Beetroot Feta Lentil Salad

A Rainbow in a Bowl: Beetroot Feta Lentil Salad

Last week I picked up rainbow beets from the farmers’ market, and I could already picture a bowl that would taste as bright as it looked. This Beetroot Feta Lentil Salad came to life: earthy, slightly sweet beets meet creamy feta, all tossed with lemony dressing and hearty lentils. It’s the kind of meal that makes you smile before you even take the first bite.

It’s weeknight-friendly, Pinterest-perfect, and secretly cozy—like a hug in salad form. The textures play beautifully: tender beets, bitey lentils, and a little crumble of feta that pockets tangy creaminess. Make a big batch and leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors settle and mingle.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked green lentils — Tip: if using canned lentils, rinse well to remove any canning liquid and keep them fluffy.
• 2 medium beetroots, roasted and cubed — Tip: roast in foil with a drizzle of olive oil until tender for deep, sweet flavor.
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled — Tip: choose a feta that crumbles easily; for a vegan version, use a feta substitute or chopped olives.
• 1/2 cucumber, diced — Tip: seedless if you prefer a crisper bite and less watery salad.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved — Tip: room-temperature tomatoes carry more sweetness than straight from the fridge.
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped — Tip: soak in cold water 5–10 minutes to mellow sharpness.
• Handful fresh parsley (or dill), chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil — Tip: a fruity olive oil adds brightness to the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice — Tip: adjust to taste; add a pinch of honey or maple for extra roundness if you like.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard — Tip: emulsifies the dressing for a smoother coat on the lentils.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste — Tip: season in stages: a little salt first, then finish after the salad is mixed.
• Optional add-ins: toasted walnuts or pistachios, baby spinach or arugula, a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for warmth

Instructions

1. Prepare the beets: roast beetroots in foil at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 minutes, or until a fork slides in easily. Let cool, then peel and dice into bite-sized cubes.
2. Cook or rinse the lentils: if using dried lentils, cook until tender but not mushy, about 15–20 minutes. If using canned, drain, rinse, and let drain well.
3. Make the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is glossy and emulsified.
4. Assemble the salad: in a large bowl, combine lentils, beets, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to coat each piece.
5. Finish with feta: scatter crumbled feta over the top. Gently fold in just enough to distribute the tangy bites without breaking all the cheese.
6. Taste and adjust: add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. If you like a touch of sweetness, a light drizzle of honey can balance the earthiness of the beets.
7. Serve or chill: this salad shines at room temperature but is lovely cold as a make-ahead meal. If you’re meal-prepping, add the greens just before serving to keep them crisp.

Tips & Variations

• Make-ahead magic: the salad keeps beautifully for 2–3 days in the fridge. Dress right before serving to keep the vegetables vibrant.
• Vegan option: swap feta for a tangy tofu feta or chopped olives; add a splash of extra lemon juice for brightness.
• Gluten-free and flexible: all components are naturally gluten-free; just check lentil and mustard brands if you’re sensitive to gluten cross-contamination.
• Heat level and spice: if you like a little warmth, add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the dressing or finished salad.
• Texture play: swap cucumber for diced radish for a peppery crunch, or add chopped celery for more bite.
• Make it a main: serve over a bed of greens like spinach or arugula and add a protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier option.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this salad with crusty bread or warm pita to soak up every last bit of dressing. For a complete plate, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple lemon-herb chicken. A light vegetable crudité platter makes a fresh, colorful backdrop for a picnic or potluck. If you’re serving as a main, top with extra lentils or a protein scoop to keep you full and satisfied.

Plating tips: mound the salad in a shallow bowl or on a wide plate, sprinkle a few extra parsley ribbons, and drizzle a thin line of olive oil for a glossy finish. A few crumbles of feta on top give that lemony bite a final punch right before the first fork lift.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead and keep the dressing separate?

Yes. If you’re meal-prepping, store the salad components (lentils, beets, vegetables, and herbs) in one container and the dressing in another. Dress just before serving to keep textures crisp and colors bright.

Can I use different lentils?

You can use red or brown lentils, but green lentils keep their shape better in a salad like this. If you use red lentils, expect a softer, more cohesive texture.

How should I store leftovers to keep the feta from getting soggy?

Store the feta separately or add it just before serving. If you’ve already mixed it in, the feta can soften and crumble further as the salad sits.

What if I don’t have roasted beets?

If you don’t have roasted beets on hand, you can steam or boil peeled beets until tender. They’ll still pair nicely with lentils and feta, though roasting brings a deeper sweetness.

Can I heat this salad or serve it warm?

The salad is delicious at room temperature or chilled, but you can gently warm it by quickly reheating the lentils and beets in a skillet with a splash of oil if you prefer.

What’s a good protein swap to make it a complete meal?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work beautifully. For a vegetarian option, add extra lentils or toss in roasted chickpeas for a satisfying bite.

Final Thoughts

Bright, satisfying, and easy to customize, this Beetroot Feta Lentil Salad is the kind of dish you’ll reach for again and again. It travels well for picnics, transports nicely to potlucks, and tastes effortless even on the busiest weeknights. If you’re chasing a Pinterest-worthy bowl that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition, this salad checks all the boxes—and then some.