Beets are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that can add color and flavor to many dishes. From soups to salads to main courses, there are countless ways to prepare and enjoy beets in your cooking. Whether you’re a beet lover or just starting to explore this earthy vegetable, trying new recipes can help you appreciate its unique taste and health benefits.

You’ll find 15 tasty beet recipes in this article to inspire your next meal. These recipes showcase different cooking methods and flavor combinations to help you make the most of fresh beets. You’ll discover ideas for roasted beets, raw beet salads, beet soups, and even beet-based desserts. Get ready to add some vibrant color and nutrients to your plate with these creative beet dishes.

1. Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Beet salad with goat cheese is a tasty and colorful dish. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by roasting fresh beets until they’re tender. Let them cool, then peel and slice them.

Mix the beets with fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach. Add crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts for extra flavor and crunch.

For the dressing, try a honey-dijon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing. Drizzle it over your salad just before serving.

This salad works great as a starter or light meal. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

2. Roasted Beet Hummus

Roasted beet hummus adds a vibrant twist to classic hummus. You start by roasting a small beet in the oven until it’s tender. Let it cool, then peel and chop it.

In a food processor, blend the beet with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. Slowly add olive oil while blending to get a smooth texture. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

If the hummus is too thick, add a bit of water. The result is a bright red dip that’s both tasty and eye-catching. Serve it with pita chips or fresh veggies for a colorful snack or appetizer.

3. Beet and Orange Salad

Beet and orange salad is a tasty and colorful dish. You can make it easily with just a few ingredients.

Start by roasting or boiling beets until they’re tender. Peel and slice them into small chunks.

Peel and section oranges, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Mix the beets and oranges in a bowl.

Add some greens like arugula for extra flavor and nutrition. Crumble feta cheese on top for a tangy kick.

Finish with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle some chopped walnuts for crunch.

This salad is great served cold or at room temperature. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.

4. Beet Risotto

Beet risotto adds a vibrant pink color and earthy flavor to the classic Italian rice dish. You’ll need arborio rice, beets, shallots, garlic, white wine, and broth.

Start by roasting diced beets in the oven. In a pot, sauté shallots and garlic, then add the rice. Pour in wine and cook until absorbed. Gradually add hot broth and beet puree, stirring frequently.

The risotto is done when the rice is creamy but still has a slight bite. Finish with butter and grated cheese for extra richness. Top with roasted beet cubes and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

This colorful dish makes a stunning vegetarian main course or side dish. The deep red hue is sure to impress your dinner guests.

5. Beetroot Pasta

Beetroot pasta is a vibrant and nutritious dish that adds a pop of color to your plate. You can make it by blending cooked beets into a smooth sauce or incorporating beet puree into pasta dough.

For a quick version, cook your favorite pasta and toss it with a creamy beet sauce. Blend cooked beets with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Heat the sauce gently and add it to your drained pasta.

To make beetroot pasta dough, mix beet puree with flour and eggs. Roll out the dough and cut it into your desired pasta shape. Cook the pink pasta in boiling water for a few minutes until al dente.

Serve your beetroot pasta with crumbled feta cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

6. Beet Smoothie

Beet smoothies are a tasty way to add more vegetables to your diet. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by washing and chopping a raw beet. Add it to your blender with some fruit like banana or apple for sweetness. Frozen pineapple or berries work well too.

Pour in some water or your favorite milk. For extra nutrition, try adding spinach or kale. Blend everything until smooth.

If you want a colder drink, toss in a few ice cubes before blending. Your smoothie will be ready in minutes, packed with vitamins and a beautiful pink color.

7. Beetroot Chips

Beetroot chips are a tasty and healthy snack you can make at home. To prepare them, slice beets very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline.

You can bake or dehydrate the chips. For baked chips, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Toss the beet slices with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to release moisture.

Pat the slices dry and arrange them on baking sheets. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and add seasonings like rosemary or pepper. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For dehydrated chips, marinate the slices in water, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Then arrange them on dehydrator trays and sprinkle with salt.

8. Beet Bread

Beet bread is a unique and colorful twist on traditional bread. It uses pureed beets to add moisture, natural sweetness, and a beautiful pink hue to the loaf.

To make beet bread, you’ll mix pureed beets with flour, yeast, and other ingredients. The dough will have a vibrant pink color that mellows slightly during baking.

Beet bread has a mildly sweet flavor and soft texture. It works well for sandwiches or as a side for soups and salads. You can add nuts, seeds, or herbs to customize the flavor.

This bread is not only tasty but also nutritious. The beets add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your loaf. Try making beet bread for a fun baking project with impressive results.

9. Beetroot Soup

Beetroot soup is a vibrant and tasty dish you can make in about 20 minutes. To start, fry chopped onions in olive oil until lightly browned.

Add chopped beetroot and cook for a couple of minutes. Pour in beetroot juice, canned tomatoes, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

For extra flavor, you can include garlic and ginger. Some recipes suggest roasting the beets first for a deeper taste.

You can make the soup smooth by blending it, or leave it chunky. Add a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill on top for a finishing touch.

10. Beet and Feta Burgers

Beet and feta burgers are a tasty twist on traditional veggie patties. You’ll love the vibrant color and earthy flavor of these unique burgers.

To make them, grate beets and mix with eggs, oats, and feta cheese. Add some fresh basil, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Form the mixture into patties and fry them in a pan with oil.

These burgers are packed with nutrients from the beets and protein from the feta. They’re perfect for a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.

Serve your beet and feta burgers on buns with your favorite toppings. Try lettuce, tomato, and a tangy yogurt sauce to complement the flavors.

11. Beet Pickles

Beet pickles are a tasty way to preserve your beet harvest. To make them, start by cooking whole beets until tender. This usually takes 15-40 minutes, depending on size.

Once cooked, cool the beets and remove the skins. Cut them into slices or chunks as you prefer.

Next, make a pickling solution. Mix vinegar, water, sugar, and spices like cinnamon or cloves in a pot. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Pack your beets into clean jars. Pour the hot pickling liquid over them, leaving a small space at the top. Process the jars in a boiling water bath to seal them.

Your homemade beet pickles will keep for months and make a great addition to salads or sandwiches.

12. Beetroot Brownies

Beetroot brownies offer a unique twist on a classic dessert. You can make these treats by adding pureed beets to your brownie batter.

The beets add moisture and natural sweetness while boosting the nutritional value. They also give the brownies a rich, dark color.

To make beetroot brownies, mix cooked pureed beets with eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, and flour. Add some vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Bake the brownies until they’re set but still fudgy in the center. Let them cool before cutting into squares.

These brownies have a moist texture and deep chocolate taste. The beet flavor is subtle, so even picky eaters might enjoy them.

13. Beet Carpaccio

Beet carpaccio is a light and elegant dish that showcases the natural beauty of beets. To make it, you’ll need to roast whole beets in the oven until they’re tender.

Once cooled, peel the beets and slice them very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Arrange the slices on a plate in a single layer.

Drizzle the beets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra flavor.

For a creamy contrast, try topping your carpaccio with crumbled feta or goat cheese. A splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice adds a nice tangy finish to this simple yet impressive dish.

14. Beetroot Crisps

Beetroot crisps are a tasty and healthy snack you can easily make at home. They’re crispy, slightly sweet, and packed with nutrients.

To make them, thinly slice fresh beets using a mandoline or sharp knife. Toss the slices with a little olive oil and sea salt.

Arrange the beet slices in a single layer on baking sheets. Bake them in the oven at a low temperature until crisp. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

For extra flavor, try sprinkling the crisps with rosemary before baking. Once cooled, these vibrant chips make a great on-the-go snack or colorful garnish for salads and soups.

15. Beetroot Relish

Beetroot relish is a tasty way to use up extra beets. To make it, peel and grate raw beets. Mix them with diced onion, apple, and ginger in a pot.

Add sugar, salt, apple cider vinegar, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes. This cooks the beets and lets flavors combine.

Remove the lid and cook 10-15 minutes more to thicken the relish. The result is tangy and sweet. You can spread it on sandwiches or serve it with cheese.

For a roasted version, cube beets and toss with oil and spices. Roast until tender, about 35-40 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits of Beets

Beets pack a powerful nutritional punch. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your health in many ways.

Vitamins and Minerals

Beets are rich in folate, an important B vitamin. One cup of raw beets gives you about 20% of your daily folate needs. This vitamin helps make DNA and other genetic material.

Beets also contain manganese. This mineral supports bone health, wound healing, and metabolism. A cup of raw beets provides about 22% of your daily manganese needs.

You’ll find potassium in beets too. This mineral helps control blood pressure and supports heart health. Beets offer smaller amounts of vitamin C, iron, and magnesium as well.

Antioxidant Properties

Beets get their deep red color from compounds called betalains. These act as antioxidants in your body. Antioxidants fight harmful molecules that can damage cells.

The betalains in beets may help reduce inflammation. This could lower your risk of some diseases. Beets also contain other antioxidants like vitamin C and manganese.

These antioxidants work together to protect your cells from damage. They may help lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.

Health Benefits

The nutrients in beets can boost your health in several ways. The nitrates in beets may help lower blood pressure. This could reduce your risk of heart problems.

Beets might improve your exercise performance. The nitrates in beets can boost blood flow and oxygen use in your muscles. This may help you exercise longer.

The fiber in beets supports digestive health. It can help prevent constipation and feed good bacteria in your gut. Beets may also support brain health as you age, thanks to their nitrates and antioxidants.

Cooking Techniques for Beets

Beets can be prepared in several ways to bring out their earthy sweetness. Each method offers unique flavors and textures.

Roasting

Roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Wash the beets and trim off the leaves, leaving about an inch of stem.

Rub the beets with olive oil and wrap them in foil. Place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes, depending on size.

Check doneness by piercing with a fork. Let them cool, then peel off the skin. Roasted beets are great in salads or as a side dish.

Boiling

Boiling is a quick way to cook beets. Wash and trim the beets, leaving the skin on. Place them in a pot of salted water.

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes for small beets, 40-50 minutes for larger ones.

Test with a fork to check if they’re tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. The skins will slip off easily. Slice or dice as needed.

Grilling

Grilling adds a smoky flavor to beets. Clean and trim the beets. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Brush with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the beet slices directly on the grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.

You can also wrap whole beets in foil and grill for about 30 minutes. Turn them every 10 minutes. Let them cool before peeling and slicing.