A fresh spring salad with simple technique and big nutritional payoff
There’s something timeless about roasting whole beets wrapped in foil—their flavor deepens, their texture softens, and their natural sweetness shines. Paired with crisp cucumber, salty feta, and crunchy roasted chickpeas, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying—perfect for the shift into lighter spring meals.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 3 medium beets (unpeeled)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 cups mixed greens or arugula
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon-Herb Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
1 Roast the beets
Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap each beet individually in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 45–60 minutes, until fork-tender.
Let cool slightly, then rub off the skins with a paper towel—they should slide off easily. Dice into bite-sized pieces.
2 Crispy chickpeas
Toss chickpeas with 1–2 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
3 Make the dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4 Assemble the salad
In a large bowl or platter, combine greens, diced beets, cucumber, and chickpeas. Sprinkle with feta.
5 Finish and serve
Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss gently.
Why It’s a Smart Spring Choice
This salad delivers both flavor and function:
- Roasted beets are rich in antioxidants and may help support healthy blood flow and heart health.
- Chickpeas provide plant-based protein and fiber for sustained energy.
- Cucumbers add hydration and a refreshing crunch.
- Leafy greens contribute essential vitamins that support immunity and bone health.
- Olive oil helps your body absorb those nutrients more effectively.