Roasted Beet Salad with Feta

This roasted beet salad with feta, and toasted sunflower seeds is fresh, colorful, and full of Mediterranean flavor. Tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette, it's a beautiful side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas - or any time you're craving something vibrant and wholesome.

There's something about the earthy sweetness of roasted beets paired with tangy feta that feels both comforting and refreshing. This salad celebrates that balance - perfect on its own for a light lunch or as a side for roast chicken, lamb, or fish.

If you've tried our Arugula, Apple, Beet and Blue Cheese Salad, you'll love this simpler, savory version. It's one of those salads that looks as good as it tastes - and it's easy to prepare ahead.

Scroll down for step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and fun flavor variations!

Jump to:

• Ingredients You'll Need
• When Are Beets in Season?
• How to Make This Roasted Beet Salad
• Flavor Variations and Substitutions
• What to Serve with This Beet and Feta Salad
• Wine Pairings
• Storage Instructions
• More Salad Recipes to try!
• Roasted Beet Salad with Feta

Ingredients You'll Need

A handful of simple, fresh ingredients make this salad shine:

• Beets - Use roasted beets for deep flavor and sweetness, or try boiled beets if you prefer a softer texture.
• Red onion - Adds crunch and a little sharpness that balances the earthy beets.
• Baby salad leaves - Fresh and tender with a mild flavor that balances the earthy sweetness of the roasted beets.
• Fresh herbs - Parsley and mint bring brightness and freshness.
• Sunflower seeds - Toasted for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Feta cheese - Salty, tangy, and creamy - a must with this roasted beets.
• Pomegranate seeds (optional) - For a festive touch and pop of color.
• Balsamic vinaigrette - Try our Balsamic Dressing for Salad for a perfect finish.

See the recipe card for quantities.

When Are Beets in Season?

Beets are a cool-season crop available most of the year, but they're at their best from late fall through winter, which makes them perfect for holiday salads.

Want to learn more about when your favorite fruits and veggies are in season?
Check out the USDA's Seasonal Produce Guide.

How to Make This Roasted Beet Salad

Tested in our kitchen and loved by our readers-this recipe is simple, colorful, and satisfying.

• Roast the Beets
  If you haven't already, prepare your roasted beets using our How to Roast Beets guide. Allow to cool, then slice or cut into wedges.

Chef's Tip: Roasting the beets with their skins on helps lock in moisture and makes them easier to peel afterward.

• Toast the Sunflower Seeds : Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Cool.
• Prep the Veggies and Herbs : Thinly slice the red onion, wash and dry the salad leaves, and chop the herbs.
• Assemble the Salad : Toss together the salad leaves, roasted beets, red onion, parsley, and mint. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds and feta. Add pomegranate seeds if using.
• Dress and Serve : Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently. Serve immediately.

Chef's Tip: If serving later, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

This roasted beet salad is easy to customize with what you have on hand or to suit the season.

• Add orange segments or blood oranges for a citrusy twist.
• Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for a creamier texture.
• Include toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds.
• Add grains like quinoa or farro for a heartier, more filling salad.
• Replace pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries for a festive holiday version.
• For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

What to Serve with This Beet and Feta Salad

This roasted beet salad is versatile enough to enjoy for lunch, as a dinner side, or as part of your holiday spread.

• Lunch: Add grains like cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat, or serve with a slice of our No Knead Bread.
• Dinner Side: Pair with Roast Chicken with Orange and Fennel, roast lamb, or Salmon Patties.
• Soups: Try it alongside Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Italian Bean Soup, or Vegetable Lentil Soup.
• Holiday Mains: Perfect with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or our Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Casserole.
• Holiday Sides: Serve it as a fresh, colorful side on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table with dishes like Mini Hasselback Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Green Beans Almondine, Mashed Potatoes, or Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole.

Wine Pairings

The earthy sweetness of roasted beets and the salty tang of feta make this salad a natural match for bright, balanced wines. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, choose something crisp and food-friendly to complement the flavors.

• Pinot Noir - A light-bodied red with earthy undertones that echo the roasted beets beautifully without overpowering them.
• Sauvignon Blanc - Its citrusy acidity cuts through the richness of the feta and brings out the freshness of the herbs.
• Rosé - A dry, fruit-forward rosé offers the perfect middle ground - refreshing, floral, and ideal for spring or summer lunches.
• Chardonnay (unoaked) - A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay adds subtle fruit and freshness without competing with the salad's tangy vinaigrette.
• Beaujolais - Soft and fruity, this French red wine pairs especially well if you're serving the salad alongside roast chicken or lamb.

Chef's Tip: When pairing wine with salads dressed in vinaigrette, choose wines with bright acidity - they'll complement rather than clash with the dressing.

Storage Instructions

This salad is best served fresh but can easily be prepared ahead.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Make Ahead: Roast beets and toast seeds up to 2 days in advance; assemble just before serving.
• Not freezer friendly.
• Ways to Use Leftovers: Serve over cooked grains or tuck into a pita with hummus for a quick lunch.

More Salad Recipes to try!

This Roasted Beet Salad with Feta is everything we love about seasonal cooking - fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. Whether you're serving it for a casual lunch or a festive holiday dinner, it's guaranteed to impress.

Give it a try and let us know in the comments how it turned out! Don't forget to Pin it for later or share it with a friend who loves wholesome, seasonal recipes.

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.