🥒 Crisp Cucumber & Beetroot Mediterranean Salad
Refreshing • Vibrant • Naturally Detoxifying
This Crisp Cucumber and Beetroot Salad is a bright, refreshing Mediterranean-style dish that balances earthy roasted (or boiled) beets with cool, crunchy cucumbers and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Light yet flavorful, it’s perfect as a side dish, mezze plate addition, or healthy lunch companion. 🌿
🥗 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salad
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2 medium beetroots, cooked*, peeled & thinly sliced or grated
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2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian preferred)
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¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
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2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
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¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
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1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
*Cook beets by boiling, steaming, or roasting until fork-tender.
🫒 Mediterranean Dressing
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
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½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
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¼ tsp ground cumin or sumac (optional but recommended)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
🥄 Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables
Slice or grate the cooked beets. Thinly slice cucumbers and onion. -
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, gently combine beets, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs. -
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey (if using), cumin/sumac, salt, and pepper. -
Toss & Rest
Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Let rest 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to blend. -
Finish & Serve
Top with feta and seeds if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
🌟 Why This Salad Works
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Refreshing and hydrating
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Rich in antioxidants & fiber
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Naturally gluten-free
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Mediterranean diet–approved
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Ready in minutes
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use raw beetroot instead of cooked?
A: Yes! Finely grate raw beetroot for extra crunch—just note it will have a stronger earthy flavor.
Q: Can this salad be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, it keeps well for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Add feta just before serving.
Q: Is this salad vegan?
A: Yes, simply skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
Q: What protein pairs well with this salad?
A: Grilled chicken, baked salmon, chickpeas, or lentils are excellent additions.
Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Add quinoa, bulgur, or chickpeas to turn it into a complete Mediterranean meal.
🍋 Serving Ideas
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Alongside grilled fish or kebabs
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Part of a mezze platter with hummus & olives
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As a light detox lunch or dinner side
