Easy Pickled Beet & Feta Flatbread Recipe | Tangy Vegetarian Flatbread with Herbs and Creamy Cheese
Looking for a quick, vibrant, and flavor-packed flatbread? This easy pickled beet and feta flatbread is a colorful and satisfying dish that brings together creamy cheese, tangy beets, and fresh herbs on a crisp base. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, a light dinner, or an appetizer, it’s the kind of meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Herbaceous Inspiration
This flatbread was inspired by Mediterranean flavors—bright, briny, and herbaceous. I’ve always loved how pickled vegetables can wake up a dish, and pairing pickled beets with creamy feta and lemon zest gives you that perfect bite: salty, sweet, tangy, and fresh. It’s also a great way to make use of store-bought naan or flatbread when you need something impressive but low-effort.
Why You’ll Love It
- Bold flavor contrast: The sweet-tang of pickled beets balances beautifully with salty feta and bright herbs.
- Fast & flexible: Ready in under 30 minutes and endlessly customizable.
- Great for gatherings: Slice and serve as a colorful starter or shareable snack.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Made with wholesome, fresh ingredients and no meat required.
Quick Grocery List
For the Flatbread Base:
- Naan or flatbread
- Olive oil
- Garlic
For the Toppings:
- Pickled beets
- Feta cheese
- Red onion
- Arugula or baby greens (optional)
- Fresh dill
- Lemon zest
- Black pepper
Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal
Prep & Cook Time: 15 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook time, total 25 minutes.
Equipment Checklist:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife & cutting board
- Oven or toaster oven
- Pastry brush
Dietary Adjustments: Vegetarian. Use gluten-free flatbreads as needed. Swap feta for vegan alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Serving Size: Makes 2–4 servings depending on use (main dish or appetizer).
Easy Pickled Beet & Feta Flatbread – Tangy Vegetarian Flatbread with Herbs and Creamy Cheese
DifficultyEasy
Servings2–4
Prep time15 minutes
Cook time10 minutes
Total time25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Flatbread Base:
- 2 naan breads or flatbreads, (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
For the Toppings:
- ¾ cup pickled beets, thinly sliced or chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh arugula or baby greens, (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- ½ Zest of lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- 1
Preheat & Prepare Flatbread
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place naan or flatbreads on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush each flatbread with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic.
- 2
Assemble the Toppings
- Evenly layer sliced pickled beets over the flatbread.
- Sprinkle feta, red onion slices, and a pinch of black pepper.
- 3
Bake
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are crisp and the cheese is lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and top with fresh dill, lemon zest, and optional arugula.
- 4
Serve
-
Slice into quarters or squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
-
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife & cutting board
- Oven or toaster oven
- Pastry brush (for olive oil)
Nutrition
Calories | 250 |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Cholesterol | 20mg |
Fat | 14g |
Fiber | 3g |
Protein | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Sodium | 410mg |
Sugar | 3g |
Trans Fat | 0g |
Unsaturated Fat | 7g |
General Notes: This flatbread is best served warm or at room temp for optimal texture and flavor. The beets add moisture, so don’t overload the flatbread to keep it crisp.
Substitutions
- Flatbread: Use pita, lavash, or gluten-free naan.
- Cheese: Try goat cheese, vegan feta, or even ricotta.
- Greens: Use microgreens, baby spinach, or omit entirely.
Variations
- Add nuts: Sprinkle with toasted walnuts or pistachios for crunch.
- Make it sweet & savory: Drizzle with a little honey or balsamic glaze.
- Spice it up: Add a few red pepper flakes or a smear of harissa before baking.
Let’s Get Cooking
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Flatbread
- Pro Tip: Pre-toast the naan for 2–3 minutes before topping to help maintain crispness.
- Pro Tip: Rub the garlic into the olive oil for even flavor distribution.
- Pro Tip: Use parchment to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Assemble the Toppings
- Pro Tip: Slice beets thinly to distribute flavor without sogginess.
- Pro Tip: Crumble the feta by hand for a rustic look and even coverage.
- Pro Tip: Don’t over-layer—less is more to keep the crust crisp.
Step 3: Bake
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on it—every oven varies. Pull it when edges are golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Pro Tip: Bake directly on the rack for extra crispiness if you skip parchment.
- Pro Tip: Let rest 2 minutes before topping with fresh greens.
Step 4: Serve
- Pro Tip: Slice into small squares for a party platter.
- Pro Tip: Add lemon zest right before serving for that burst of citrus aroma.
- Pro Tip: Serve with a side salad for a light but complete meal.
- Art Of
Flatbread is all about balance: crispy base, creamy element, something tangy or sweet, and a fresh herbaceous note to finish. Pickled beets are often underused but shine here because they’re naturally vibrant and have just the right acidity to cut through rich cheese. Using store-bought naan makes the process faster, but don’t skip the fresh herb finish—that’s what gives this dish its gourmet edge.
Tips and Variations
- Use roasted beets instead of pickled for an earthy variation.
- Swap feta for blue cheese for extra tang.
- Try basil or mint in place of dill.
- Add a drizzle of tahini or Greek yogurt sauce for a creamy element.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 – Light yet satisfying for lunch or a snack.
- Carbohydrates: 22g – Mostly from flatbread; choose whole grain for added fiber.
- Cholesterol: 20mg – From feta; can be reduced by using a vegan option.
- Fat: 14g – Olive oil and cheese bring healthy fats and richness.
- Fiber: 3g – From vegetables and whole grain flatbread if used.
- Protein: 8g – A balanced plant-friendly boost.
- Saturated Fat: 6g – Mostly from feta; reduce by halving the amount.
- Sodium: 410mg – Can be lowered with low-sodium cheese or less added salt.
- Sugar: 3g – Naturally occurring in beets and onions.
- Trans Fat: 0g – Free of hydrogenated fats.
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g – Primarily heart-healthy fat from olive oil.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Use a toaster oven or skillet to re-crisp the base.
- Freezer: Not recommended after assembly due to moisture in toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use roasted beets instead of pickled?
A: Yes! Roasted beets will be less tangy. Add a splash of lemon or vinegar for brightness.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Prep all ingredients in advance, but assemble and bake fresh for best texture.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flatbread or wrap base.
Q: What if I don’t like dill?
A: Swap in parsley, basil, or mint for a different flavor profile.
Engage and Share
If you try this Easy Pickled Beet & Feta Flatbread, let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment below, give it a rating, or tag us on social media with your version. For more veggie-packed favorites, check out our Orange & Mint Couscous Salad & Mint & Parsley Falafel Wraps.