Creamy Beet, Cucumber & Feta Salad Recipe
This Creamy Beet, Cucumber & Feta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tender roasted or steamed beets with crisp cucumbers and tangy feta cheese. Enhanced with fresh dill and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, it’s a perfect light lunch or side salad that bursts with color and flavor. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it offers a delightful balance of earthiness, creaminess, and acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (roasting) or 30 minutes (steaming)
- Total Time: 60 minutes (roasting) or 45 minutes (steaming)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 3–4 medium beets (about 400–500 g), roasted or steamed until tender
- 1 large cucumber (approx. 300 g), thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75 g)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- Freshly cracked salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 2–3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar if preferred)
- ½ tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Beets: Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F) if roasting. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil, place on a baking tray, and roast for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender. Alternatively, trim tops, cube beets and steam over boiling water for 25–30 minutes until tender. Let cool, then peel and slice beets into ½ cm rounds or half-moons.
- Slice the Cucumbers: Trim ends, wash thoroughly, and slice into thin 3 mm rounds. For extra crispness, soak the slices briefly in ice water, then drain and pat dry to avoid diluting the dressing.
- Whisk Together the Dressing: In a bowl or jar, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until slightly emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning, optionally adding up to ½ tsp honey for sweeter tang.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine beet slices and cucumber rounds. Drizzle the dressing over them and gently toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh dill on top, then finish with a final grind of black pepper and a pinch of salt if necessary.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld together. For chilled serving, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Choose roasting or steaming beets based on time and preference; roasting enhances sweetness while steaming saves time.
- Soaking cucumber slices in ice water makes them extra crisp.
- Adjust the dressing acidity by adding more lemon juice or vinegar before serving if desired.
- Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for flavor variations.
- Top with toasted nuts such as walnuts or pine nuts for added texture and richness.
- Incorporate leafy greens like baby spinach or arugula for a heartier salad.
- Add pomegranate seeds or use a mix of red and golden beets for a sweeter and more visually striking dish.
- Pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, fish, or falafel for a complete meal.
Keywords: beet salad, cucumber salad, feta cheese, creamy salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, roasted beets, steamed beets
