If you are looking for a colourful beetroot salad that feels fresh, elegant and full of flavour, this beetroot and feta salad with smoked salmon is a beautiful choice. Silky salmon, sweet roasted beetroot, creamy feta and dill come together in a vibrant smoked salmon salad with a tangy sherry dressing. It works wonderfully as a light lunch, stylish starter or easy beetroot salad recipe for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
For the beetroot and feta salad with smoked salmon
- 2–3 medium raw beetroots
- 150g smoked salmon slices
- 2 large handfuls of mixed salad leaves or baby spinach
- ½ red onion, finely sliced
- Small bunch of fresh dill, roughly torn
- 1 tbsp capers
- 80g feta, crumbled (or cottage cheese for a lower calorie version)
- A handful of toasted pine nuts
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper
- Fresh lemon juice, to finish
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 tsp grain mustard
- 1 tsp agave syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Preheat your oven to 190°C / 170°C fan. Wrap each beetroot individually in greaseproof paper, place on a baking tray and roast for about 1 hour, until tender when pierced with a knife. Depending on size, begin checking from 45 minutes.
- Once cool enough to handle, peel the beetroot and cut into chunky cubes. Roasting gives this beetroot salad a deeper, sweeter flavour than using it raw.
- Whisk together the olive oil, sherry vinegar, grain mustard and agave syrup. Season with salt and pepper and taste for balance.
- Place the salad leaves or spinach in a large bowl. Add the roasted beetroot, sliced red onion, torn dill, capers, toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta.
- Drizzle over the dressing and toss gently to combine. At this stage, you already have a lovely beetroot and feta salad.
- Transfer to plates or a serving dish and arrange the smoked salmon generously over the top to turn it into an elegant smoked salmon salad.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice and a good crack of black pepper, then serve immediately while the leaves are crisp and fresh.
Cook’s note: This beetroot salad recipe is easy to adapt. For a quicker version, use pre-cooked beetroot and pat it dry before slicing. If you want a lighter option, swap the feta for cottage cheese. Served with crusty bread or a little quinoa, this beetroot and feta salad with smoked salmon becomes a more substantial meal, and it is especially lovely as a starter for a relaxed dinner party.
Further Reading
A colourful beetroot recipe with creamy texture and plenty of flavour, ideal for relaxed lunches, sharing boards or easy entertaining at home.
Fresh, uplifting table styling ideas that pair beautifully with seasonal dishes such as beetroot salad, smoked salmon and elegant starters.
Browse ideas for laid-back hosting, from simple starters and colourful sharing dishes to seasonal tablescapes and easy menu inspiration.
Discover more beetroot recipes, from vibrant salads to dips and side dishes, all designed to bring colour and depth to the table.
FAQs
What dressing goes on beetroot and feta salad?
A beetroot and feta salad works beautifully with a sharp, well-balanced dressing. Olive oil, sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar, a little grain mustard, and a touch of agave syrup bring out the sweetness of the beetroot and the saltiness of the feta. For a beetroot and feta salad with smoked salmon, a dressing with lemon and dill also works especially well.
Does beetroot go well with feta?
Yes, beetroot goes very well with feta. The earthy sweetness of beetroot contrasts beautifully with the creamy, salty character of feta, which is why beetroot and feta salad is such a popular combination. Adding smoked salmon turns it into an elegant smoked salmon salad that feels fresh and satisfying.
What are some common mistakes when making beetroot salad?
One of the most common mistakes in a beetroot salad recipe is using beetroot that is too wet, which can water down the dressing and make the leaves soggy. Another is under-seasoning, as beetroot needs acidity and salt to lift its flavour. In a beetroot and feta salad with smoked salmon, it also helps not to overdress the salad, so the smoked salmon still keeps its delicate texture.
Is beetroot and feta salad good for you?
Beetroot and feta salad can be a very good choice when you want something fresh and nourishing. Beetroot provides fibre and colour, while feta adds richness and flavour. A beetroot and feta salad with smoked salmon also includes protein, making it a more balanced light lunch or starter.
What dressing goes on beetroot and feta salad?
A beetroot and feta salad works beautifully with a sharp, well-balanced dressing. Olive oil, sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar, a little grain mustard, and a touch of agave syrup bring out the sweetness of the beetroot and the saltiness of the feta. For a beetroot and feta salad with smoked salmon, a dressing with lemon and dill also works especially well.
Does beetroot go well with feta?
Yes, beetroot goes very well with feta. The earthy sweetness of beetroot contrasts beautifully with the creamy, salty character of feta, which is why beetroot and feta salad is such a popular combination. Adding smoked salmon turns it into an elegant smoked salmon salad that feels fresh and satisfying.
What are some common mistakes when making beetroot salad?
One of the most common mistakes in a beetroot salad recipe is using beetroot that is too wet, which can water down the dressing and make the leaves soggy. Another is under-seasoning, as beetroot needs acidity and salt to lift its flavour. In a beetroot and feta salad with smoked salmon, it also helps not to overdress the salad, so the smoked salmon still keeps its delicate texture.
Is beetroot and feta salad good for you?
Beetroot and feta salad can be a very good choice when you want something fresh and nourishing. Beetroot provides fibre and colour, while feta adds richness and flavour. A beetroot and feta salad with smoked salmon also includes protein, making it a more balanced light lunch or starter.