If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a celebration on your plate, this Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe is an absolute must-try. It beautifully balances the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the creamy tang of feta and the bright, aromatic punch of fresh dill. Every forkful offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that feels fresh and comforting at the same time. This salad is a fantastic way to brighten up any meal or impress guests with something simple yet elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad really comes down to a handful of ingredients that are simple but essential. Each component plays a key role—from the vibrant beets providing color and earthiness to the feta adding creaminess and saltiness, and the dill bringing a fragrant freshness that ties everything together.
- 4 medium red beets: Their natural sweetness and vibrant red hue are the star of the dish.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast that lifts the salad’s flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped: Provides a bright herbal note that complements the earthiness of the beets.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings silkiness and moistness, helping to meld the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Offers just the right amount of acidity to balance sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and seasons the salad perfectly without overpowering.
How to Make Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Beets
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the beets a good scrub to clean off any dirt, then trim the ends. Wrapping each beet tightly in foil helps them steam while roasting, concentrating their natural sweetness. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45 to 60 minutes until fork-tender—the perfect texture for your salad.
Step 2: Peel and Slice
After roasting, let the beets cool just enough so you can handle them comfortably. The skins will slip off easily—no need for peeling tools! Slice the beets into 1/4-inch rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. These uniform slices not only look beautiful but let the dressing coat each piece evenly.
Step 3: Dress the Beets
Transfer the sliced beets to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to ensure every slice gets a light coating of the dressing, allowing the flavors to mingle perfectly before adding the final touches.
Step 4: Add Feta and Dill
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped dill. This step is where the salad truly comes alive—the creamy feta and delicate dill complement the roasted beets with a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that makes this Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe irresistible.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
You can serve the salad right away for a fresher taste, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to deepen and mingle, enhancing the overall experience of this delightful dish.
How to Serve Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra wow factor, consider sprinkling chopped toasted walnuts or pistachios on top for crunch, or a few extra fresh dill sprigs for a burst of color and aroma. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the beets.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, nutritious meal. It’s also fantastic alongside crusty bread or quinoa for a vegetarian-friendly option. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad in clear glass jars for a picturesque lunch or picnic option. Alternatively, serve it on a bed of mixed greens or arugula for added texture and freshness. The deep red of the beets against the white feta and green dill looks stunning on any table setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify overnight, making day two just as delicious, if not better. Be sure to stir gently before serving to redistribute any dressing that settles at the bottom.
Freezing
Because of the fresh dill and delicate feta, freezing is not recommended for this salad. Freezing can alter the texture of the beets and cause the cheese to become grainy, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, you can let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes, but avoid microwaving, which may affect the texture and flavor of the ingredients, especially the feta and dill.
FAQs
Can I use golden beets instead of red beets?
Absolutely! Golden beets offer a milder flavor and beautiful golden hue that will bring a fresh twist to the Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe without changing the overall essence of the dish.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
You can swap out the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative or use crumbled firm tofu with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to mimic that cheesy flavor while keeping the salad vegan-friendly.
How long does it take to roast beets properly?
Roasting times can vary depending on the beet size, but generally, it takes between 45 and 60 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for tender results—test with a fork to check tenderness.
Can this salad be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepping the roasted beets a day in advance works wonderfully. Simply assemble the salad shortly before serving for the freshest combination of flavors and textures.
What other herbs can I use if I don’t have dill?
If fresh dill isn’t on hand, tarragon or fresh mint can be great substitutes, offering their own unique fragrant notes that complement the beets and feta nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to bring joy to the table with its vibrant flavors and stunning colors. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a special occasion, it’s a fresh and delightful way to enjoy beets. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as delicious and satisfying as I do—it’s definitely one to keep in your recipe collection!
Print
Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing beet salad featuring oven-roasted red beets tossed with tangy feta cheese, fresh dill, and a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad combines earthy sweetness with creamy and herby accents.
Ingredients
Beets
- 4 medium red beets
Salad Dressing and Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the beets clean under running water and trim the ends to prepare them for roasting.
- Roast Beets: Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender and easily pierced.
- Cool and Peel: Remove the roasted beets from the oven and allow them to cool slightly until they can be handled comfortably. Peel off the skins using your hands or a paper towel, then slice the beets into 1/4-inch rounds or wedges, depending on your preference.
- Dress Beets: Transfer the sliced beets into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese and Dill: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and the chopped fresh dill to the beet mixture, tossing lightly to evenly combine the ingredients without breaking up the beets or cheese.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors or cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.
Notes
- Roasting times can vary depending on the size of the beets; check tenderness by piercing with a fork.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor but can be served warm if preferred.
- Fresh dill adds a bright herbal note; if unavailable, fresh parsley or mint can be substituted.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds before serving.
- Use a sharp knife to slice beets evenly for better presentation.
