If you have a thing for vibrant, fresh flavors that come together in a picture-perfect dish, this Beet Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Fresh Mint Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites. It marries the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the tangy creaminess of feta, the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, and the bright zing of fresh mint, all brought together by a simple, luscious balsamic dressing. This salad is a celebration of color, texture, and taste that feels both wholesome and indulgent at the same time—perfect for a weekday lunch or an impressive side at dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can create such a memorable salad. Each component plays a star role, from the beets’ deep, sweet earthiness to the salty creaminess of feta and the crunch of walnuts – every bite bursts with flavor and texture.
- 4 medium-sized beets, cleaned and trimmed: Roasting these lovingly unlocks their natural sweetness and softens their texture beautifully.
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a tangy creaminess that perfectly balances the beets’ sweetness.
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted: Provides a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the salad’s depth.
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a sharp bite that cuts through the richness of feta and walnuts.
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: A silky base for the dressing that brings all elements together harmoniously.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Elevates the salad with a touch of acidity and sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped: Brightens every forkful with a burst of refreshing herbal notes.
- Mixed greens, for serving: Adds a lively, crunchy bed to showcase the salad’s ingredients and offers a fresh contrast in texture.
How to Make Beet Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Fresh Mint Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Beets
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each cleaned and trimmed beet individually in aluminum foil—this seals in moisture and concentrates their flavor as they roast. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Roasting is the secret to the salad’s deep, sweet, and tender beet base.
Step 2: Peel and Slice Beets
Once the beets are cool enough to handle, gently peel off their skins. This is easier after roasting, as the skin slips away like magic. Cut the beets into wedges or cubes, whichever you prefer—both work beautifully for this salad.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine your roasted beet pieces with the crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts. The contrast between creamy feta and crunchy walnuts will start to give the salad its incredible texture.
Step 4: Add Red Onion
Thinly slice half a small red onion and toss it into the beet mixture. The onion offers a sharp, slightly spicy contrast that enlivens the whole dish.
Step 5: Prepare and Add Dressing
Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle this simple but flavorful dressing over your salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine, ensuring every component is lightly coated in the luscious vinaigrette.
Step 6: Add Fresh Mint and Finish Tossing
Sprinkle chopped fresh mint over the salad and give it a final gentle toss. The mint makes all the difference, lifting the flavors and adding an unforgettable freshness.
Step 7: Serve Over Mixed Greens
Lay a bed of mixed greens on your serving plate and spoon the beet mixture on top. This adds a crisp, leafy texture that balances the creamy and crunchy elements perfectly.
How to Serve Beet Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Fresh Mint Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling some extra toasted walnuts or crumbled feta over the top just before serving for added visual appeal and texture. A few whole mint leaves can also be placed artfully for a pop of vibrant green that signals freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light grilled proteins like chicken or fish, or alongside crusty artisan bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal. It’s also lovely served alongside roasted vegetables or as part of a colorful mezze spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try layering the ingredients in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vivid colors, or use small individual glass jars for beautiful personal servings. You can also serve it on a large platter with edible flowers for an elegant touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, although walnuts may soften slightly. Keep the mixed greens separate and add fresh mint when ready to serve again for best results.
Freezing
Because of the fresh ingredients and texture, this salad is not ideal for freezing. Both the beets and fresh components like feta and mint change texture after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you want to enjoy roasted beets warm, heat them separately before assembling the salad to keep the fresh components crisp and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?
While fresh roasted beets offer the best flavor and texture for this salad, you can use canned beets in a pinch. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry well to avoid a soggy salad.
Is there a substitute for walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even toasted pumpkin seeds can work beautifully to provide the crunch and nuttiness. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely. The other flavors hold up wonderfully even without the dairy.
How do I keep the salad from turning soggy?
To avoid sogginess, lightly dress the salad just before serving and keep the mixed greens separate until ready to serve. Also, be cautious not to overdress—the dressing is flavorful and you want just enough to coat.
What type of balsamic vinegar works best?
A high-quality aged balsamic vinegar adds a rich sweetness that complements the beets perfectly. Avoid overly sharp or cheap balsamics, as they can overpower the salad’s delicate balance.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Beet Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Fresh Mint Recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to for when you want something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make yet feels so special, and it’s one of those dishes that’s as delightful to eat as it is to share. So go ahead, roast those beets, gather the ingredients, and get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you!
Print
Beet Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Fresh Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and healthy Beet Salad with Feta, featuring roasted beets, creamy feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and a tangy balsamic dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish, enhanced with fresh mint and mixed greens for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized beets, cleaned and trimmed
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- Mixed greens, for serving
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each cleaned and trimmed beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast Beets: Roast the beets in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Peel: Remove the beets from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Once cooled, peel off the skins easily and slice the beets into wedges or cubes according to your preference.
- Combine Salad Components: In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced beets, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted walnuts.
- Add Onion: Add the thinly sliced red onion to the salad bowl with the beet mixture.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the beet mixture and gently toss all ingredients until fully combined.
- Add Fresh Mint: Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the salad, then give it another gentle toss to distribute the flavor.
- Serve: Serve the beet salad over a bed of mixed greens for added texture and a fresh finish.
Notes
- Beets can be roasted ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To toast walnuts, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar and salt to your taste preference.
- For extra crunch, add some toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
