Not sure what to make with beets? If you have a hard time thinking past a basic salad or a bowl of borscht, here are my 17 incredible beet recipes for you to enjoy this vibrant root vegetable. This collection truly has something for everyone! I have also included my foolproof methods on how to roast, boil and pressure cook them to perfection.
As an Eastern European, I simply cannot imagine my life without beets. I love their earthy, sweet taste and their color is the brightest of all among vegetables. I grew up eating beetroots every single week. In Eastern European, beets are a staple vegetable. We grew them in the summer, and they would last the whole winter in underground cellars. In Ukraine, even our sugar is made from sugar beets. It is incredibly sweet and it actually took a moment to get used to American sugar when I move here. We also pickle them in barrels and make special kvas drink with beets.
You may have landed on this post because you already love beets and are looking for new inspiration, or maybe you have never tried them, or don't even like them much but want to give them another chance with a brand-new recipe. I have something for everyone, from unique salads, main dished and soups to dips, pancakes and waffles.
17 Incredible Beet Recipes
Eastern European beet recipes
This authentic Ukrainian borscht is the heart of Eastern European beet cooking. This recipes is made without meat, but it is packed with potatoes, carrots, cabbage, beets. It develops even more flavor the next day. Serve it hot with a generous dollop of sour cream and fresh chopped dill.
Unlike its hearty Ukrainian cousin, classic Polish Barszcz is a beautifully clear, ruby-red strained broth. It has a deep beet flavor with a touch of mushrooms and acidity coming from kvas or vinegar. This beet soup is traditionally served on special occasions alongside mushroom-filled dumplings called uszka.
3. Shuba salad (or herring under a fur coat)
Shuba is a layered, festive salad made with layers of salted herring, cooked shredded carrots, potatoes, all blanked beneath the layer of bright shredded cooked beets. It is a traditional Eastern-European salad often served during holidays. A prefect balance of sweet, salty, and rich textures.
4. Vinegret (classic beet and potato salad)
Vinegret is a salad that brings me memories of family gatherings. It is made with diced boiled beets, carrots, potatoes, pickles or sauerkraut and peas, all tossed in a flavorful sunflower oil.
Vibrant beet salads and simple side dishes
5. Beetroot goat cheese arugula salad
Earthy, roasted beets are tossed with peppery baby arugula, tart dried cranberries, nuts and tangy goat cheese.
6. Valentine's day Beetroot goat cheese salad (with nuts and beet hearts)
Perfect salad for your romantic dinner. It is made with arugula, nuts, goat cheese and cooked beets cut into hearts, all tossed in a bright orange honey dressing.
Cooked beets are cubed and marinated in a flavorful dressing made of vinegar, oil, minced onions, and a touch of caraway or cloves. It is incredibly refreshing, slightly sweet, and pairs wonderfully with savory roasted meats.
If you have never tried fresh beets, this salad is the perfect one to try. Grated raw beets, carrots tossed in a tangy honey olive oil dressing.
If you find red beets a bit too intense, roasted golden beets are the perfect alternative. They have a milder, distinctly sweet flavor profile with far less earthiness. Tossing them in olive oil and roasting them at a high heat caramelizes their edges beautifully, making them a perfect side dish for your dinner.
Cold beets dips and appetizers
Classic Mediterranean dip but with added beets. Roasted beets, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, are blended into get a silky beetroot hummus.
These quick pickled beets are easily made right in your refrigerator. Cooked beet pieces are steeped in a simple brine of vinegar, oil, water, sugar, and cloves. In just a few hours, you have a crunchy, sweet-and-sour condiment that instantly brightens up sandwiches, burgers, or charcuterie boards.
Inspired by traditional Aegean meze, this gorgeous Turkish beet dip combines finely grated roasted beets with thick, creamy yogurt, garlic, and olive oil. We like to pair this velvety, refreshing dip with grilled meats or flatbreads.
Unexpected main dishes and breakfast
Beautiful, creamy and delicious pasta sauce with cooked beets. Blending cooked beets with garlic, herbs, cream a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It's as delicious and comforting as it is beautiful. I like to sprinkle it with toasted walnuts for serving.
This bright dish features creamy Arborio rice slowly simmered in a savory chicken or vegetable broth, which is then beautifully transformed by a vibrant, smooth homemade beet puree. What truly elevates this recipe is the addition of rich, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, sharp grated Parmesan, and butter melted into the warm rice right at the end.
15. Beetroot patties (great for making burgers)
These hearty beetroot patties are a fantastic option for a satisfying meatless meal. Serve them on toasted buns with all your favorite toppings for a flavorful, colorful veggie burger.
Brighten up your morning routine with a stack of fluffy, naturally pink beetroot pancakes! These are made with oats and no eggs.
Try this beetroot waffles for your next brunch or breakfast. The waffle batter comes together in seconds by using the blender. Top them with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to cook beets
Now, if you have decided which recipes to try first, you may wonder how to cook the beets, since a lot of the recipes above call for precooked beets. Depending on the recipe you are making, your schedule, or how you like them, you can roast, boil, pressure-cook, or even microwave whole beets. Here is how to choose the best method for your dish:
- Boil them on the stove (45-60 minutes): This is the best method if you are making pancakes, waffles or pasta sauces. Boiling keeps beets highly hydrated, making them incredibly easy to puree into a silky, smooth texture that blends well into batters, sauces.
- Roast them in the oven (45-60 minutes at 400F): This is ideal for appetizers. salads, or standalone side dishes. Roasting them concentrates their natural sugars through caramelization, giving them richer, sweeter taste and a firm texture that holds up well when diced or sliced.
- Pressure cook in the Instant Pot (15-25 minutes+pressure time): The time-saver method for soups, dips, or quick meal prep. While total time might be as long as boiling or roasting, pressure cook does not require you checking if the beets over boil, need more water added to the pot or brown too quickly in the oven.
- Microwave (15-20 min): Best for quick, small-batch recipes or a last-minute salad additions. The beets essentially steam in the microwave for fast shortcut.
Pro tip: No matter which method you choose, always keep the skins on while cooking whole beets. The skins come off easily under cold water or just peel them with a knife.
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