Recipes by Brad, Simple Recipes anyone can make

Beet Salad with Feta & Cucumber (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Beet Salad with Feta & Cucumber. Each ingredient plays an important role in flavor and texture. Gather these fresh items before you start.

Beets (3 medium-sized)

Beets are the foundation of this salad. Their sweet earthiness pairs beautifully with salty cheese and crisp veggies. Choose firm beets without blemishes. Roasting enhances their natural sugars and makes them tender enough for salads.

Cucumber (1 large English or 2 Persian cucumbers)

Cucumbers add a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely against soft beets and creamy cheese. English cucumbers have thin skins and small seeds so there’s no need to peel them. Persian cucumbers work equally well in this dish.

Feta Cheese (100g / about 3.5 oz., crumbled)

Feta brings a salty tanginess that elevates the flavors of the vegetables. Crumble it over the top so each forkful gets a bit of creamy feta. Use Greek feta in brine if possible for best texture and taste.

Red Onion (¼ small, thinly sliced)

A few slices of red onion provide sharpness and extra bite without overpowering the dish. Slice very thinly for even distribution throughout your beetroot salad with feta and cucumber.

Fresh Dill (2 tablespoons chopped)

Chopped dill adds aromatic freshness that complements both beets and cucumber. If you don’t have dill on hand, try parsley or mint as substitutes for a different twist on this healthy beet salad.

Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons freshly squeezed)

Lemon juice brightens up all the flavors while adding gentle acidity to balance the sweetness from beets and saltiness from feta cheese in your cucumber beet salad.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons)

Olive oil ties everything together while adding richness to the dressing without overpowering other ingredients. Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best finish.

Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)

A pinch of salt enhances all natural flavors while black pepper adds subtle heat. Adjust seasoning at the end to your preference after tossing everything together.

# Instructions:

Follow these clear instructions to make your own vibrant Beet Salad with Feta & Cucumber at home.

Step 1: Roast or Boil Beets

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash beets thoroughly under running water but keep skins on for roasting—this helps lock in moisture and flavor. Wrap each beet individually in foil and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 45-60 minutes until they can be pierced easily with a fork or knife tip. Allow them to cool slightly before handling.

Step 2: Peel & Slice Beets

Once roasted beets are cool enough to touch but still slightly warm, use your fingers or a paper towel to gently rub off their skins—they should slide off easily after roasting. Trim off ends if needed then slice each beet into half-moons or bite-sized cubes depending on your presentation preference.

Step 3: Prepare Cucumbers & Onion

If using English cucumbers, slice them lengthwise then cut into half-moons about ¼-inch thick for even crunch throughout your fresh beet salad. For Persian cucumbers simply slice into rounds or half-moons as desired. Thinly slice red onion—using only a quarter keeps its flavor balanced within the mix.

Step 4: Mix Dressing

Add lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil to a small bowl or jar along with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk together until fully combined or shake vigorously if using a jar—this creates an emulsified dressing that will coat each component evenly without separating out.

Step 5: Assemble Salad

Add sliced beets, cucumbers, chopped dill, red onion slices, and most of your crumbled feta cheese into a large mixing bowl—reserve some feta for garnish if you like an attractive finish on top of your feta beetroot cucumber salad when serving later.

Step 6: Toss Ingredients Together

Pour the prepared lemon-olive oil dressing over all ingredients in your mixing bowl while gently tossing everything together using two large spoons or spatulas—be careful not to mash delicate components like cooked beets or soft feta crumbles as you combine everything evenly.

Step 7: Taste & Adjust Seasonings

Taste your assembled cucumber beet salad before plating—it’s key to check if more salt is needed since both beets and feta bring their own sodium content naturally; add another squeeze of lemon juice if desired for extra brightness right before serving guests.