Pin it
I'm totally hooked on this vibrant beet mix that takes just 10 minutes to throw together. Sweet beets, tangy feta, crunchy cucumbers and fragrant dill team up for knockout taste. It works great on the side of any meal since there's no meat or wheat in it. Just what you need when time's tight but you still want to impress.
Delightful Flavors in Each Mouthful
This gorgeous dish stays in my regular lineup because it's dead easy but looks amazing. Sweet roasted beets match up perfectly with salty feta, while cucumbers give you that satisfying snap. The dill adds such freshness, and my basic lemon and olive oil mix ties it all together. You won't miss the greens - this one's complete all on its own.
Grocery Needs
- Beets: They can be from a can, freshly roasted, or ready-cooked - your call. They're super healthy and make everything look beautiful
- Cucumbers: Their juicy snap creates the perfect contrast to the soft beets
- Feta Cheese: Grab a chunk and break it up yourself for better taste and feel
- Dill: Don't go for dried - fresh dill really lifts the whole dish
- Lemon Juice: Always squeeze your own for that zingy kick
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This is worth spending a bit more on
- Kosher Salt: Just a sprinkle brings out all the tastes
Ways to Prep Your Beets
- Oven-Baked Beets
- When I'm not rushed, I enjoy cooking beets from scratch. Just cut the tops off, clean them well, and wrap each beet in foil with some olive oil drizzled on. Bake at 400°F for roughly an hour. They'll peel super easily once cooled. The taste can't be beat.
- Speedy Alternatives
- When life gets crazy, I'll open a can of beets and they do the job nicely. Your slow cooker or instant pot works too if that's what you've got. Trust me, it'll turn out yummy no matter how you cook them.
Pin it
Practical Tips
Let me save you some trouble - put gloves on when you're cutting red beets. They'll stain everything they touch. Sometimes I switch to yellow beets that taste just as good without making a mess. My best trick for serving is to hold back some cucumber, feta and dill to sprinkle on top after mixing everything. This keeps it looking fresh instead of turning completely pink from the beet juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will this stay good?
Keep it covered in the fridge, and it’ll last fine for 3 days. Beets might tint the other veggies, but it won’t mess with the taste. Airtight containers work best.
- → Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, chop and prep everything a day ahead but mix it up right before eating. That way, cucumbers stay crisp, and beets won’t stain all the veggies.
- → Which beets are better to use?
Either roast your own for richer flavor or grab canned to save time—just drain the canned ones well before tossing them in.
- → Any tips for less beet staining?
If you let the beets soak in the dressing first, it helps keep the colors more separate. Add the rest right before serving for the cleanest look.
- → Can I swap out feta?
Sure! Goat cheese works too, or try ricotta salata for something mild. Blue cheese could also add a fun, stronger flavor twist.