Golden Beet, Peach, and Feta Salad with Lemon and Basil

A Sweet + Savory Sidekick for Spicy BBQ

When the pit is blazing and the chicken’s coming off with just the right kick of spice, you need something bright, cool, and a little unexpected on the table. Enter our Golden Beet, Peach, and Feta Salad with Lemon and Basil. Sweet summer peaches and earthy golden beets create a mellow base that balances the heat of smoked and spiced chicken. A drizzle of Runamok Sugarmaker's Cut maple syrup rounds out the tart lemon dressing, while salty feta and fresh basil keep every bite lively. Top it off with a handful of toasted pistachios, and you’ve got a salad that isn’t just a side dish—it’s the perfect counterpoint to the fire of the grill.

Ingredients

• 3 golden beets, peeled (raw or roasted) and cut into ½-inch dice

• 3 ripe peaches, diced, skin on

• Juice of ½ lemon (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• Feta cheese crumbles, to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced, for garnish

• (Optional) Toasted pistachios for crunch

Instructions

1. Prepare the beets

   • If using raw beets: peel and dice into ½-inch cubes.

   • If roasting: preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap whole beets in foil, roast 40–50 minutes until tender, then peel and dice once cool.

2. Combine base ingredients

   • In a large bowl, gently toss the diced beets and peaches.

3. Make the dressing

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and maple syrup until smooth.

4. Dress the salad

   • Pour the dressing over the beet and peach mixture. Toss gently to coat.

5. Finish with toppings

   • Sprinkle with feta crumbles, basil leaves, and pistachios just before serving.

Serving Notes

• This salad is best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature.

• Pair it with Llano & Rye's Legendary Chicken of Coba .

• For a full spread, serve alongside cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled corn.

At Llano & Rye, we’re always looking for sides that don’t just sit on the plate but stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the brisket, ribs, and chicken. This golden beet and peach salad does exactly that—it’s sunshine in a bowl, ready to cool things down when the pit’s running hot.