Beets are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that can add vibrant color and earthy flavor to many dishes. From raw preparations to roasted, grilled, and steamed options, beets offer endless culinary possibilities for your kitchen.
These ruby-red gems can transform ordinary meals into something special with their unique taste and impressive nutritional profile. You’ll find that beets work wonderfully in everything from refreshing salads and hearty soups to creative snacks and satisfying main courses.
Whether paired with tangy goat cheese, dressed with balsamic vinegar, or blended into a nutritious juice, beets bring both visual appeal and depth of flavor to the table. Their natural sweetness develops even further when cooked properly, making them a favorite ingredient for those looking to add interest to their meals.
1. Oven Roasted Beets with Thyme and Sea Salt
Oven roasted beets bring out the natural sweetness of this earthy root vegetable. You only need a few simple ingredients to make this nutritious side dish.
Fresh beets, olive oil, thyme, and sea salt combine to create a flavorful treat. The thyme adds an aromatic quality that complements the beets perfectly.
To prepare, simply trim and clean your beets, then coat them with olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and sea salt before roasting until tender, about 45-60 minutes depending on size.
This gluten-free, dairy-free dish transfers easily from oven to table. The deep, rich color makes it an attractive addition to any meal.
2. Beetroot Raita with Greek Yogurt and Mint
Beetroot Raita is a refreshing Indian side dish that combines earthy beets with cooling yogurt. This version uses Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier texture.
To make this dish, boil 2-3 medium beets until tender, then peel and grate them. Mix with 1-1.5 cups of Greek yogurt or labneh.
Add flavor with roasted cumin powder, salt, lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The mint adds a bright, fresh note that balances the sweetness of the beets.
You can serve this colorful raita as a side dish with pulao, as a cooling accompaniment to spicy meals, or as a light salad on hot summer days.
3. Beet Hummus with Garlic and Lemon
Beet hummus brings vibrant color and earthy flavor to your table. This eye-catching dip combines roasted beets with chickpeas, tahini, fresh lemon juice, and garlic.
Roast a medium beet until tender, then blend it with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and cumin in a food processor. Add water gradually while blending for the best texture.
The result is a smooth, bright red dip that works perfectly with pita bread, chips, or fresh vegetables. You can also spread it on sandwiches for a colorful, flavorful twist.
Store this hummus in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container.
4. Roasted Golden Beets Salad
Roasted golden beets make a stunning base for a nutritious salad that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. These vibrant yellow beets have a milder, sweeter flavor than their red cousins.
Roast golden beets until tender, then slice and combine with arugula or other greens. Add quinoa for extra protein and texture.
Top with walnuts and a bit of goat cheese for creaminess. Finish with a simple red wine vinaigrette or balsamic dressing to bring all the flavors together.
This salad works great as a side dish or can become a complete meal with extra protein. Try mixing red and golden beets for a colorful presentation.
5. Sautéed Beet Greens with Garlic
Don’t throw away those beet greens! They’re packed with nutrients and make a delicious side dish when sautéed with garlic.
Wash the greens thoroughly and chop them into manageable pieces. Boil the greens and stems until tender, about 6-7 minutes, then drain well.
Heat olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic and chopped onion if desired. Add the drained greens and sauté for a few minutes until they’re fully cooked.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. This quick and easy dish is ready in about 20 minutes and makes the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
6. Beet and Quinoa Burger
Beet and quinoa burgers offer a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional meat patties. These vibrant burgers combine earthy beets with protein-rich quinoa for a satisfying texture.
Enhance your burgers with additions like feta cheese, chickpeas, or various spices to create different flavor profiles. Many recipes are naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Top your beet quinoa burger with creamy avocado, sweet mango, or fresh sprouts for extra flavor. The bright pink color makes these burgers visually appealing on any plate.
Bake these patties rather than fry them for a healthier option. They’re perfect for meal prep and add a nutritious boost to your weekly menu.
7. Charred Beets with Chile Vinaigrette
Charred beets offer a delicious smoky flavor that regular roasted beets can’t match. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a crispy exterior with a tender inside.
The chile vinaigrette adds a perfect kick to balance the beets’ sweetness. Prepare it using fresh chilies, vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey for balance.
Grill or broil your beets until they have visible char marks. Then smash them slightly to create more surface area for the vinaigrette to cling to.
This dish works well as a side or as part of a vibrant salad with fresh herbs and crumbled cheese.
8. Shawarma-Spiced Beets with Labneh
This flavorful dish combines earthy beets with aromatic shawarma spices for a Middle Eastern-inspired treat. Toss beets and fennel in oil with a blend of shawarma spices and garlic to create a rich combination of flavors.
Garlicky labneh, a thick yogurt cheese, adds creaminess and a tangy contrast. This recipe works well as a side dish or vegetarian main course.
If you don’t have beets on hand, substitute cauliflower cut into thick steaks. The shawarma spice mixture works wonderfully with both vegetables, giving you flexibility based on what’s available.
9. Spiced Pickled Beets
Spiced pickled beets offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Make them easily at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Roast your beets first for a deeper flavor before pickling them. Create a brine and pour it over your cooked beets.
These colorful treats make excellent holiday gifts or side dishes. They’re also great additions to salads or as healthy snacks.
Adjust the spice level to your preference—go traditional with sweet spices or add some heat for a more modern twist.
10. Raw Beet Salad with Citrus Dressing
Raw beet salad offers a crunchy, refreshing alternative to roasted beet dishes. This vibrant salad combines thinly sliced or grated raw beets with a tangy citrus dressing that brightens the earthy flavor.
Build your salad on a bed of greens like kale and arugula for added nutrition. Add complementary ingredients such as walnuts, avocado, or goat cheese to create more texture and flavor.
The citrus dressing typically combines orange or grapefruit juice with olive oil and a touch of honey. Let the beets marinate in the dressing for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly while maintaining their crunch.
11. Beetroot Thozhan with Mustard Seeds
Beetroot Thozhan, also known as Beetroot Thoran, is a traditional Kerala side dish that features grated beets, fresh coconut, and aromatic spices. This colorful dish brings both nutrition and flavor to your plate.
Grate beetroot, dice onions, mince garlic, and grate coconut. Heat coconut oil in a pan and add mustard seeds until they pop.
Add curry leaves for a crispy texture and aromatic flavor. Stir-fry the grated beetroot with onions and garlic, then add freshly grated coconut for authentic Kerala taste.
This simple yet flavorful dish makes an excellent side for rice or flatbreads. The mustard seeds add a delightful pop of flavor to each bite.
12. Beet and Kale Salad
Beet and kale salad combines two powerful superfoods into one delicious dish. Sweet roasted beets pair perfectly with hearty kale leaves for a salad that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Enhance this colorful salad with creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts or almonds, and dried cranberries. Many recipes include a simple balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing to tie all flavors together.
For extra texture, add crispy kale chips instead of raw kale. Some versions incorporate fruit like oranges or apples for a sweet contrast to the earthy beets.
13. Beet and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad
This colorful salad combines earthy roasted beets with peppery arugula for a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of creamy goat cheese provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the beets.
Use cooked beets (quartered), fresh arugula, and goat cheese. Add walnuts or pecans for crunch and dried cranberries or cherries for a touch of sweetness.
Dress the salad with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Some versions include avocado for extra creaminess and nutritional value.
This dish works well as a light lunch or as a side dish with dinner. The vibrant colors make it visually appealing for any meal.
14. Beet Soup with Coconut Milk
Beet soup with coconut milk brings together the earthy flavor of beets with the creamy sweetness of coconut. This combination creates a velvety soup that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Add ginger to your beet and coconut soup to reduce the strong earthy taste of beets while adding a warming kick. Serve this versatile dish hot for winter comfort or cold during summer months.
For the best flavor, roast your beets before blending them with the other ingredients. This deepens their natural sweetness and makes the soup more robust.
The bright pink color makes this soup visually appealing, perfect for impressing dinner guests or brightening up a regular weeknight meal.
15. Beet and Apple Slaw
Beet and apple slaw combines earthy beets with crisp, sweet apples for a refreshing side dish. This colorful slaw comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Use this versatile dish as a side salad, a topping for burgers and tacos, or alongside your breakfast. The contrasting textures and flavors create a delightful balance.
For the dressing, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt. Some recipes include apple cider vinaigrette for extra tanginess.
Add fresh herbs like dill to brighten the flavor profile even more.
16. Beetroot Pudding with Pistachios
Indian beetroot pudding with pistachios is a sweet and colorful dessert that combines earthy beets with rich, nutty flavors. The vibrant pink color makes it visually stunning on any dessert table.
To make this pudding, cook grated beets with milk, sugar, and cardamom until thick and creamy. The beets release their sugars during cooking, making the mixture naturally sweet.
For serving, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for a crunchy contrast to the smooth pudding. Add a touch of rose water for a floral note that complements the earthy beetroot flavor.
17. Beet and Orange Salad
Beet and Orange Salad combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the bright tanginess of fresh oranges. This classic pairing creates a vibrant, colorful dish that’s perfect for spring meals.
The salad typically includes roasted or pickled beets, orange segments, and mixed greens like arugula. Many recipes add red onion and fresh mint for extra flavor.
The dressing is simple—usually olive oil, vinegar, and orange juice. Some versions include feta cheese for a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet vegetables.
You can make this salad in about 15 minutes if using pre-cooked beets. It serves as a refreshing side dish that goes well with almost any main course.
18. Borscht with Beef and Cabbage
Borscht is a hearty Eastern European soup famous for its bright red color from beets. This version includes tender beef chunks and cabbage for a complete meal in a bowl.
To make beef borscht, simmer beef broth with beef tri-tip or another tender cut until the meat becomes soft. Add beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and onions.
The soup cooks until the beets are tender, about 30 minutes. Some recipes add rutabaga, leeks, and celery for extra flavor and texture.
Serve your borscht with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill for an authentic touch.
19. Roasted Root Vegetables Including Beets
Roasted root vegetables make a delicious and colorful side dish that’s easy to prepare. Beets add vibrant color and earthy sweetness to the mix.
Cut your vegetables into similarly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Good companions for beets include carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, and red onions.
Toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs like thyme. Spread them on a baking sheet without overcrowding.
Roast at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. The vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
You can also add chickpeas for extra protein.
20. Beet and Feta Cheese Tart
Beetroot and feta tart combines earthy beets with tangy feta cheese for a colorful and flavorful dish. Use different types of crusts—puff pastry for a quick option or a crispy phyllo crust for fewer calories.
Serve the tart as an appetizer when made into small tartlets or as a main dish in a larger form. Some recipes add thyme, honey, or walnuts to enhance the flavor combination.
Serve this tart warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
21. Beet and Lentil Stew
Beet and lentil stew combines earthy flavors with hearty nutrition. This dish pairs tender red beets with protein-packed lentils for a satisfying meal.
Start by sautéing onions and carrots in olive oil. Add chopped beets, lentils, and vegetable stock, then simmer until everything is tender.
For extra flavor, include tomato paste and a touch of miso paste. Some recipes add green cabbage for additional texture and nutrients.
Season your stew with fresh dill for brightness. This colorful dish is packed with antioxidants that support your health.
Nutritional Benefits of Beets
Beets are nutritional powerhouses that offer impressive health benefits while adding vibrant color to your meals. They contain essential nutrients that support your overall wellness and can be particularly beneficial for heart health.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Beets are rich in folate (vitamin B9), which helps with cell growth and metabolism. One cup of cooked beets provides about 37% of your daily folate needs.
Beets also contain manganese, which supports bone development, metabolism, and wound healing. They provide potassium, important for healthy blood pressure regulation and muscle function.
The iron content in beets helps maintain healthy blood and prevents anemia. Your body also benefits from the magnesium and vitamin C found in these root vegetables.
For those watching their calories, beets are a smart choice. A half-cup serving contains only about 130 calories while providing filling fiber that supports digestive health.
Antioxidants and Heart Health
Beets get their deep red color from betalains, powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and may help protect against certain cancers. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress in your body.
The nitrates in beets convert to nitric oxide in your body, which helps relax blood vessels and may lower blood pressure. Studies show that drinking beet juice can reduce systolic blood pressure by 4-10 mmHg in just a few hours.
Athletes often include beets in their diet because nitrates can improve oxygen use and endurance. You might notice better performance during workouts after adding beets to your meals.
Research suggests regular consumption of beets may improve heart health by reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels while maintaining “good” HDL cholesterol.
Tips for Cooking With Beets
Cooking with beets can be rewarding but requires some specific knowledge to handle them properly. These vibrant root vegetables need careful selection, proper storage, and special techniques to minimize their notorious staining properties.
Selecting and Storing Beets
Look for firm, smooth beets with deep color and unwilted leaves if the greens are still attached. The smaller the beet, the more tender and sweet it will typically be.
Medium-sized beets (about 2-3 inches in diameter) offer the best balance of flavor and texture. Avoid beets with soft spots, bruises, or wrinkled skin, as these indicate age or damage.
When storing fresh beets, cut off the greens, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached. Don’t throw away the greens—they’re edible and nutritious!
Store beets unwashed in a plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. They’ll keep for 2-3 weeks this way.
For longer storage, refrigerate cooked beets for up to one week or freeze them for up to 8 months.
Techniques for Peeling and Preparing
Roasting with skin on: Wash beets thoroughly, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until easily pierced with a fork. Once cooled, slip off the skins easily.
Steaming: Cut beets into quarters, steam for 15-20 minutes, then peel.
For raw preparation: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin before grating or slicing.
Try these cutting techniques:
- Slices: Perfect for roasting or salads
- Cubes: Ideal for soups and stews
- Wedges: Great for roasting as a side dish
To enhance flavor, roast beets with olive oil, salt, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Reducing Beet Stains
Beet juice stains everything it touches! Wear disposable gloves when handling raw beets to protect your hands.
Cover your cutting board with parchment paper. Use a plastic board that you can bleach afterward.
Wear an apron to protect your clothing. Avoid wooden utensils that might permanently stain.
If stains occur, act quickly! Sprinkle salt on countertops and cutting boards, then scrub with half a lemon before washing normally.
Rub your hands with lemon juice or a paste of baking soda and water, then wash with soap.
Treat stubborn stains on fabrics with a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and cold water before laundering.
