Fresh Cucumber and Beet Salad

🥗 Fresh Cucumber & Beet Salad (Mediterranean Style)

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 medium beets, cooked, peeled & diced

• 1 large English cucumber, diced or thinly sliced

• ¼ red onion, very thinly sliced

• ¼ cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar

• 1 small garlic clove, grated (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Optional additions:

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 2 tbsp toasted walnuts or pistachios

  • 1 tbsp capers or sliced Kalamata olives

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. If using fresh beets, boil or roast until fork-tender, then cool, peel, and dice. (Pre-cooked beets work well too.)

2. In a large bowl, combine beets, cucumber, and red onion.

3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.

5. Fold in fresh herbs and any optional additions.

6. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

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🌿 Mediterranean Serving Tips

• Serve alongside grilled fish, chicken, or lamb

• Add chickpeas for a protein boost

• Finish with a drizzle of Greek yogurt or labneh for creaminess

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🥗 Make It Your Way

• Vegan: Skip feta or use plant-based cheese

• Low-carb: Keep it simple with herbs and olive oil

• Extra zing: Add orange zest or a splash of pomegranate molasses