15 Beet Recipes to Brighten Up Your Meals
Beets are vibrant and nutritious root vegetables that can brighten up any dish. From salads to soups and even desserts, you can enjoy beets in many ways. Their unique flavor and beautiful color make them a favorite in many cuisines around the world.
In this article, you’ll discover some delicious beet recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, these recipes will inspire you to incorporate this healthy vegetable into your meals. Get ready to enjoy the wonderful world of beets!
1) Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted beet and goat cheese salad is a delicious way to enjoy beets. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy goat cheese. This salad is colorful and perfect for any meal.
To make this salad, start by roasting the beets. Wrap each beet in foil with olive oil and seasonings. Bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes, or until tender.
Once the beets are cool, peel and slice them. Then, combine them with crumbled goat cheese and some fresh greens. Finally, drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- Fresh beets
- Olive oil
- Goat cheese
- Mixed greens
- Salt and pepper
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap beets in foil with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes.
- Let cool, then peel and slice the beets.
- Assemble salad with greens, beets, and goat cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve.
2) Beetroot Hummus
Beetroot hummus is a delicious twist on the classic dip. It’s bright, colorful, and packed with flavor. The natural sweetness of beets makes it a unique choice for any snack or appetizer.
To make this hummus, you need a few simple ingredients. Combine roasted beets, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Then, blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy.
Serve your beetroot hummus with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or use it as a spread on sandwiches. It adds a vibrant color and taste to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium roasted beet
- 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Roast the beet at 400°F (200°C) until tender, about 45 minutes.
- Let it cool, then peel and chop the beet.
- In a food processor, combine the beet, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
- Blend until smooth. Add olive oil if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve fresh.
3) Classic Borscht
Classic borscht is a delicious beet soup that offers a unique blend of flavors. It is bright red in color and is often served warm. You can enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for added richness.
To make this soup, start with fresh beets. They give borscht its signature taste and vibrant color. You can also add ingredients like carrots and onions for sweetness and depth.
Typically, you’ll cook the beets in beef or vegetable broth. The result is a hearty and comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Peel and shred the beets.
- In a pot, combine beets, carrots, and onions.
- Add broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm with sour cream.
4) Beet and Quinoa Salad
This Beet and Quinoa Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish. It combines sweet roasted beets with protein-rich quinoa to create a satisfying meal. You can enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish.
To make this salad, start by roasting some beets until they are tender. While the beets cool, cook your quinoa according to package instructions. Once everything is ready, combine the ingredients in a bowl.
You can add some crumbled goat cheese for extra creaminess. For a bit of zest, toss in some mandarin oranges or nuts for crunch. This salad is delicious warm or cold!
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup mandarin oranges (optional)
- 1/4 cup nuts (optional)
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel and cut the beets into wedges.
- Toss the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the beets for about 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, combine beets, quinoa, and cheese.
- Add mandarin oranges and nuts if desired.
- Serve warm or cold.
5) Chocolate Beet Cake
Chocolate beet cake is a delicious and unique dessert. The beets add moisture and a subtle sweetness, making the cake rich and flavorful. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
To start, you will need to prepare grated beets. They should be raw and about two medium-sized beets will do. Mixing the beets with eggs, melted butter, and sugar gives a smooth batter.
Bake your cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, which takes about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated peeled uncooked beets (about 2 medium)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups butter, melted
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Cocoa powder and flour for dusting the pans
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Prepare your baking pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment.
- Mix the grated beets, eggs, melted butter, and sugar until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6) Beet Carpaccio with Feta
Beet Carpaccio with feta is a fresh and colorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The beets are usually roasted until tender, then sliced thinly for a delicate presentation.
You can add creamy feta cheese for a tangy flavor. This will balance the earthiness of the beets nicely. Fresh herbs like mint can enhance the taste and add a pop of color.
The dish is simple to prepare and looks impressive. It can be served as an appetizer or a side salad.
Ingredients
- 2 large beets
- 100g feta cheese
- Fresh mint leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Wrap each beet in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes.
- Let the beets cool before peeling and slicing them thinly.
- Arrange the beet slices on a plate.
- Crumble feta cheese on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and mint.
7) Pickled Beets
Pickled beets are a delicious way to enjoy this healthy vegetable. They add a tangy flavor to salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Making them at home is simple and rewarding.
To start, you will need fresh beets. Wash them and boil in water until they are tender, usually about 30-40 minutes. Once cooked, peel the skins off and slice the beets.
Next, prepare a pickling brine using vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat the brine until the sugar dissolves. Then, pack the sliced beets into jars, leaving some space at the top. Finally, pour the hot brine over the beets.
Seal the jars and let them cool. Store them in the refrigerator for a tasty treat that can last for weeks.
Ingredients:
- Fresh beets
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Water
Cooking Instructions:
- Wash the beets and boil them for 30-40 minutes.
- Peel and slice the beets.
- Prepare the brine with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Fill jars with sliced beets.
- Pour hot brine over the beets.
- Seal jars and cool before refrigerating.
8) Beet and Orange Salad
This Beet and Orange Salad is a refreshing dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors. You will need roasted beets, fresh oranges, and a mix of greens like arugula.
Start by peeling and slicing the beets. If you want, you can roast them at 400°F (200°C) until they are tender. Segment the oranges, removing the peel and pith.
In a bowl, toss your greens with the beet slices and orange segments. For added taste, sprinkle some goat cheese or feta on top. Finally, drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil and vinegar.
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets
- 2 oranges
- 4 cups arugula
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
Cooking Instructions
- Roast beets at 400°F (200°C) until tender, then cool and slice.
- Peel and segment the oranges.
- Combine greens, beet slices, and orange segments in a bowl.
- Add crumbled cheese on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar before serving.
9) Beet Smoothie
A beet smoothie is a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of beets. They are packed with nutrients and can make your drink vibrant in color. You can easily blend beets with fruits and other ingredients for a tasty treat.
Try combining cooked beets with banana and berries for a sweet flavor. Adding yogurt or nut milk gives your smoothie a creamy texture. Don’t forget to include some ice for a refreshing chill.
This smoothie is not just tasty; it can also help lower blood pressure. Plus, it’s a fun way to add more vegetables to your diet.
Ingredients
- 1 small cooked beet
- 1 banana
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup yogurt or nut milk
Cooking Instructions
10) Beet Chips
Beet chips are a tasty snack that you can make at home. They are crispy, healthy, and perfect for munching. You can enjoy them plain or add your favorite seasonings.
To start, wash and peel some beets. Then, slice them very thinly to get that perfect crunch. A mandoline slicer can help you with this step.
You will need to bake them at 350°F (175°C). Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle some salt on the slices before baking. Spread them out on a lined baking sheet.
Bake until they are crispy, about 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Ingredients
- 4 large beets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and peel the beets.
- Slice the beets thinly.
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt on the beets.
- Spread them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until crispy.
11) Beet Pasta
Making beet pasta is a fun and colorful way to enjoy this root vegetable. You can create a vibrant pink pasta that looks amazing on your plate.
Start by cooking beets until they are tender. Once cooled, purée them to mix into your pasta dough. This adds a unique flavor and a beautiful hue.
You can pair beet pasta with light sauces like lemon and olive oil. Adding goat cheese and arugula gives it a fresh taste. Toasted nuts can add a nice crunch too.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cooked and puréed beets
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Create a well in the center and add the puréed beets, eggs, and olive oil.
- Combine ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water (212°F/100°C) for 3-4 minutes.
12) Beetroot and Avocado Toast
This beetroot and avocado toast is a tasty and colorful way to enjoy your breakfast or snack. The sweetness of beets pairs perfectly with creamy avocado. It looks great on your plate and is easy to make.
Start by boiling or roasting your beets until they are soft. Let them cool, then slice or cube them. While the beets cool, mash avocado with a bit of lemon juice and salt.
Toast your favorite bread. Spread the mashed avocado on the toast and top it with the beets. You can add extra toppings like grated carrots or a poached egg for more flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium beetroot
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 slices of bread
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Boil or roast the beetroot until soft (about 15 minutes boiling or 40-50 minutes at 350°F/180°C).
- Let the beetroot cool, then slice.
- Mash the avocado with lemon juice and salt.
- Toast the bread.
- Spread avocado on toast and top with beet slices. Enjoy!
13) Beet Risotto
Beet risotto is a colorful and creamy dish that’s perfect for any meal. The sweetness of the beets adds a unique flavor to the creamy rice. You can serve it as a main dish or a delightful side.
To make this risotto, you start by sautéing shallots and garlic for a tasty base. Then, add the beets and Arborio rice, stirring them together. Gradually add broth while stirring until the rice is tender.
Top your beet risotto with fresh cheese like ricotta for extra creaminess. Drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that looks great on any plate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups cooked beets, diced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in the beets and Arborio rice.
- Gradually add warm vegetable broth, one cup at a time.
- Stir frequently until rice is creamy and cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve topped with ricotta cheese.
14) Warm Beet and Lentil Salad
This warm beet and lentil salad is a delicious way to enjoy healthy ingredients. The earthy flavors of beets pair well with tender lentils. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
To start, roast your beets until they are tender. You can wrap them in aluminum foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes. Once they cool, peel and cube them.
Next, cook the lentils in boiling water for 25-30 minutes until they are soft but not mushy. Then, combine the cooked lentils with the roasted beets.
Add your favorite seasonings, like olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also toss in some chopped herbs for extra flavor. Enjoy your salad warm or at room temperature!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked lentils
- 2 medium beets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap the beets in foil and roast for 45 minutes.
- Boil lentils in water for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Peel and cube the roasted beets.
- Combine lentils and beets in a bowl.
- Add olive oil, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
15) Beet Poke Bowl
A Beet Poke Bowl is a fun and colorful dish that celebrates the earthy flavor of beets. You can customize it with your favorite toppings. It’s perfect for a healthy meal or lunch.
Start by cooking the beets. You can boil or roast them to achieve a tender texture. Mixing them with a flavorful marinade adds a nice depth to the dish.
Use ingredients like rice, fresh vegetables, and your choice of sauces. Consider adding avocado or sesame seeds for extra taste and crunch.
This bowl is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy beets while experimenting with different flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup scallions, chopped
- Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Boil the beets for 10-20 minutes or roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes.
- Once the beets are cooked, let them cool and slice them into cubes.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and any other seasonings.
- Mix the warm beet cubes in the marinade.
- Assemble your bowl by adding rice, beets, avocado, cucumbers, and scallions.
- Top with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!