This beet salad with feta is vibrant, nutrient-packed, and full of earthy beets, creamy feta, and a refreshing honey-mint dressing. Perfect as a light main or side dish, and elegant enough for the holiday table.
Easy Beet Salad with Feta
Growing up, borscht was a staple in my household, and that’s where my love for beets was kick-started. I enjoy them roasted, pickled, or just plain, which led me to create this simple beet salad with feta. The honey-mint vinaigrette, with a splash of red wine vinegar, adds a refreshing kick and is surprisingly easy to whisk together.
In the salad, baby spinach balances the beets’ sweetness, while roasted pepitas and pecans add a necessary crunch. Feta cheese brings a creamy element that ties everything together. It might sound a bit fancy, but it’s actually simple to make and tastes impressive—perfect as a holiday starter or side. This vibrant, nutrient-packed dish is sure to please any beet lover.
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s a healthy boost during the winter months.
- Quick to assemble, it can be served as a side or a light main course, perfect for busy days.
- This salad has so many vibrant flavors and textures, it’s a pleasure to eat!
Vinaigrette Ingredients
This honey-mint vinaigrette is a simple dressing that brings your beet salad to life!
- Avocado Oil: A mild oil that lets the other flavors shine without overpowering them.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick; if you don’t have it, balsamic or apple cider vinegar can work too, each giving a slightly different twist.
- Honey: Sweetens things up naturally, balancing the tanginess of the vinegar.
- Mint: Gives a fresh, cool flavor that pairs really well with the sweetness of the honey and the earthiness of the beets.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness.
- Salt and Pepper
Salad Ingredients
Combine these ingredients with a honey-mint vinaigrette for a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish.
- Sliced Beets (Jarred or Canned): Choose plain or pickled beets, both work. Fresh beets work too.
- Baby Spinach: The tender green that complements the beets; feel free to mix in some arugula for a peppery kick.
- Cooked Quinoa: A protein-packed grain; you can cook it yourself or use pre-cooked packages for convenience.
- Dried Cranberries: Opt for sweetened or unsweetened based on your preference.
- Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Pecans: Toast the pecans to enhance their flavor.
- Feta Crumbles: Adds a creamy, tangy element; goat cheese is a great alternative.
- Shallot: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that unites all the beet salad flavors together.
How to Make Beet Salad with Feta
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Step One: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, chopped mint, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully blended. Set it aside. - Step Two: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the sliced beets, baby spinach, cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans, crumbled feta, and sliced shallot. - Step Three: Toss and Serve
Pour the honey-mint vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the salad components in advance. Just keep the salad and the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
- Customize: Add anything you love to this salad, there are no rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh beets instead of jarred ones? Yes, you can use nutrient-dense fresh beets. To prepare them, scrub the beets clean, trim the stems, and roast them in foil at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender. Once cooled, peel and slice them as needed.
- Can I substitute quinoa with another grain? If you prefer, you can substitute quinoa with other grains like farro, freekeh, or barley. These different grains add different textures and flavors to the salad.
- Is this salad suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. However, if you’re serving guests who are vegan, you might consider omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a plant-based alternative.
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Beet Salad with Feta
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or other neutral oil
- 3 tbsps. red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsps. honey
- 1 tbsp. chopped mint
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Salad:
- 14-16 oz. jar or can sliced beets pickled or not pickled (it's up to you)
- 2.5 oz. baby spinach
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or other grain
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries sweetened or unsweetened
- 1/2 cup roasted and salted pepitas
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 sliced shallot
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, chopped mint, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set the vinaigrette aside to allow the flavors to meld.1/4 cup avocado oil, 3 tbsps. red wine vinegar, 2 tbsps. honey, 1 tbsp. chopped mint, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced beets, baby spinach, cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans, crumbled feta, and sliced shallot.14-16 oz. jar or can sliced beets, 2.5 oz. baby spinach, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup roasted and salted pepitas, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1 sliced shallot
- Drizzle the prepared honey-mint vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until all components are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
More Salad Recipes
Spinach Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette – My Spinach Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette combines crisp spinach, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This simple and fresh dish is perfect for any occasion.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette – This berry-infused spinach salad is a hit with both adults and kids. The simple strawberry vinaigrette not only brightens the greens but also adds visual appeal.
Cucumber Feta Salad – This Mediterranean-inspired cucumber feta salad is the best for a simple yet flavorful side dish. The crisp cucumbers and salty feta complement each other perfectly, making it a crowd-pleaser with any meal.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.
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Tina says
Loved how this beet salad turned out. made it several times while family was in town. So good.
sarah says
Really enjoyed this winter salad.