Roasted Beet and Feta Salad with Cucumber and Dill
This salad features roasted beets combined with tangy feta cheese, crisp cucumber slices, and fresh dill. The cooking involves roasting the beets until tender, then mixing all ingredients to create a vibrant dish with contrasting textures—earthy, crunchy, and creamy—that is visually appealing and flavorful.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Kitchen towel
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets preferably fresh and firm
- 200 g feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cucumber sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting and drizzling
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast for about 45 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the beets. Once cooked, let them cool slightly and then peel the skins off using a paper towel to help grip them, revealing their vibrant, deep red interior.
- While the beets cool, thinly slice the cucumber and chop the fresh dill. Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces, and set aside.
- When the beets are comfortable to handle, cut them into small bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes in a mixing bowl.
- Pour a tablespoon of olive oil over the beet cubes and toss gently to coat. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then stir again to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Add the crumbled feta and sliced cucumbers to the beets. Carefully fold everything together so the feta crumbles and cucumbers are evenly distributed, maintaining their crunch and contrast.
- Sprinkle the chopped dill over the salad and give a final gentle toss. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and let it rest for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for a fresh, crisp bite.
Notes
Ensure the beets are fully cooled before handling to prevent burns and make peeling easier. You can prepare the ingredients in advance for quicker assembly.