Salad with Beetroot and Feta Leave a comment

A light lunch or delicious side dish, this salad with beetroot and feta is made with tender roasted beets, salty feta, crunchy walnuts and microgreens and topped off with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Buy cooked beets at the grocery store for a significant time saver!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Beetroot Salad with Feta is refreshing, nutrient-packed, and full of flavor. I’m all for a salad without lettuce or leafy greens from time to time and this one definitely fits the bill.

As a dietitian I know that beets are an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamin C, carotenoids, and betalains, and contain several vitamins and minerals like potassium, folate, iron, and manganese. They are also high in nitrates that play a role in regulating blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, promoting cardiovascular health, and improving lung function.

The beets in this salad are earthy and tender and complimented well with the saltiness from the feta and crunch from the walnuts. I also love this recipe with creamy goat cheese and often switch up the cheese with whichever I have on hand. The dressing is a tangy balsamic vinaigrette that is both deliciously fresh and refreshing.

This salad has a short ingredient list and you can even prepare the beets ahead of time so it comes together quickly when you’re ready to eat or serve. This beet salad makes a great lunch or side dish with dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

beets: earthy, slightly sweet and full of flavor. To save some time, you can buy cooked beets at the grocery store but they tend to be smaller in size so you may want to double the amount.

crumbled feta: provides a creamy texture and saltiness that balances out the beets nicely. I also make this salad with goat cheese instead of feta depending on what I have in my fridge!

toasted walnuts: adds some monounsaturated fat and plant-based protein. You don’t have to toast your walnuts, but I definitely recommend it for that extra nutty flavor!

microgreens: add a boost of fresh flavor and are loaded with vitamin A, E, C and K, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium and zinc

balsamic vinegar: gives a rich, sweet, and fruity flavor 

dijon mustard: acts as an emulsifier to help incorporate the olive oil and vinegar 

honey: gives a touch of sweetness to the dressing

olive oil: acts as the base of the dressing

thyme: adds an earthy, minty, lemony flavor to the dressing 

salt and pepper: flavor enhancers

Equipment You’ll Need (affiliate links – if you make a purchase I receive a small commission):

Baking Sheet

How to Make Beetroot Salad with Feta

Roast beets. Wrap beets loosely in aluminum foil and roast on a baking sheet until fork-tender, about 60-90 minutes. Be sure to check them every 20-30 minutes and if they look dry or scorched, pour a tablespoon of water over them before re-wrapping.
Make dressing. While beets are roasting (or cooling!) combine balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, thyme, salt, olive oil, and black pepper in a small bowl or mason jar. 
Peel beets. Once cool enough to handle (about 20 minutes), peel the skins away using a paper towel or with your fingers under water. If they don’t peel easily, they likely need more cooking time.
Slice beets. Place beets cut side down on cutting board and slice into half moon shapes, about 1/4-inch thick.
Assemble and serve. Add beets to a medium size bowl with feta, toasted walnuts and microgreens. Top with desired amount of dressing and toss to coat. 

Expert Tips

The beets can be prepped ahead of time by roasting, peeling, and cutting them in advance. Once this is done, the salad can be assembled in minutes when you’re ready to eat or serve.
If you don’t have time to roast beets in advance, you can also choose to buy pre-cooked beets at the store to save some time (and clean up!).
Speaking of clean up, beets stain very easily so be mindful when you’re handling them. Sometimes I like to wear gloves when peeling and cutting them.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! I haven’t made this recipe with canned beets yet but think that would be a great alternative and timesaver.

What makes beets taste better?

Beets go well with citrus flavors, garlic, vinegar, and plenty of salt to complement their earthy, deep flavor. They stand up to bold flavors, so they pair well with cheeses like feta, goat, brie, or blue cheese.

What is the best way to cook beets?

Beets can be steamed, boiled, or roasted. I like roasting beets as I find it brings out their earthy, slightly sweet flavor. I suggest roasting beets in foil packets to help them retain moisture and cook to tender perfection.  

Storage and Preparation

Beet salad leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can roast the beets ahead of time and then assemble the salad when ready to serve / eat!

Recipes That Pair Well

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Sheet Pan Chicken Potatoes and Green Beans

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup

Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

For more salad inspiration, check out my other recipes below! 

Fall Harvest Salad Stuffed Acorn Squash

Kale Salad with Pomegranate 

Middle Eastern-Inspired Spiced Quinoa Salad with Eggplant and Pomegranate

Thai-Inspired Salad with Chicken and Peanut Dressing

Charred Asparagus Salad with Egg

If you like this recipe, please be sure to comment and give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on Instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!

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