Savor this simple yet classy salad as a salty-sweet starter or side.
Contrary to popular opinion, dazzling your dinner guests doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be quite easy with the right recipe. Whether it’s served as an appetizer or a side, this beet salad with feta is one dish that takes a good chunk of time but not a huge amount of effort. There are no complicated or confusing steps, and you can easily make it ahead of time so that hosting is a breeze.
When I was younger, I wasn’t a huge fan of beets, mostly because their striking color made me nervous. But as I got older, I realized that they make an especially succulent salad. Each tender bite is juicy, earthy, and subtly sweet. Topped with a refreshingly herbaceous vinaigrette, plus crushed walnuts and feta cheese, this classy salad will have you and your guests smacking your lips with enjoyment.
One of the coolest aspects of this recipe is that it’s quite customizable. While beet salad with feta is vegetarian, feel free to make it vegan by using plant-based feta. Some folks also prefer to toast their walnuts before adding them, although I like to keep mine raw to match the beet’s earthy taste. However you choose to switch it up or dish it out, this salad is sure to impress family and friends!
What makes beets so colorful?
Beets, especially when cooked, ooze a bright red-violet pigment that’s known as betacyanin. This is a unique plant pigment most commonly found in beets, but it also resides in Swiss chard and dragon fruit. Its vibrant hue and earthy, sweet taste are a couple of reasons why so many people have fallen in love with beets and try to incorporate them into meals frequently. Not only are they healthy to consume, but they’re also surprisingly versatile. You can bake them—such as in this recipe—or boil them. Heck, you can even use their purplish liquid to dye eggs during Easter! There are plenty of fun ways to get the most out of the beet’s bold color and earthy flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover your leftovers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer them to an airtight container, and then store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can keep your beets and dressing separate, transferring the beets to a freezer-safe container and freezing them for up to 3 months. In preparation for serving your leftover beet salad with feta, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then serve it cold, with a fresh drizzle of the herbal shallot dressing.
Serving suggestions
Now, don’t get me wrong—beet salad with feta can be a whole meal on its own. I find it especially delectable as a late lunch or early dinner with a refreshing Wine Spritzer and a side of Parsnip Fries. Just imagine enjoying such a fancy little meal on the porch with a light summer breeze wafting through—so lovely. But the potential doesn’t end there! Beet salad with feta also pairs incredibly well with hearty main dishes like Chicken Francese, Asparagus Quiche, Steak And Potatoes, or Black Bean Burgers.
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets
- 3 tablespoons minced shallot
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Trim the beets, leaving about 1 inch of the stems attached. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast for about 45 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce through the beets. Once done, let them cool enough to handle; then peel and slice the beets into 1/4-inch rounds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced shallot, fresh parsley, fresh mint, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place the sliced beets in a large serving bowl. Drizzle the herb dressing over the warm beets and gently toss to combine. Sprinkle the walnuts and crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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