🥒🍷 Garden Fresh Cucumber & Beetroot Salad with Herbs 🌿
This vibrant salad combines crisp cucumber, earthy beetroot, and fresh herbs for a nutrient-packed dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Light, hydrating, and full of antioxidants, it’s perfect for summer lunches, BBQ sides, or a healthy snack any time of the year.
📝 Ingredients:
- 🥒 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 🍷 2 medium beetroots, boiled or roasted, peeled, and sliced into wedges
- 🧅 ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 🌿 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
- 🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 🫒 1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 🧂 Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- (Optional) 🥗 1 tbsp feta cheese or toasted nuts/seeds for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Prep vegetables: Slice cucumbers and beets, keeping them bite-sized for easy eating.
- Mix dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, beets, red onion, and herbs.
- Dress & toss: Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle with feta cheese or nuts/seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately or chill for 20 minutes for a refreshing, infused taste.
📝 Notes:
- Roasted beets add a sweeter, richer flavor compared to boiled ones.
- If using raw beets, grate them instead of slicing for a crunchy twist.
- Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a more delicate texture.
💡 Tips:
- Meal prep friendly: Keep dressing separate until serving to avoid soggy cucumbers.
- Add a handful of arugula or baby spinach for extra greens.
- Use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a tangier flavor profile.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves: 3–4 as a side, 2 as a light main
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus beet cooking time if not pre-cooked)
- Cook time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked beets)
🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving, as side dish – approx.):
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
✅ Vegan | ✅ Gluten-free | ✅ Dairy-free | ✅ High-antioxidant | ✅ Hydrating
🌱 Health Benefits:
- Cucumber: High water content for hydration, low in calories.
- Beetroot: Rich in nitrates, supports blood flow and heart health.
- Herbs: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olive oil: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats for heart health.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use pickled beets?
A: Yes, but they’ll add a tangy-sweet flavor, so reduce lemon juice in the dressing.
Q: How long will it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 2 days if stored airtight, but best eaten fresh for crunch.
Q: Can I make it oil-free?
A: Absolutely. Skip the olive oil and add extra lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Q: Can I make it more filling?
A: Add chickpeas, quinoa, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
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