5 Beet Salad Recipes to Refresh Your Summer Meals

As the sun makes its long-awaited appearance and warmth fills the air, there's nothing quite like the refreshing touch of a crisp beet salad to rejuvenate your palate. Beets, with their vibrant colors and versatile flavors, have become a summer staple, and we've curated a collection of five delectable beet salad recipes to add a splash of color and nutrition to your summer meals.

1. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Start with roasting beets, which concentrates their natural sugars, making them sweeter and more flavorful. This recipe pairs perfectly roasted beets with tangy goat cheese for a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 medium beets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 6 cups mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss beets with oil, salt, and pepper, then wrap in foil and roast for about 1 hour or until tender.
  3. Peel and slice once cooled.
  4. Whisk balsamic vinegar with oil to make a vinaigrette.
  5. Toss greens with the vinaigrette, top with beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.

🍽 Note: Roasting beets can be done ahead of time; they keep well in the fridge for up to a week.

2. Beet and Orange Salad

This vibrant salad combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the citrusy burst of oranges. It’s like summer in a bowl!

• Ingredients:
  • 2 medium beets, boiled or roasted
  • 2 oranges, segmented
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper
• Directions:
  1. Slice the beets into thin rounds.
  2. Arrange the beet slices and orange segments on a plate.
  3. Layer onion slices and mint leaves on top.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  5. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.

3. Mediterranean Beet Salad

Imagine the flavors of the Mediterranean coast right on your plate. This salad captures the essence of the region with its fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 beets, steamed or boiled
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• Directions:
  1. Dice the beets into small cubes.
  2. In a bowl, mix beets, olives, feta, and parsley.
  3. Prepare the dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine the salad with the dressing and toss gently.

4. Honey-Lime Beet and Quinoa Salad

Enhance your beet experience by combining them with quinoa, making this salad a protein-rich delight. The honey-lime dressing adds a sweet and tangy twist.

• Directions:
  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let cool.
  2. Slice beets into thin wedges or cubes.
  3. Prepare the dressing by mixing honey, lime juice, and olive oil.
  4. Toss quinoa, beets, and mint with the dressing.

5. Raw Beet and Apple Salad

Opt for the vibrant freshness of raw beets paired with apples for a crunchy, sweet salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 medium raw beets
  • 2 green apples
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp walnut oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese (optional)
  • Salt
• Directions:
  1. Peel and grate beets.
  2. Core and thinly slice apples.
  3. Toss beets and apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. Whisk together walnut oil, vinegar, and salt for the dressing.
  5. Combine all ingredients, top with walnuts, and optional goat cheese.

Each of these beet salad recipes is a celebration of summer, bringing a different twist to the humble beet. They are not only eye-catching but also incredibly nutritious, providing a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Summer meals can get monotonous, but with these vibrant salads, you're ensuring that your table remains as colorful as the season itself.

As we wrap up our journey through these delightful beet salad variations, remember that the key to a great salad is balancing flavors and textures. From the creamy richness of goat cheese to the zesty citrus in the Orange and Beet Salad, each dish offers something unique. Whether you're looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet or just want to enjoy the flavors of summer, these recipes are your go-to for fresh, healthy, and delightful meals.

How do I choose the best beets for salads?

+

Choose firm, smooth beets with bright, leafy tops. The greens should be vibrant, indicating freshness. Smaller beets are often sweeter and have a more tender texture.

Can I use canned beets for these salads?

+

Absolutely, though fresh beets give a more vibrant color and texture. If using canned, drain them well and consider rinsing to remove excess salt or preservatives.

How can I make beet salad ahead of time?

+

You can roast or boil beets in advance, store them in the fridge, and assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh. The same goes for quinoa or any other cooked elements.

Are beet salads good for health?

+

Beets are rich in nutrients like folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. They are great for detoxification, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

+

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta, blue cheese, or even a creamy, tangy avocado. For a vegan alternative, try nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute.