Name: Crisp Cucumber and Beetroot Salad with Herb Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-488985H41M28S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium cucumbers; 2 cooked or roasted beets; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1 small red onion; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

This crisp cucumber and beetroot salad is what summer days beg for. It’s light, crunchy, and brings together the earthy sweetness of beets with the refreshing coolness of cucumbers. Tossed in a herby dressing that infuses every bite with brightness, it’s the kind of salad that makes you want to reach for seconds before you’ve even finished your first serving.

Perfect as a starter or a vibrant side, this salad delivers both in looks and flavor. The colors pop right off the plate, while the textures contrast beautifully with every forkful. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing a picnic, or craving something fresh and nourishing, this is a standout choice.

Why You’ll Love This Crisp Cucumber and Beetroot Salad

It hits that balance of clean and flavorful without being fussy. The herb dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of zing, letting the vegetables shine while giving them a tasty lift. It’s also incredibly quick to make and holds up well for meal prep or entertaining. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and easy to customize with your favorite herbs.

What Kind of Beets and Cucumbers Should I Use?

When it comes to cucumbers, Persian or English cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. You don’t even need to peel them. For the beets, you can go with classic red, golden for a milder flavor, or even a mix for more visual flair. Roasting the beets ahead of time brings out their sweetness, but if you’re in a pinch, vacuum-packed cooked beets work just fine too.

Ingredients for the Crisp Cucumber and Beetroot Salad

A salad this refreshing depends on a few key ingredients working together in harmony. Each component plays its role in texture, flavor, and color, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Cucumbers
Beetroot (cooked or roasted)
Fresh parsley
Fresh dill
Red onion
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Honey or maple syrup (optional)

The cucumbers provide crunch and a clean flavor. Beetroot adds earthiness and a touch of sweetness. Fresh parsley and dill are crucial for the dressing’s herbaceous kick. Red onion gives a sharp bite that cuts through the sweetness. The lemon juice and olive oil create a vibrant, light base for the dressing. A pinch of salt and black pepper brings balance, while a drizzle of honey or maple syrup rounds everything out if desired.

Crisp Cucumber and Beetroot Salad with Herb Dressing 2

How To Make the Crisp Cucumber and Beetroot Salad

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Cut the cooked beets into bite-sized wedges or cubes. If you’re using fresh beets, roast them ahead of time and let them cool completely before cutting.

Step 2: Make the Herb Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, chopped parsley, chopped dill, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey or maple syrup if you like a hint of sweetness.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cucumbers, beetroot, and red onions together. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly without breaking the beet pieces.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Just before serving, give it a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve and Store This Salad

This salad is best served chilled, making it a refreshing contrast to warm dishes or hot weather meals. It comfortably serves 4 people as a side, or 2 as a light main with some added protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. If you’re preparing ahead, it holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Avoid freezing this salad—the cucumbers will lose their crunch and become watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh or shortly after chilling.

What to Serve With Crisp Cucumber and Beetroot Salad?

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

The bright citrusy notes of grilled lemon chicken are a perfect complement to this salad’s cool, earthy flavors.

Crispy Falafel

For a vegetarian pairing, falafel adds a crispy, savory element and turns this salad into a more filling plate.

Creamy Hummus and Pita

Spread some hummus on warm pita bread and serve alongside the salad for a Mediterranean-inspired light meal.

Baked Salmon

The richness of baked salmon works beautifully with the freshness of the salad. It’s a nourishing, well-balanced combo.

Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa adds texture and protein and serves as a great base to turn this into a hearty grain bowl.

Goat Cheese Tart

Pairing this salad with a slice of warm goat cheese tart gives you a contrast of creamy and crunchy that’s irresistible.

Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Add some garlic-marinated shrimp skewers to the mix and you’ve got a quick and impressive dinner idea.

Want More Salad Ideas?

If you’re loving the fresh and herby vibes of this Crisp Cucumber and Beetroot Salad, check out some of these other favorites from the blog:

Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad is a nostalgic, creamy delight for any family gathering.
Creamy Corn Dip offers a perfect mix of sweet corn and zesty flavors for dipping or topping.
Old-Fashioned Pea Salad brings a retro crunch with a creamy twist.
Zesty Taco Pasta Salad is bold, colorful, and perfect for potlucks.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn pairs beautifully with fresh salads for a cozy sweet-salty bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you roast the beets or use pre-cooked? Did you try a different herb combo?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s make good food even better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for vibrant meals!

Conclusion

Crisp Cucumber and Beetroot Salad with Herb Dressing is more than just a side dish. It’s a celebration of fresh produce, a burst of garden flavor, and a versatile addition to almost any meal. Whether you’re making it ahead for the week or preparing it last-minute for guests, it never fails to impress. Refreshing, colorful, and loaded with goodness—this salad is a keeper.