Beetroot Salad with Mixed Greens & Feta Cheese Recipe
Brighten your meal with the vibrant and nutritious Beetroot Salad with Mixed Greens & Feta Cheese. This refreshing appetizer combines the earthy sweetness of steamed beets, the crispness of mixed greens, and the creaminess of feta cheese, creating a medley of flavors that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Perfect for a light lunch or a dinner starter, this salad pairs beautifully with soups and artisan bread. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beetroot (peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces) | 1 large |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 medium |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 5-6 |
| Iceberg lettuce | 1 bunch |
| Rocket leaves | ½ bunch |
| Feta cheese (crumbled) | 50 grams |
| Melon seeds (roasted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra virgin olive oil | ¼ cup |
| Salt and freshly ground pepper | To taste |
| Za’atar spice blend | 1 teaspoon |
| Red wine vinaigrette | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 2 |
Instructions
Step 1: Steam the Beetroot
- Begin by steaming the beetroot pieces until they are tender but still firm (al dente). This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooked, transfer the beetroot to a bowl and allow it to cool completely. Cooling helps retain the freshness and texture of the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinaigrette, a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and za’atar spice blend.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and set the dressing aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad mixing bowl, combine the iceberg lettuce, rocket leaves, thinly sliced onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and cooled beetroot pieces.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate greens.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches
- Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of roasted melon seeds for a delightful crunch.
- Lightly toss again to integrate the toppings into the salad.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve this vibrant Beetroot Salad with Mixed Greens & Feta Cheese immediately for the freshest taste.
- For a complete meal, pair the salad with a comforting bowl of Quick Creamy Pea Soup and a slice of Whole Wheat Rosemary Focaccia Bread.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Protein | ~7 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~5 g |
| Total Fat | ~16 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~5 g |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
| Calcium | ~120 mg |
| Vitamin C | ~30% DV |
| Iron | ~8% DV |
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Salad
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of greens and beetroot significantly impacts the salad’s flavor. Opt for fresh, crisp lettuce and vibrant red beets.
- Roast or Boil Beets (Optional): If you prefer, you can roast or boil the beets instead of steaming for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Customizable Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or almonds, dried cranberries, or even avocado slices for added texture and flavor.
- Serving Tip: Always dress the salad just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
This Beetroot Salad with Mixed Greens & Feta Cheese is an excellent addition to any menu, boasting a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a standalone dish or alongside a cozy dinner spread, it’s sure to impress. Bon appétit!
