Mediterranean Beet and Greens Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Beet and Greens Salad is a delightful combination of fresh greens, earthy beets, and creamy feta that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. Tossed with crunchy walnuts and drizzled with a tangy Greek vinaigrette, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious addition to your table. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying, making it ideal for any occasion. Make it for gatherings or enjoy it as a nourishing weekday meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
4 cups (washed and chopped)
Spinach
1 cup (washed and chopped)
Beets
1 (15-ounce) can (sliced and drained)
Walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
Feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Greek vinaigrette dressing
1/2 cup (ready to use)
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and spinach, mixing them well.
2
Layer the sliced beets on top of the greens, arranging them for visual appeal.
3
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the beets.
4
Add the crumbled feta cheese to the mix, ensuring an even distribution.
5
Drizzle the Greek vinaigrette dressing over the top, and toss gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the greens.
6
Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the Mediterranean Beet and Greens Salad?
It contains romaine lettuce, spinach, canned beets, walnuts, feta cheese, and Greek vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Can I use fresh beets instead of canned?
Yes, you can roast or boil fresh beets, let them cool, and slice them for the salad.
What type of greens are used?
The salad uses a combination of 4 cups of romaine lettuce and 1 cup of spinach.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian as it contains no meat.
Is this salad vegan?
As written, it is not vegan because it contains feta cheese, but you can omit the cheese or use a vegan substitute.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds would also work well in this salad.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese or even small cubes of fresh mozzarella are good alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your vinaigrette label to be sure.
How long can I store this salad?
Once dressed, it is best eaten immediately, but it can be stored in the fridge for a few hours.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients separately and combine them with the dressing just before serving.
What dressing is used for this salad?
It uses a ready-to-use Greek vinaigrette dressing.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or salmon would be excellent additions to make it more filling.
How do I prevent the beets from bleeding into the greens?
To minimize bleeding, place the beets on top just before serving and avoid over-tossing.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is packed with nutrient-dense greens, healthy fats from walnuts, and fiber from beets.
Can I use baby kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely, baby kale is a great substitute and adds a similar texture.
How should I prepare the romaine lettuce?
The romaine should be washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of beets work best?
The recipe calls for canned beets for convenience, but pickled beets or roasted beets also taste great.
Can I toast the walnuts?
Yes, toasting the walnuts for a few minutes in a dry pan will enhance their flavor and crunch.
Is this a traditional Greek salad?
It is Greek-inspired, utilizing Mediterranean ingredients like feta, beets, and Greek dressing.
Can I freeze this salad?
No, freezing is not recommended as the greens and beets will lose their texture.
What are the main flavors of this salad?
The salad features earthy beets, salty feta, tangy dressing, and crunchy nuts.
Can I use a different dressing if I don't have Greek vinaigrette?
A simple balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon-tahini dressing would also be delicious.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it makes a perfect light and refreshing lunch.
Should I serve this salad immediately?
You can serve it immediately or chill it for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
Can I add onions to this recipe?
Yes, thinly sliced red onions would add a nice bite to this salad.
What size should the beet slices be?
Bite-sized slices or quarters are ideal for easy eating.
Is it okay to use pre-crumbled feta?
Yes, pre-crumbled feta is convenient and works perfectly.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, simply double all the ingredient amounts to serve a larger group of 8 people.