5 Delicious Beet Salad Recipes You'll Love

Beets are not only a colorful addition to your plate but also offer numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, heart health, and even stamina. However, if you're thinking of beets, you might not immediately consider their potential in salads. Here are five beet salad recipes that will make you rethink this versatile root vegetable. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or just want something fresh for your lunch, these recipes are perfect for any beet enthusiast or salad lover.

Classic Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, roasted or boiled
• 100g goat cheese, crumbled
• 4 cups mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Beets: Roast or boil the beets until tender. Once cooled, peel and slice them into thin wedges.
2. Dress the Greens: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble Salad: Arrange the greens on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with sliced beets, crumbled goat cheese, and walnuts.
4. Drizzle: Optionally, drizzle with more balsamic vinegar or a balsamic reduction for an extra kick.

🔔 Note: For a richer flavor, roast beets instead of boiling them, and always let them cool before handling to avoid burns.

Beetroot, Orange, and Feta Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beets, cooked and sliced
• 2 oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 100g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Handful of fresh mint leaves
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, layer the sliced beets, orange rounds, and red onion. Crumble feta over the top.
2. Dressing: Whisk together orange juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this over the salad.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Citrusy Beet and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beets, roasted and diced
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 small grapefruit, peeled and segmented
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Quinoa: Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Let cool.
2. Mix Components: In a bowl, combine beets, quinoa, grapefruit segments, avocado, green onions, and parsley.
3. Dressing: Drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

Spicy Beet Slaw

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, peeled and julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 apple, julienned (use a firm variety like Granny Smith)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions:

1. Create Dressing: Mix apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, cumin, salt, and pepper flakes in a small bowl.
2. Assemble Slaw: Combine julienned beets, carrot, and apple in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
3. Chill: Let the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for flavors to meld.

🍏 Note: Using a mandolin slicer for julienning will save time and ensure uniformity in your slaw.

Beet Salad with Creamy Horseradish Dressing

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dressing: Mix sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
2. Layer Salad: Arrange the sliced beets on a platter. Drizzle or dollop the dressing over them.
3. Finish: Sprinkle with fresh dill to garnish.

The incorporation of beets into salads not only introduces a vibrant visual appeal but also brings a unique, earthy flavor that can enhance any dish. These recipes exemplify how versatile beets are, fitting well with both savory and sweet components, adding nutrients and variety to your meals. The next time you're at the market, grab some beets and give these salad recipes a try. Your taste buds, as well as your health, will thank you.

Can beets be eaten raw in salads?

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Yes, beets can be eaten raw, and many people enjoy them in their natural state for added crunch and flavor. Simply wash, peel, and grate or slice them thinly for your salad.

Are beets good for you?

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Definitely! Beets are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which are all beneficial for maintaining health, boosting stamina, reducing inflammation, and improving cardiovascular health.

How do you store beets?

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Uncooked beets should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container with humidity control for up to 3 weeks. Cooked beets can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for several months.