Roasted Beet Feta Salad Recipe
A Warm, Nutritious Side Dish to Elevate Your Winter Meals
The Roasted Beet Feta Salad is an indulgent side dish that brings together earthy, tender roasted beets, crunchy onion rings, light and creamy feta cheese, and rich, nutty walnuts. The sweet and tangy red wine vinaigrette, combined with the fragrant olive oil dressing, enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, creating a harmonious balance that will excite your taste buds. Perfect for winter meals, this salad is comforting, nutritious, and filled with delightful textures that make it an unforgettable side dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beetroot | 2, peeled and cut into wedges |
| Feta Cheese | 1/4 cup, crumbled |
| Onion | 1, cut into rings |
| Red Wine Vinaigrette | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Basil Leaves | 2 sprigs, roughly torn |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Time | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
Instructions
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Roasting the Beets:
- Begin by heating a pan on medium-high and adding the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the beetroot wedges in the pan. Roast them, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have developed a beautiful charred color on all sides (approximately 20-25 minutes).
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Preparing the Dressing:
- Once the beets are roasted, reduce the heat to low. Add the red wine vinaigrette and honey to the pan. Stir to coat the beets evenly, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
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Adding the Vegetables and Cheese:
- Turn off the heat, and immediately add the onion rings, crumbled feta cheese, and walnuts to the pan with the roasted beets. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the ingredients are well combined and coated in the flavorful dressing.
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Finishing Touch:
- Add the torn basil leaves and give everything one last toss. The warmth of the roasted beets will bring out the best in the feta cheese and fresh basil.
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Serving:
- Serve the Roasted Beet Feta Salad warm, alongside your favorite main course. For an extra touch of deliciousness, pair it with Spinach and Feta Cheese Rotolo as a satisfying side dish that perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the beets.
Tips for the Best Roasted Beet Feta Salad
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Roasting Tips: Beets can be a bit tricky to roast, but to ensure they turn out perfectly, make sure the pan is well-heated and the beets are cut into even-sized wedges to ensure uniform cooking.
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Extra Texture: If you prefer more crunch, try adding some toasted nuts like pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a slightly different flavor profile.
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Vegan Alternative: For a vegan-friendly version, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative made from coconut or almond.
This salad is perfect for a cozy winter meal or as a vibrant side dish for any occasion, adding a burst of color and flavor to your dining table. The combination of fresh and roasted ingredients, along with the tangy vinaigrette, is sure to impress your guests and make them fall in love with healthy, hearty eating. Enjoy!
