Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium beets, scrubbed and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red grape juice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets, then cut them into 1-inch wedges or cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the beet pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned beets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until fork-tender and slightly caramelized. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet after removing from the oven.
- While the beets cool, prepare your dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red grape juice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled roasted beets, diced English cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh dill, and fresh mint (if using).
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all components are well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately, or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is delicious served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For quicker prep, use pre-cooked beets (often found vacuum-sealed in the produce section). You can also add toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats. Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This salad can be made a day in advance; just add the fresh herbs and dressing right before serving for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish & Light Meal
- Method: Roasting & Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg