If you’re looking for a salad that’s vibrant, refreshing, and packed with bold flavor, this Feta, Cucumber, and Dill Beet Salad delivers in every bite. Sweet roasted beets meet crisp cucumbers, sharp red onion, creamy feta, and fragrant fresh dill — all tied together with a simple Dijon vinaigrette.
It’s colorful enough for a dinner party, simple enough for a weekday lunch, and flavorful enough to steal the spotlight from the main course.
Let’s dive in.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of earthy beets and salty feta. Add cool cucumbers and fresh dill, and suddenly you’ve got a salad that tastes both refreshing and satisfying.
Here’s why it works so well:
- Sweet + salty balance from beets and feta
- Crunch and freshness from cucumber
- Bright acidity from red wine vinegar
- Herbaceous lift from dill
- Simple homemade dressing that takes minutes
It’s light, but not boring. Fresh, but still comforting. And it looks absolutely stunning on the table.
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets, roasted or boiled, peeled and diced
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Ingredient Notes & Easy Swaps
- Roasted vs. boiled beets: Roasting intensifies sweetness and adds depth, while boiling keeps them softer and more delicate.
- English cucumber works great for fewer seeds and extra crunch.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
- Goat cheese can substitute for feta if you want a creamier texture.
- Add toasted walnuts for extra crunch and richness.
How to Make Feta, Cucumber, and Dill Beet Salad
1. Prepare the Beets
If roasting, wrap beets in foil and bake at 400°F for 40–50 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool, peel, and dice.
If boiling, cook until tender, then peel and dice once cooled.
2. Chop the Vegetables
Dice the cucumber and thinly slice the red onion.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until emulsified.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine beets, cucumber, red onion, feta, and fresh dill.
5. Toss & Serve
Drizzle with dressing and gently toss until everything is coated. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Tips for Success
- Let the beets cool completely before mixing to prevent the feta from melting.
- Toss gently to keep the feta from breaking down too much.
- Chill before serving for even better flavor.
- Taste before serving — a small pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon can brighten it further.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it:
- Alongside grilled chicken or salmon
- As part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread
- With warm crusty bread
For a beautiful appetizer spread, pair it with This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
If you love fresh, tangy salads, you’ll also enjoy A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo in Sight).
Planning a casual gathering? Serve it alongside These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
For drinks, it pairs beautifully with:
- Classic Margarita Recipe – Easy and Delicious
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 11g
Values will vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The color may deepen as it sits — that’s normal and beautiful.
- For best texture, add feta fresh if making ahead.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving this fresh, flavor-forward vibe, try:
- A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo in Sight)
- This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
Both bring bold flavor with simple ingredients — just like this beet salad.
Final Thoughts
This Feta, Cucumber, and Dill Beet Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. It’s fresh, colorful, and layered with flavor — the kind of dish that feels just as right at a dinner party as it does packed for lunch the next day.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how you served it. Did you add nuts? Swap cheeses? Pair it with grilled meats?
Let me know in the comments — and don’t forget to follow along for more flavor-packed, approachable recipes.
Until next time,
Jason Griffith
ChefManiac.com
