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Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing Recipe

Salads never have to be boring, and this Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing is the perfect example. Its flavors are bold, with the earthiness of the beets, the tanginess of the feta, the peppery notes of the arugula, and the sweet and savory balsamic thyme dressing. This salad is as beautiful in presentation as it is delicious in taste.

Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing Recipe
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Photos of Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this salad can be found in a typical pantry or fridge. However, two items that might need special attention are the red beets and the Balsamic Thyme Dressing. Red beets are a root vegetable that are often sold in the produce section of the supermarket. For the dressing, the brand Hilary’s Eat Well Balsamic Thyme Dressing with Eyebright is specified, but any thyme-infused balsamic dressing will work.

Essential Ingredients for the Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing

Pepitas: Pepitas are pumpkin seeds that have had their shell removed. They add a delightful crunch to the salad. Red beets: Beets provide an earthy depth of flavor and a vibrant color. Arugula: Arugula brings a peppery kick to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the beets and dressing. Feta: Feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients. Balsamic Thyme Dressing: This dressing combines the sweet acidity of balsamic vinegar with the fragrant, slightly minty flavor of thyme. The addition of eyebright, a herb with floral notes, makes it extra special.

One reader, Ethelred Walker says:

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This salad is a game-changer! The combination of earthy beets, peppery arugula, and tangy feta is a flavor explosion. The balsamic thyme dressing ties it all together perfectly. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommended!

Ethelred Walker

Key Techniques for Making a Delicious Beet and Arugula Salad

How to toast pepitas: In a skillet over medium heat, toast the pepitas for about 5 minutes until fragrant and making little popping noises. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

How to prepare beets: Peel the rough skin from the beets with a vegetable peeler. Slice the beet into super thin rounds, then stack the rounds on top of each other and slice them into long, thin matchsticks.

How to assemble the salad: In a medium-sized serving bowl, combine the beets, arugula, crumbled feta, and pepitas. Drizzle in just enough dressing to lightly coat the salad once tossed. Toss and serve.

How To Make Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing

Peppery arugula, earthy beets, & savory pumpkin seeds all come together in this feta salad. The blend of flavors is made tastier by tangy balsamic dressing.

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking:
Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

  • 2tbsppepitas,(green pumpkin seeds)
  • 2red beets,medium
  • handfularugula,roughly chopped
  • ¼cupcrumbled feta
  • Hilary’s Eat Well Balsamic Thyme Dressing with Eyebright,or homemade balsamic vinaigrette, to taste

Instructions

  1. First, toast the pepitas in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant and making little popping noises. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

  2. Peel the rough skin from the beets with a vegetable peeler. Slice the beet into super thin rounds. Discard the rough top.

  3. Working in batches, stack the rounds on top of each other and slice them into long, thin matchsticks.

  4. In a medium-sized serving bowl, combine the beets, arugula, crumbled feta and pepitas.

  5. Drizzle in just enough dressing to lightly coat the salad once tossed. Toss and serve.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 127.09kcal
  • Fat: 7.75g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.45g
  • Trans Fat: 0.00g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 2.05g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.62g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.69g
  • Fiber: 2.78g
  • Sugar: 6.41g
  • Protein: 6.19g
  • Cholesterol: 16.69mg
  • Sodium: 237.22mg
  • Calcium: 109.39mg
  • Potassium: 336.24mg
  • Iron: 1.37mg
  • Vitamin A: 25.08µg
  • Vitamin C: 4.15mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Making This Beet and Arugula Salad

When toasting pepitas, it's important to keep them moving in the pan. This prevents them from burning on one side. You'll know they're done when they start to pop and release their nutty aroma. Also, when slicing the beets, using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistently thin rounds. However, be sure to use the safety guard to protect your fingers.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and store the beets and arugula in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Use pre-crumbled feta: Opt for pre-crumbled feta to eliminate the need for crumbling it yourself, saving time and effort.

Multi-task: While toasting the pepitas, you can also prep the beets to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Invest in a mandoline: Using a mandoline slicer can help you quickly and uniformly slice the beets, saving time and ensuring consistent thickness.

Dress ahead: Prepare the balsamic thyme dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and easy addition to the salad.

Substitute Ingredients For Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing Recipe

  • pepitas - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds have a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great alternative to pepitas in the salad.

  • red beets - Substitute with golden beets: Golden beets have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red beets and will add a pop of color to the salad.

  • arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a mild, slightly peppery flavor similar to arugula and will work well as a substitute in the salad.

  • feta - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to feta, making it a suitable substitute in the salad.

  • hilary’s eat well balsamic thyme dressing with eyebright - Substitute with homemade balsamic vinaigrette: A homemade balsamic vinaigrette with thyme and a touch of honey can be a delicious substitute for the store-bought dressing, allowing you to customize the flavors to your preference.

Presentation Tips for a Stunning Beet, Arugula, and Feta Salad

  1. Elevate the plating: Arrange the beet, arugula, and feta salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each ingredient is showcased beautifully on the plate.

  2. Incorporate color contrast: Utilize the vibrant hues of the beets and arugula against the white of the feta to create a visually striking and appetizing presentation.

  3. Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some areas of the plate to remain empty, drawing attention to the carefully arranged salad components.

  4. Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance and sophistication by delicately placing edible flowers on the salad, enhancing its visual appeal and adding a subtle floral note.

  5. Consider plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the colors and textures of the salad, ensuring that it provides an ideal backdrop for the vibrant ingredients.

  6. Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use the balsamic thyme dressing to create artistic drizzles or swirls on the plate, adding a touch of finesse to the overall presentation.

  7. Emphasize precision in plating: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the salad is meticulously arranged to showcase the skill and attention to detail.

  8. Add a finishing touch with microgreens: Sprinkle a few carefully selected microgreens on top of the salad to add a pop of freshness and a delicate, refined touch to the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salad Recipe

  • Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
  • Vegetable peeler: A handheld tool used to remove the outer skin of vegetables and fruits.
  • Serving bowl: A large bowl used for serving salads, pasta, and other dishes.
  • Bowl: A round, deep dish used for mixing ingredients.
  • Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing and cutting ingredients.
  • Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
  • Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for picking up and manipulating food.
  • Whisk: A utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring cup: A tool used for accurately measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
  • Skewers: Long, narrow metal or wooden sticks used for grilling and roasting food.
  • Salad spinner: A kitchen tool used to wash and remove excess water from salad greens.
  • Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
  • Plates: Flat, round dishes used for serving food.
  • Fork: A utensil with prongs used for picking up and eating food.
  • Vegetable peeler: A handheld tool used to remove the outer skin of vegetables and fruits.

Interesting Fact About Beet, Arugula, and Feta Salad

Beets, a key ingredient in this recipe, are a good source of essential nutrients such as folate, manganese, and potassium. They are also known for their potential health benefits, including improved blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Is Making This Salad Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this beet, arugula and feta salad with balsamic thyme dressing recipe is quite high. Beets and arugula are affordable and nutritious, while feta and pepitas add a touch of indulgence without breaking the bank. The Hilary’s Eat Well Balsamic Thyme Dressing may be a bit pricier, but a little goes a long way. Overall, this recipe offers a good balance of cost and quality. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly and healthy option.

Is This Beet and Arugula Salad Healthy?

This simple beet, arugula, and feta salad with balsamic thyme dressing is a nutritious and flavorful dish that offers several health benefits:

  • Beets are rich in folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C, which support heart health, digestion, and overall well-being.
  • Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and antioxidants, promoting eye health and reducing inflammation.
  • Feta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function.
  • Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are packed with healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc, which contribute to heart health and immune function.
  • The balsamic thyme dressing adds flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:

  • Increase the portion of arugula to boost the intake of leafy greens and their associated benefits.
  • Opt for organic ingredients whenever possible to minimize exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
  • Experiment with different varieties of beets, such as golden or striped, to diversify the nutrient profile and add visual appeal.
  • Incorporate additional vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or cucumber, to increase the fiber content and provide a broader range of vitamins and minerals.
  • Use a light hand when adding the feta cheese to keep the saturated fat content in check, or consider substituting with a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or nut-based cheese.
  • Prepare the dressing from scratch using high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil, fresh thyme, and aged balsamic vinegar to ensure the best flavor and nutritional value.

Editor's Opinion on This Beet, Arugula, and Feta Salad Recipe

This simple beet, arugula, and feta salad with balsamic thyme dressing is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the peppery arugula and tangy feta, while the toasted pepitas add a satisfying crunch. The balsamic thyme dressing with eyebright ties everything together with its herbaceous and slightly sweet notes. This salad is not only visually stunning but also a perfect balance of flavors. It's a great choice for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses.

Enhance Your Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the earthy flavors of the beet, arugula, and feta salad.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus grilled to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, a light and refreshing side to accompany the vibrant flavors of the salad.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy balsamic thyme dressing of the salad.

Similar Salad Recipes to Try

Savory Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl: This hearty quinoa bowl is filled with roasted vegetables and a savory tahini dressing, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This succulent salmon dish is coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner option.
Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Indulge in this creamy and tropical chia pudding, made with fresh mango and coconut milk for a refreshing and healthy dessert or snack option.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with This Salad

Main Courses:
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce: For a light and refreshing main course, try grilling salmon and serving it with a tangy lemon dill sauce. The combination of the smoky grilled salmon and the bright, herby sauce is sure to impress your dinner guests.
Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil: Indulge in a creamy and flavorful mushroom risotto, finished with a drizzle of luxurious truffle oil. The earthy mushrooms and aromatic truffle oil create a decadent dish that is perfect for a special occasion.
Desserts:
Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a delicious meal.
Berry Parfait: Layered with creamy yogurt, fresh berries, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. A light and refreshing dessert option for any occasion.

Why trust this Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful combination of fresh and vibrant ingredients. The beets are packed with earthy flavors and essential nutrients, while the peppery arugula adds a delightful bite. The creamy feta complements the earthiness of the beets, and the balsamic thyme dressing with eyebright ties everything together with its tangy and herbaceous notes. The addition of toasted pepitas brings a satisfying crunch to the salad. Trust in the quality and balance of these ingredients to create a truly delightful and nutritious dish.

Want to share your thoughts on this Simple Beet, Arugula and Feta Salad with Balsamic Thyme Dressing Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the conversation!
FAQ:
What is the best way to cook the beets for this salad?
The best way to cook the beets for this salad is to roast them. Simply wrap the beets in aluminum foil and roast them in the oven at 400°F for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender. Once they are cool enough to handle, the skin will easily peel off, and you can then slice them thinly for the salad.
Can I substitute the arugula with a different type of greens?
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of arugula, you can easily substitute it with baby spinach, mixed greens, or even kale. Choose your favorite leafy greens to customize the salad to your taste.
Where can I find the Hilary's Eat Well Balsamic Thyme Dressing?
You can find the Hilary's Eat Well Balsamic Thyme Dressing in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, typically near the produce or salad dressings. If you can't find this specific dressing, you can use any balsamic vinaigrette or homemade balsamic thyme dressing as a substitute.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time, but it's best to wait to dress it until just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting. Keep the components separate and assemble the salad with the dressing right before you plan to enjoy it.
What can I serve with this salad to make it a complete meal?
To make this salad a complete meal, you can add some protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a bowl of soup for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

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