Indulge in the delightful flavors of this beet salad adorned with feta cheese—a culinary masterpiece that transforms humble ingredients into a sensational dish. Crafted with cooked beets, crumbled feta, and pistachios, harmoniously mingled with the freshness of green onions, it serves as a versatile side salad or a light and satisfying meal.
Embrace the charm of salads sans lettuce; they possess heartiness, intrigue the palate, and double as exceptional accompaniments to main courses. The beet salad with feta is a symphony of flavors and textures, offering simplicity with only a handful of ingredients, swift preparation in 10 minutes, and an aesthetic appeal that is hard to ignore.
Here’s why you’ll fall for this recipe:
- Simplicity reigns—minimal ingredients are required.
- Quick prep—ready in a flash, depending on your chopping speed.
- A feast for the eyes—vibrant beets, pistachios, fresh herbs, and feta unite in a colorful ensemble.
Ideal for meal prepping, this salad retains its freshness in the fridge for several days, making it a perfect choice for planning ahead or enjoying throughout the week.
When it comes to ingredients:
- Opt for pre-cooked beets for a swift preparation, readily available in the produce section.
- Choose a quality feta, preferably in block form, for cost-effectiveness and a generous amount.
- Select shelled pistachios, paying attention to their roasting and salting status, as it influences the salad’s final seasoning.
How to Craft the Beet Salad with Feta Cheese:
- If using pre-cooked beets, chop them into quarters or halves, depending on size, and combine them with feta, pistachios, and green onions in a large bowl.
- For an extra touch, spiralize the beets.
- Gently toss all ingredients until well combined with EVOO salad dressing, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust salt carefully, considering the saltiness of feta and pistachios.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later, allowing flavors to meld.
Vibrant Beet Salad with Feta: A Symphony of Flavors and Colors
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked beets chopped
- 1/8 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios chopped
- 2 tbsp EVOO salad dressing
- ¼ cut green onions
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the beets, feta, pistachios, onions in a large bowl.
- Pour the EVOO salad dressing over the beet salad. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
Optional Enhancements and Substitutions:
- Introduce cooked grains like millet, quinoa, or rice.
- Incorporate bitter greens, such as arugula.
- Add fresh fruits like berries, pomegranates, or citrus segments.
- Experiment with dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or cherries.
- Include honey in the dressing.
- Swap pistachios for walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans.
- Amp up the protein with shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Infuse zest with oranges.
Can You Eat Beets Raw in a Salad?
While beets can be consumed raw, finely shredded, or sliced for optimal texture and appearance, cooking, particularly roasting, enhances their sweetness, making it the preferred choice for this salad.
Pairing Beets and Feta:
Beets, with their distinctive earthy taste, find perfect companions in feta’s saltiness, pistachios’ salt and texture, and the fresh brightness of green onions. Together, they create a delectable and wholesome root vegetable experience.
Perfect Pairings for Feta and Beet Salad:
- As a side dish, relish this salad with red meats—think filet mignon or the richness of duck. The versatility extends to chicken, pork, and turkey, creating a delightful accompaniment for a variety of meat dishes. Elevate your dining experience with this flavorful and visually appealing beet salad with feta.