If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and nourishing dish to brighten up your table, this Beet Salad with Feta and Toasted Walnuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, all tossed with peppery greens and a simple balsamic dressing. This salad is a beautiful balance of textures, colors, and flavors that come together effortlessly to create something truly special and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because its ingredients are simple, yet each plays a crucial role in the overall taste and texture. From the deep red of the roasted beets to the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, every element comes together in perfect harmony.
- 4 medium-sized beets: The star ingredient, they offer natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth richness to the dressing and helps coat the ingredients evenly.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Brings a subtle tang and enhances the sweetness of the beets.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle sharpness to the dressing, balancing flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that lift the entire dish.
- 4 cups mixed greens: Provides a fresh, peppery base—choose arugula, spinach, or your favorite mix.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: The creamy, salty element that pairs perfectly with the sweet beets.
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and a toasty flavor.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a sharp bite that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnish: To brighten and freshen up the flavors.
How to Make Beet Salad with Feta and Toasted Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Beets
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your beets a good rinse to wash away any dirt, then trim the tops and roots carefully. Wrap each beet in foil to keep them moist as they roast. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 to 60 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This roasting method brings out their natural sweetness and deepens their rich flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the beets are roasting, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors balance just right. This simple dressing perfectly complements the earthy beets and tangy feta without overpowering them.
Step 3: Cool and Peel the Beets
Once roasted, allow the beets to cool for a few minutes. Then unwrap and rub the skins off gently using a paper towel—no pesky peeler needed here! This step ensures tender, smooth beet pieces that become the heart of the salad.
Step 4: Slice and Assemble the Salad
Slice your peeled beets into wedges or cubes, whichever you prefer. In a large bowl, arrange your mixed greens and pile on the sliced beets. Sprinkle crumbled feta generously over the top, then add the toasted walnuts for crunch. Finally, scatter thinly sliced red onion—if you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes beforehand.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the components. Finish by garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to add a bright, herbal note and a lovely pop of color.
How to Serve Beet Salad with Feta and Toasted Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley are the perfect final touch, adding freshness and a subtle contrast to the rich beets and creamy feta. You can also sprinkle a little extra toasted walnut on top for presentation and texture that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This Beet Salad with Feta and Toasted Walnuts Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty mains such as grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or even a simple crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing. It’s a versatile dish that can elevate any meal, from casual lunches to elegant dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual glasses or layered on a platter for parties. You can also add edible flowers or a drizzle of honey for a gourmet twist. The striking red beets against the creamy white feta make for an eye-catching presentation that will delight your guests before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Be sure to keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To avoid sogginess, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and the walnuts crunchy for the next day.
Freezing
Because the salad includes fresh greens and feta, it is not ideal for freezing. Roasted beets alone, however, freeze beautifully and can be roasted ahead and stored for future salad preparations.
Reheating
If you prefer warm beets, gently reheat the roasted beets alone in the oven or microwave before assembling the salad. The other ingredients are best enjoyed fresh and cool to retain their texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use raw beets instead of roasting?
While raw beets have a pleasant crunch, roasting transforms their flavor by adding sweetness and tenderness that is key to this salad’s delightful balance.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If walnuts aren’t your favorite, pecans or toasted almonds work beautifully and offer a similar crunch and nuttiness.
Is this salad suitable for special diets?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for many dietary needs.
How long do roasted beets last in the fridge?
When stored properly, roasted beets can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator, perfect for meal prepping your salad in advance.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Definitely! Items like roasted carrots, beets of different colors, or even orange segments can add exciting new flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Beet Salad with Feta and Toasted Walnuts Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to something deliciously healthy. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with color, and layered with flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Beet Salad with Feta and Toasted Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Beet Salad with Feta is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and fresh mixed greens. Tossed in a tangy balsamic Dijon dressing and garnished with fresh herbs, this salad is perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 medium-sized beets
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill) for garnish
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the beets.
- Prepare the beets: Wash the beets thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt, then trim the tops and roots carefully without cutting too much off.
- Wrap and roast beets: Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil, place them on a baking sheet, and roast for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and peel beets: Let the roasted beets cool slightly, then unwrap and rub off the skins using paper towels.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Slice the beets: Cut the roasted beets into wedges or cubes according to your preference.
- Arrange the salad: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens followed by the sliced beets.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts (toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes), and thinly sliced red onion over the salad. Optionally soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until serving.
Notes
- Roasting time for beets may vary depending on their size; check for tenderness by piercing with a fork.
- To reduce onion sharpness, soak sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepped and chilled with dressing added just before serving.
