I recently discovered a delicious Middle Eastern beet salad that I can’t stop raving about. This salad is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any meal. What I love about this salad is that it’s straightforward to make and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful salad that’s easy to make, give this salad a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
I had the pleasure of trying Middle Eastern beet salad for the first time during a lunch outing with my client at a restaurant in Atlanta. Our young Middle Eastern waiter brought it to our table as an appetizer. I was immediately intrigued by its vibrant colors and fresh aroma.
After enjoying the salad, I requested the recipe from the chef, who kindly agreed to share it with me. The recipe contained the following ingredients: beets, red onion, and fresh parsley. In addition, it contains fresh cilantro, cumin seeds, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
I was excited to recreate this delicious salad at home and share it with my friends and family. The combination of earthy beets, fragrant herbs, and warm spices makes for a flavorful and nutritious dish that is sure to impress.
Accompanied Dishes
When serving this salad, several dishes pair well with it. Here are a few of my favorite options:
- Hummus and Pita Bread: This classic Middle Eastern dip is a perfect complement to the earthy flavors of the beet salad. The creamy texture of the hummus and the soft, warm pita bread make for a satisfying contrast to the crunchiness of the beets.
- Tabbouleh: This fresh and flavorful salad is made with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat. It’s a great way to add some extra greens to your meal, and the bright, tangy flavors of the tabbouleh pair perfectly with the sweetness of the beets.
- Falafel: These crispy, fried chickpea balls are a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. They’re a great source of protein and add some extra texture to your meal. The mild, nutty flavor of the falafel is a great complement to the bold flavors of the beet salad.
- Lamb Kofta: These grilled meatballs are made with ground lamb and a blend of spices. They’re a great way to add some extra protein to your meal, and the rich, savory flavors of the kofta pair perfectly with the sweetness of the beets.
Ingredients:
- 5 medium beets, washed and scrubbed
- 1/2 cup of minced red onion
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
How to Make Middle Eastern Beet Salad?
- To make this delicious salad, start by filling a large stock pot with water, making sure to cover the beets by at least 2 inches. Then, bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-high, allowing the beets to cook for about 50-60 minutes. If you’re using a pressure cooker, you only need to cook the beets for 30 minutes.
- Once the beets are cooked, drain them and fill the sink or a large bowl with water and lots of ice. Soak the beets in the ice water for about 30 minutes to cool them down.
- While the beets are cooling, heat a small frying/sauté pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds to the pan. “Roast” the cumin seeds for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, crush the toasted cumin seeds with a spice grinder or just use a mortar and pestle.
- Mix the red onion, parsley, cilantro, toasted cumin powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice in a little bowl. Mix everything well and set it aside.
- After the beets are cool, peel them (the skin should come off easily) and cut off the tops and bottoms. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Then, combine the beets and the onion/herb mixture in a large bowl and gently stir until the beets are evenly coated.
- Finally, refrigerate the salad until you’re ready to serve it. It will hold in the refrigerator for a few days, so it’s a great make-ahead dish for parties or meal prep.
Variations of Middle Eastern Beet Salad
As I mentioned earlier, beet salad is a versatile dish that can be made in many different ways. Here are some variations that you may want to try:
1. Feta Cheese and Pistachio
One popular variation of this salad is to add feta cheese and pistachios. The salty and nutty flavors of the cheese and nuts complement the sweetness of the beets and make for a delicious combination. To make this variation, simply crumble some feta cheese over the top of the salad and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
2. Orange and Mint
Another delicious variation of beet salad is to add orange and mint. The citrusy flavor of the orange and the refreshing taste of the mint adds a bright and zesty twist to the dish. To make this variation, simply peel and segment an orange and add it to the salad. Then, chop up some fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them over the top.
3. Yogurt and Dill
If you’re looking for a creamier variation, try adding some yogurt and dill. The tangy flavor of the yogurt and the herbaceous taste of the dill make for a refreshing and flavorful combination. To make this variation, simply mix some plain yogurt with chopped fresh dill and drizzle it over the top of the salad.
4. Pomegranate and Walnuts
For a sweet and nutty variation, try adding some pomegranate and walnuts. The juicy and tart flavor of the pomegranate seeds and the crunchiness of the walnuts add a nice texture to the dish. To make this variation, simply sprinkle some pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts over the top of the salad.
These are just a few variations of beet salad that you can try. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find the perfect combination for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Middle Eastern beet salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of earthy beets, tangy lemon juice, and fragrant herbs creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish, a main course, or even as a snack. And because it is so easy to make, it is a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
If you are looking for a way to add more vegetables to your diet, beet salad is a great place to start. Beets are packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and they are also low in calories. Plus, the other ingredients in this salad, like parsley, mint, and garlic, are also loaded with health benefits.
Overall, I highly recommend giving Middle Eastern beet salad a try. It is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. So next time you are in the mood for something fresh and delicious, whip up a batch of this amazing salad. You won’t be disappointed!
By the way, this salad pairs perfectly with Moroccan stuffed artichoke bottoms
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
