Beets are one of nature’s most vibrant and versatile vegetables, and they’ve been cherished in vegetarian kitchens worldwide for centuries. These earthy, sweet roots offer a stunning pop of color and a wealth of nutrients that make any dish more exciting and wholesome.
Whether roasted, pickled, or blended into a creamy soup, beets add depth and sweetness to vegetarian meals without overwhelming other flavors. If you’re looking to add more plant-based goodness to your menu, beet recipes are a fantastic place to start.
In this post, we’re diving into a variety of vegetarian beet recipes that celebrate this humble root’s full potential. From hearty salads to comforting mains and even creative snacks, these dishes are easy to prepare and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Plus, I’ll share tips on selecting the best beets, how to prepare them, and ways to tweak each recipe to suit your taste buds. Ready to fall in love with beets all over again?
Let’s dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beets are a powerhouse of nutrition, bursting with antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins like folate and vitamin C. These recipes highlight beets’ natural sweetness and earthy flavor, making them the star of every plate.
They’re incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or pickled, fitting seamlessly into salads, soups, and even burgers.
What’s more, these vegetarian beet recipes are easy to customize for any season or occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing a special dinner, beets add color, texture, and nutrients without compromising on taste.
Plus, if you’re looking for dishes that impress guests while staying healthy, these beet recipes are guaranteed winners.
Ingredients
- Fresh beets (about 4 medium-sized)
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or thyme) – 2 tablespoons chopped
- Goat cheese or feta (optional) – ½ cup crumbled
- Walnuts or pecans – ½ cup toasted
- Honey or maple syrup – 1 tablespoon (optional for dressings)
- Vegetable broth – 2 cups (for beet soup)
- Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt – ½ cup (for beet dip)
- Beet greens – 1 cup, chopped (optional)
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large pot (for soup)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
Roasted Beet Salad
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets, leaving a bit of stem on for easier handling.
- Wrap each beet individually in foil or place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for about 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Peel the skin off using your hands or a paper towel—it should come off easily.
- Slice the beets into wedges or cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a simple dressing.
- Toss the beets with the dressing, chopped herbs, and toasted nuts.
- Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta if desired, and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Beet and Vegetable Soup
- Chop 2 medium beets and 1 cup of beet greens (if using).
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 1 diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic until translucent.
- Add the chopped beets, beet greens, and 2 cups vegetable broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the beets are tender.
- Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with a dollop of yogurt and fresh herbs.
Beet & Yogurt Dip
- Roast or boil 2 medium beets until tender, then peel and chop roughly.
- In a food processor, blend the beets with ½ cup Greek or plant-based yogurt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve chilled with fresh pita bread, crackers, or raw vegetables.
Tips & Variations
“Always wear gloves when handling beets to avoid staining your hands.”
Beets can stain cutting boards and clothing, so taking precautions is wise. When roasting, experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.
You can also swap nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you have allergies.
Try mixing roasted beets with grains like quinoa or farro to make a hearty salad. For a sweet twist, drizzle with balsamic glaze or add segments of orange for brightness.
If you love spicy flavors, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika works beautifully.
If you want to explore more vegetarian recipes with a unique twist, check out the Magic Dough Recipe or the refreshing Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Roasted Beet Salad) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fiber | 5g |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 10g |
Vitamin C | 8mg (13% DV) |
Folate | 80mcg (20% DV) |
Iron | 1.2mg (7% DV) |
These values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. Beets are naturally low in calories and fat while providing a rich source of dietary fiber and essential nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
The roasted beet salad pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or as a side dish to a cozy vegetarian stew. The beet soup is perfect as a starter on chilly evenings or alongside a crisp green salad for a light lunch.
The beet and yogurt dip makes a fantastic appetizer at parties or a healthy snack option. You can also spread it on sandwiches or wraps for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
For a complete meal, consider pairing your beet dishes with hearty vegetarian mains like the Lump Of Coal Recipe or the Marzipan Challah Recipe for a sweet contrast.
Conclusion
Beets bring a wonderful combination of color, flavor, and nutrition to any vegetarian meal. Their versatility means you can enjoy them in salads, soups, dips, and beyond, making your plant-based cooking more exciting and delicious.
These beet recipes are easy to prepare and customizable, so they suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
Whether you’re a longtime beet lover or just starting to incorporate this vegetable into your diet, these recipes will inspire you to appreciate beets in new and delightful ways. Remember, cooking with beets is not only good for your health but also a feast for the eyes and palate.
Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite beet-based creations!
📖 Recipe Card: Beet Recipes Vegetarian Times
Description: A vibrant and nutritious vegetarian beet salad perfect for any meal. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of beets with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss diced beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread beets on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice and honey to make dressing.
- Combine roasted beets, parsley, walnuts, and salad greens in a bowl.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 20 g
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