Description
Refreshing crisp cucumber and beetroot salad brings Mediterranean charm to summer dining. Cool vegetables dance with zesty herbs, creating a light and nutritious dish perfect for health-conscious individuals who crave bold, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 cooked beets, sliced or julienned
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Protein and Dairy (Optional):
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Dice cucumber, beetroot, and red onion into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced texture and even distribution of flavors.
- Chop fresh herbs finely, releasing their aromatic oils and enhancing the salad’s vibrant profile.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and freshly ground black pepper in a separate container until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth and glossy.
- Transfer chopped vegetables and herbs to a mixing bowl, creating a colorful and visually appealing base.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to coat each ingredient thoroughly without bruising the delicate components.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts across the salad for added complexity and textural contrast.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to preserve the crisp texture and bright flavors, ensuring maximum enjoyment of this refreshing dish.
Notes
- Choose firm, fresh cucumbers and beets for the best crunch and vibrant colors in your salad.
- Slice vegetables thinly or use a mandoline for uniform, elegant cuts that enhance texture and presentation.
- Marinate the red onions in the dressing for 5-10 minutes before mixing to soften their sharp bite and mellow the flavor.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version, or use agave nectar for a different sweet profile that complements the earthy beets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg