Beet Feta Recipe
Beets may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when whipping up a salad, but they should be! Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor. In this beet feta recipe, we combine roasted beets with tangy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing that ties it all together.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- - 4 medium-sized beets trimmed, leaving about 1 inch of stems
- - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- - 1/4 cup minced shallots
- - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- - Additional Ingredients: 1/4 cup toasted walnuts chopped (for added crunch) and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Gather All Ingredients
- Start by laying out all your ingredients on your kitchen counter. This way, you know you’ll have everything on hand when the cooking begins. Fresh herbs, beets, and feta should all be ready to go, with the olive oil and vinegars easily accessible.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right for roasting beets until they're soft yet still holding their shape.
Step 3: Wrap the Beets
- Individual wrapping is the key here. Take each beet and wrap it snugly in aluminum foil. Not only does it help to steam them, but it also keeps the juices from running all over your baking sheet. Place the wrapped beets onto a baking sheet for easy transfer to and from the oven.
Step 4: Roast the Beets
- Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let those beets roast for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork. The goal is perfectly tender beets that are bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Cool and Peel
- Once the beets are done roasting, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Then, peel away the skin—it should come off easily. Slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Don’t worry if they're not perfect; the beauty is in the rustic look!
Step 6: Mix the Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, minced shallots, and season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. The dressing brings all the flavors together wonderfully.
Step 7: Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced beets with the dressing, making sure each piece gets well-coated. Then add the crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and toasted walnuts. Gently mix to combine, being careful not to break up the feta too much.
Step 8: Serve
- This dish can be served warm or chilled—choose what fits your mood! Either way, it’s sure to steal the show.
Notes
- Choose Quality Beets: Fresh beets will yield the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, vibrant ones with a smooth skin.
- Experiment with Textures: Adding ingredients like toasted nuts will provide a delightful crunch.
- Maximize Flavor: Allow the salad to sit for about 20 minutes after mixing for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize as Desired: Feel free to add other fresh veggies or switch the feta for goat cheese if that’s your preference.
- Watch Your Oven: Roasting times can vary, so keep an eye on your beets. You want them tender but not overcooked.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 11gProtein: 4gFat: 10g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!