Beets are versatile root vegetables that add earthy sweetness and vibrant color to many dishes.
From refreshing salads with goat cheese to hearty roasted sides, beets can transform ordinary meals into something special. You might be surprised by how many ways these ruby-red gems can enhance your cooking.
These 21 best beet recipes will change the way you look at this often underappreciated vegetable.
Whether you’ve always loved beets or have avoided them until now, these recipes showcase their natural sweetness and nutritional benefits.
From simple roasted beets to creative juice blends and carpaccio, there’s a beet recipe for every taste preference and skill level.
1. Roasted Golden Beets
Golden beets have a milder, sweeter flavor than their red counterparts. They’re perfect for roasting, which brings out their natural sweetness.
To make roasted golden beets, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: golden beets, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Peel and cube the beets, then toss them with oil and seasonings.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a hot oven until they’re tender.
A bright lemon dressing can elevate the flavor. Try adding garlic for extra depth. This colorful side dish pairs well with almost any main course.
2. Beet Hummus
Beet hummus is a vibrant, pink twist on traditional hummus that adds both color and nutrition to your appetizer spread. It combines roasted beets with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for a flavorful dip.
Making beet hummus is simple.
Start by roasting beets until they’re tender, then blend them with chickpeas and other ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
You can serve this bright dip with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches. The earthy sweetness of beets pairs wonderfully with the nutty tahini and tangy lemon.
This hummus not only tastes delicious but also provides a healthy option for snacking or entertaining.
3. Quinoa Beet Burger
Quinoa beet burgers offer a colorful and nutritious alternative to traditional meat patties. These vibrant patties combine earthy beets with protein-rich quinoa for a satisfying texture.
You can easily make these burgers vegan and gluten-free, perfect for accommodating different dietary needs. Most recipes include ingredients like chickpeas, onions, and garlic to enhance the flavor profile.
For serving, try topping your burger with creamy avocado, sweet mango slices, or fresh sprouts. The natural sweetness of beets pairs wonderfully with both savory and sweet toppings.
These burgers freeze well, making them excellent for meal prep and quick weekday dinners.
4. Beetroot Raita
Beetroot Raita is a vibrant, colorful yogurt dip that combines grated beets with creamy yogurt. This Indian side dish adds a pop of color and nutrition to any meal.
To make it, start by washing, peeling, and grating fresh beetroot. Then mix the grated beets with yogurt or dairy-free alternatives if you prefer.
Season your raita with salt, black pepper, and occasionally mint for freshness. Some recipes include additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
You can serve this cooling dish alongside spicy curries or as a healthy dip with flatbreads. It’s both eye-catching and nutritious, making it perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.
5. Beet Salad with Lemon Dressing
This refreshing beet salad combines earthy roasted beets with a bright lemon dressing for a perfect balance of flavors. The tangy citrus complements the natural sweetness of the beets.
You can prepare this salad in about 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or quick lunches. The honey-mustard lemon dressing adds a zesty kick that brings all the ingredients together.
Try pairing your beets with spinach, mandarin oranges, and red onion for color and texture. Adding pine nuts and feta cheese creates a satisfying meal with protein and healthy fats.
This versatile dish works as a side or main course when you want something light yet nutritious.
6. Grilled Beet Pizza
Grilled pizza gets an earthy twist with the addition of beets. Start by roasting your beets until tender, then slice them thinly to top your pizza.
Prepare your pizza dough and grill one side first. Flip it, then quickly add your toppings – arrange the beet slices in a circular pattern, alternating colors if using different beet varieties.
Goat cheese or blue cheese pairs wonderfully with beets on pizza. For extra flavor, add some pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil before finishing on the grill.
This colorful pizza makes a great summer meal when you want to keep cooking outdoors. The slight char from grilling adds a smoky dimension that complements the sweet beets.
7. Nectarine and Beet Salad
This refreshing salad combines sweet nectarines with earthy beets for a perfect balance of flavors. You can use either fresh roasted or pickled beets depending on your preference.
To make this simple dish, toss spring mix greens with sliced nectarines and beet wedges. Add a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette to bring the flavors together.
For extra dimension, consider adding feta cheese and fresh herbs like basil or mint. The salad provides about 84 calories per cup and makes a colorful side dish.
You can substitute peaches for nectarines if needed. This versatile salad works well for both summer gatherings and fall meals.
8. Pickled Beets
Pickled beets are a tasty way to preserve this root vegetable for up to 6 weeks in your refrigerator. They add a sweet, earthy flavor with a tangy kick from the vinegar.
Making pickled beets is straightforward. First, you’ll roast the beets until tender. Then slice them into your preferred thickness.
Create a simple brine with sugar, pickling salt, and vinegar. Pour this mixture over your sliced beets and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
You can enjoy pickled beets as a side dish, add them to salads, or even use them in a “deconstructed borscht” with soft-boiled eggs.
9. Beet Soup
Beet soup is a vibrant and nutritious dish that showcases the earthy sweetness of beets. You can make it smooth and velvety by blending the ingredients after cooking.
Most recipes combine beets with potatoes for creaminess and depth of flavor. The addition of ginger, onion, and garlic enhances the soup’s savory profile.
To prepare beet soup, start by roasting or simmering diced beets and potatoes until tender. Sauté onions and garlic separately, then combine everything with broth before blending.
This colorful soup makes an impressive starter or light meal. It’s packed with nutrients and can be served hot or chilled, depending on your preference.
10. Beet and Goat Cheese Tart
This elegant tart combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with creamy goat cheese for a dish that’s both beautiful and delicious. You can make it as a main course or cut it into smaller portions for an impressive appetizer.
Start with pre-roasted beets sliced thinly, arranged over a bed of seasoned goat cheese in a flaky tart shell. Some recipes add caramelized onions or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
A light drizzle of honey and balsamic vinegar brings the flavors together perfectly. Bake until the crust turns golden, usually about 25 minutes at 425°F.
11. Beetroot Thozhan
Beetroot Thozhan is a simple yet flavorful South Indian dish. Raw beets are diced into small pieces and then fried with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
This dish offers a unique way to enjoy beets that’s different from salads or soups. The spices complement the natural sweetness of beetroot.
You can serve this as a side dish with rice or flatbreads like chapati or roti. For extra flavor, you might add grated coconut or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Beetroot Thozhan is not only tasty but also retains the nutritional benefits of beets in a delicious form.
12. Balsamic Glazed Beets
Balsamic glazed beets transform an ordinary root vegetable into a delicious side dish. The process involves roasting beets in the oven, which intensifies their natural sweetness.
After roasting, the beets are tossed in a tart and syrupy balsamic reduction. This creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that complement the earthy taste of the beets.
You can make this dish with just a few ingredients: fresh beets, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Some recipes also add orange zest or extract to brighten the flavor.
Even if you think you don’t like beets, this recipe might change your mind. The caramelization from roasting plus the sweet-tart glaze creates a surprisingly addictive combination.
13. Beet Pesto Pasta
Beet pesto pasta offers a vibrant twist on traditional pesto with its stunning pink-purple hue. This colorful dish combines cooked beets with nuts, garlic, lemon, and olive oil for a flavorful sauce.
You can make it with various pasta shapes, though bow tie and spaghetti work particularly well. For the nuts, you have options – pine nuts, almonds, or pistachios all complement the earthy beet flavor.
The recipe is adaptable for dietary needs, with many versions being gluten-free and dairy-free. Some recipes include Parmesan cheese for richness, while vegan versions rely solely on nuts for creaminess.
This eye-catching pasta dish makes a perfect meal for special occasions or when you want to impress dinner guests.
14. Beetroot Risotto
Beetroot risotto transforms the classic Italian dish into a vibrant, colorful meal. Made with Arborio rice and cooked beets, it offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors.
The process is simple – roast your beets while preparing the risotto base with onions and garlic. The rice slowly absorbs vegetable stock, creating that signature creamy texture.
For added dimension, try finishing your risotto with tangy goat cheese. The cheese balances the natural sweetness of the beets beautifully.
This dish works well as both a vegetarian main course or an impressive side. You can easily make it vegan by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
15. Beet Carpaccio
Beet carpaccio is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases thinly sliced beets in a style inspired by traditional meat carpaccio. You can make this versatile dish with roasted or raw beets sliced very thin, typically using a mandoline for even cuts.
Arrange the beet slices in an overlapping circle on a plate, starting from the outside and working your way in. Drizzle with a bright dressing like shallot or oregano vinaigrette to complement the earthy flavor.
Top your beet carpaccio with toasted walnuts, fresh herbs, or crumbled cheese for added texture and flavor. This dish works well as a colorful appetizer or light side that can be served either cold or warm.
16. Beet Sashimi
Beet sashimi offers a creative, vegetarian twist on traditional Japanese sashimi. This dish features thinly sliced roasted or raw beets that mimic the texture and appearance of fish.
You can enhance your beet sashimi with complementary flavors like apple, wasabi, and teriyaki sauce. These ingredients balance the earthy sweetness of beets perfectly.
For an authentic touch, serve your beet sashimi with shiso leaves, which add freshness to the dish. The presentation matters too – arrange the beet slices neatly on a plate just as you would with fish sashimi.
This elegant appetizer works well for dinner parties or as a light, refreshing meal.
17. Beet and Orange Salad
Beet and Orange Salad combines the sweet earthiness of beets with the bright tanginess of fresh oranges. This colorful dish creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
You can make this salad by arranging roasted beets and orange segments on a bed of mixed greens. Add thinly sliced red onion for a little bite and fresh mint for a refreshing element.
For the dressing, a simple mixture of olive oil, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper works beautifully. Some versions include ricotta cheese and pistachios for added creaminess and crunch.
This vibrant salad works as a light lunch or a side dish with dinner. It’s especially popular in spring when you want something fresh and colorful.
18. Beet Smoothie
Beet smoothies offer a nutritious way to enjoy these root vegetables in a drinkable form. The earthy flavor of beets blends surprisingly well with fruits.
You can make a simple beet smoothie using frozen chopped beets, blueberries, and banana. Add unsweetened vanilla almond milk for a creamy texture.
For those concerned about the strong beet taste, berries and citrus juices help balance the flavor. Orange juice pairs particularly well with beets in smoothies.
You can customize your beet smoothie with different milks like soy, oat, or cow’s milk. These vibrant drinks not only taste good but may help with inflammation and blood pressure.
19. Beet Chips
Beet chips are a colorful, nutritious alternative to regular potato chips. You can make these at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Start by washing and peeling fresh beets. Slice them very thinly, about 1/16-inch thick, using a mandoline for best results.
Toss the beet slices with a small amount of olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Salt works well, but you can also add rosemary for extra flavor.
Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F until crispy, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
These vibrant chips make a healthy, on-the-go snack that’s both earthy and sweet.
20. Beet and Carrot Slaw
Beet and carrot slaw combines vibrant colors and crunchy textures for a refreshing side dish. This raw salad brings together shredded beets and carrots for maximum nutrition and flavor.
You can prepare this slaw quickly using a hand grater or food processor to shred the vegetables. Some recipes add cabbage for extra crunch, while others include kale for added nutrients.
The dressing options are versatile – try a honey Dijon apple cider vinaigrette or a simple olive oil mixture. This colorful slaw works well for people who aren’t typically beet lovers.
The finished dish is nutrient-dense, gluten-free, and can be made oil-free if desired. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare.
21. Beet and Apple Coleslaw
Beet and Apple Coleslaw combines crunchy freshness with vibrant colors for a delicious side dish. This slaw pairs raw beets with crisp apples and cabbage to create a perfect balance of flavors.
You can easily prepare this by mixing shredded beets, apples, and cabbage in a large bowl. The dressing typically includes mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt, though some versions use apple cider vinaigrette for a tangier flavor.
This colorful slaw makes an excellent accompaniment to barbecued meats and ribs. It’s especially popular during summer gatherings and holiday meals when you want something fresh and crisp.
Even if you’re not typically a beet lover, the combination with sweet apples and cabbage creates a flavor profile you’ll enjoy.
Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are not just delicious and versatile in recipes – they’re also packed with impressive health benefits. These vibrant root vegetables offer several advantages for your body, from supporting heart health to potentially enhancing athletic performance.
Nutrient-Rich Profile
Beets contain an impressive array of essential vitamins and minerals. They’re rich in folate (vitamin B9), which supports cell growth and function, and manganese, which helps with bone formation and metabolism.
A single cup of beets provides about 3.8 grams of fiber, supporting digestive health and helping you feel full longer. Beets are also loaded with potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and nerve signals.
The vibrant red color in beets comes from betalains, powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation and may protect against certain chronic diseases. They’re also a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function.
Remarkably, beets are low in calories while being nutrient-dense, making them perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Heart Health and Beets
Beets contain natural nitrates that convert to nitric oxide in your body. This compound helps relax blood vessels, potentially leading to lower blood pressure.
Several studies have shown that drinking beet juice may reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This effect is particularly notable within a few hours of consumption.
The fiber in beets helps reduce cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in your digestive system, preventing its absorption. This may lower your risk of heart disease.
Beets’ anti-inflammatory properties can also benefit your heart. Chronic inflammation is linked to various heart problems, and the betalains in beets help combat this inflammation.
Beets and Athletic Performance
Athletes have discovered beets as a natural performance enhancer. The nitrates in beets can improve oxygen use and extend exercise duration.
Research shows that consuming beet juice before exercise may allow you to work out longer with less perceived effort. This happens because nitric oxide helps your blood vessels dilate, improving blood flow to muscles.
Your body becomes more efficient at producing energy during exercise after consuming beets. Studies have found that beet consumption can improve performance in both endurance activities and high-intensity exercise.
The optimal time to consume beets for athletic benefits is 2-3 hours before exercise. You can eat them roasted, juiced, or even in powder form for convenience.
Many professional athletes now incorporate beets into their pre-competition nutrition plans for these natural performance-boosting effects.
Cooking Techniques for Beets
Beets can be prepared using several different methods, each bringing out unique flavors and textures in this versatile root vegetable. The right cooking technique can transform beets from earthy and tough to sweet and tender.
Roasting Beets for Enhanced Flavor
Roasting beets intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized exterior. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the beet greens, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached, and scrub the beets clean.
You can roast beets two ways:
- Wrapped method: Rub beets with olive oil, wrap individually in foil, and place on a baking sheet
- Open method: Cut into 1-inch cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs like thyme, then spread on a baking sheet
Whole wrapped beets take 45-60 minutes depending on size. Cubed beets need only 25-35 minutes. They’re done when easily pierced with a fork. After roasting whole beets, let them cool slightly before peeling—the skins will slip off easily.
Boiling and Steaming Beets
Boiling and steaming are faster methods that preserve beets’ natural moisture. For boiling, leave 1-2 inches of stems and the taproot intact to prevent color bleeding. Place beets in a pot with enough water to cover them.
Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the water to help maintain their color. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Medium beets take about 30-40 minutes to cook.
Steaming produces similar results but retains more nutrients. Place beets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 30-45 minutes. You can also create foil pouches for oven-steaming—a technique that combines steaming with roasting for tender beets with concentrated flavor.
For both methods, beets are done when easily pierced with a knife.
Pickling Beets for Preservation
Pickling extends beets’ shelf life while adding tangy flavor. Start with cooked beets—boiled or roasted work well.
Once cooled, peel and slice or cube them.
Basic Pickling Liquid:
- 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white)
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Spices (bay leaf, peppercorns, mustard seeds)
Bring the pickling liquid to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Pack beets into clean jars and pour the hot liquid over them, leaving ¼-inch headspace. For quick pickles, refrigerate for 24 hours before eating.
For longer preservation, process in a water bath canner for 30 minutes.
Pickled beets will keep for up to a year when properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place.
