Fresh Cucumber and Beet Salad Recipe
This refreshing Cucumber and Beet Salad is a colorful, healthy dish perfect as a side for any meal. It combines the earthiness of beets with the crispness of cucumbers, all brought together by a light, zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets (roasted or boiled, peeled, and diced)
- 1 large cucumber (sliced or diced)
- ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped, optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beets
- If using raw beets, roast or boil them:
- To Roast: Wrap beets in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let them cool, then peel and dice.
- To Boil: Place beets in a pot of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30–40 minutes. Cool, peel, and dice.
- Dice the cooled beets into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Cucumber
- Wash and slice or dice the cucumber. For a decorative touch, you can peel the cucumber partially, leaving alternating stripes of skin.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the diced beets, cucumber, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
5. Add Garnish
- Sprinkle fresh dill over the salad for extra flavor.
6. Chill and Serve
- For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or a light meal.
Tips
- Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese pairs beautifully with the flavors in this salad.
- Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle toasted walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Enjoy this vibrant, nutritious salad that’s as tasty as it is beautiful! Let me know if you’d like variations or pairing suggestions. 😊
