The Best Beet Salad Recipe with Kale

caitlinbrae — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:16:26 +0000

The best beet salad recipe is loaded with kale, feta, tomatoes and beets, of course. This salad is topped with a delicious homemade red wine vinaigrette.

Beet salad recipe

It’s always nice having a go-to list of salads when you’re wanting fresh, wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling full and fueled. It’s a must (at least in my book) for salads to be loaded with good-for-you ingredients and toppings (plus a protein choice, of course). This beet salad with feta has layers of baby kale, salty and earthy toppings, as well as an easy rotisserie chicken for the protein. Easy salad that you can whip up in under 10 minutes? Sign me up! Keep reading to find out why you’ll love this recipe.

Why you’ll love this beet salad

This beet salad is so easy to throw together.
You can meal prep this recipe and have it on hand all week long (store each ingredient in separate containers in the fridge).
It can be scaled up or scaled down to make more or less servings.
This salad is packed with protein (thank you rotisserie chicken).
You can be made this salad vegan by using tofu and dairy free feta.
Beet salad has salty bites of olives and feta, and savory bites of chicken and beets.
You can use fresh beets, roasted beets, or pickled beets.
There are many variations and substitutes to make this salad exactly how you like it.

Ingredients in this beet salad recipe

Let’s dive into the seven main salad ingredients.

Baby kale makes the base of this salad (for other lettuce variations see the substitutes section down below).

Beets add an earthy flavor to this recipe and also add tons of nutrition.

Cucumbers add a nice crisp to this salad.

For a little bit of sweetness and fresh flavor we will add heirloom tomatoes.

Feta cheese is always a great option when it comes to homemade salads. Feta adds a tangy and salty factor that brings this salad to the next level.

Along with the feta, kalamata olives also add a salty factor that enhances all the flavors in this salad.

Lastly, rotisserie chicken to complete this salad (and for added protein).

Homemade red wine vinaigrette

To make this dressing, simply whisk all the ingredients together in a small jar or container. Chill the dressing in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.

Olive oil, or avocado oil
Red wine vinegar
Honey
Dijon mustard
Garlic cloves
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

How to make

Follow these three easy steps to make beet salad with feta.

STEP 1

If you haven’t already, start out by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the beets, cucumber and tomato and de-bone the rotisserie chicken.

STEP 2

Prepare the homemade vinaigrette. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small container or a jar. Mix or shake well until combined.

STEP 3

Assemble! Grab large salad bowls and add the baby kale. Now add the beets, cucumber, tomato, crumbled feta, olives, and chicken. Drizzle the salad with a tablespoon or two of dressing and enjoy!

Substitutes

Baby kale or spinach. If you aren’t a fan of baby kale, feel free to to use spinach. Spinach is a great alternative! Honestly, you can really use any lettuce or greens you love.

Feta cheese or goat cheese. This recipe calls for crumbled feta but goat cheese is a great substitute. Some other cheese substitutes that work well with this recipe are halloumi and mozzarella!

Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken. Rotisserie chicken is always a go-to when your limited on time but want a delicious protein source. Other great chicken options include: grilled chicken, chicken tenders, or chicken thighs.

Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Do you love balsamic vinaigrette? No worries here – simply substitute the red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar and you’ll still have a delicious homemade dressing.

Heirloom tomatoes or grape tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes are definitely a favorite when it comes to this beet salad. However, you can really use any tomatoes you love! Grape tomato, Roma tomato, or beefsteak tomatoes are all great options.

Fresh beets or pickled beets. Another way to enjoy beets is by pickling them. Pickled veggies are always an added bonus because they are packed with flavor and punch. To make pickled beets you’ll want to boil three chopped beets in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. Then add the beets, along with 1 and a half cups of the boiled water, 2/3 cups of apple cider vinegar, and salt to taste to a large jar. Let the beets sit for about an hour and then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

How can I make homemade dressing?

Making homemade red wine vinaigrette dressing is so much easier that you may think! Instead of store bought dressing, take a few extra minutes to make your own dressing. Trust me, you won’t regret taking a few extra minutes! There is something about homemade dressing that really takes a fresh salad to the next level. For this recipe, all you have to do is whisk the ingredients together in a small container or jar.

Can I use store bought dressing?

Yes! If you prefer store bought dressing you can definitely use any vinaigrette you love!

What are the benefits of kale?

Kale makes up the base of this salad. It is a very nutritious leafy green! It’s loaded nutrients and vitamins (like vitamin A, C and K). Kale is also a great source of folate!

Other salad recipes you’ll love

If you love this recipe, definitely try some of my other favorite salads below.

Blackened Steak Salad

Lemon Kale Caesar Salad

Strawberry Farro Salad

Chopped Salad with Chickpeas

If you make this beet salad, I would really love to know your thoughts and would really appreciate a rating and a review! You can also find and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along and share what you make: tag me @braesbites. I love hearing from you!