fresh?
The salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The beets might stain the other ingredients pink over time, but this won't affect the taste. Store it in an airtight container for best results.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients and dressing separately up to a day ahead. Just combine everything right before serving to keep the cucumber crisp and prevent the beets from coloring everything pink.
- → What's the best type of beets to use?
Both roasted and canned beets work great in this recipe. Roasted beets give a deeper flavor, while canned beets save time. Just make sure to drain canned beets well before using them.
- → How do you stop the beets from staining everything red?
Mixing the beets with dressing first and letting them sit helps minimize staining. You can also add the other ingredients just before serving and keep some ingredients separate for topping to maintain their original colors.
- → Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Goat cheese makes a great alternative to feta in this salad. You could also try ricotta salata or even blue cheese for a different but equally tasty flavor profile.