Beetroot is a vibrant, nutrient-packed vegetable that deserves a starring role in your kitchen, especially if you love vegetarian cooking. Its earthy sweetness and stunning deep red color make it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes, from hearty salads to warming soups and even delightful baked goods.
Whether you’re a longtime beetroot fan or just starting to explore its potential, these vegetarian beetroot recipes will inspire you to incorporate this superfood into your meals more often.
In this post, you’ll discover multiple ways to enjoy beetroot’s rich flavor and health benefits. From a refreshing beetroot and goat cheese salad to a comforting beetroot risotto and even a unique beetroot hummus, these recipes are easy to follow and perfect for any occasion.
Plus, each recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, making them ideal for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beetroot recipes are not only colorful and delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Beets are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support heart health and boost energy.
These vegetarian recipes showcase the versatility of beetroot in various textures and flavor profiles, from creamy to crunchy and sweet to savory.
You’ll appreciate how easy these dishes are to prepare, requiring simple ingredients and common kitchen tools. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or entertaining guests, beetroot’s vibrant hue adds a wow factor to your plate.
Plus, these recipes cater to vegetarians and those seeking wholesome, plant-based options, making them a perfect addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- Fresh beetroot (medium-sized, about 3-4 beets)
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
- Garlic cloves (2, minced)
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or thyme, chopped, 2 tablespoons)
- Goat cheese or feta (optional, 100g)
- Walnuts or pecans (chopped, 1/4 cup)
- Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon, optional for dressings)
- Cooked quinoa or rice (1 cup, optional for salad base)
- Vegetable broth (2 cups, for soup or risotto)
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
- Carrots (1 medium, diced, optional)
- Chickpeas (1 can, drained and rinsed, for hummus)
- Tahini (2 tablespoons, for hummus)
- Cumin powder (1 teaspoon)
- Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt (2 tablespoons, optional for dip or dressing)
Equipment
- Peeler – for peeling the beets
- Sharp knife – for chopping and dicing
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowls
- Baking tray – for roasting beets
- Blender or food processor – for making beetroot hummus
- Medium saucepan – for cooking risotto or soup
- Wooden spoon – for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad spinner (optional) – for washing herbs and greens
Instructions
Roasted Beetroot Salad with Goat Cheese
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and chop the beets into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss the beet cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking tray.
- Roast the beets for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the beets roast, prepare the dressing: whisk together lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Once the beets are cool enough to handle, transfer to a bowl and toss with the dressing, chopped fresh herbs, walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Serve over a bed of cooked quinoa or mixed greens for a complete meal.
Beetroot Risotto
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion (and carrots, if using) until translucent.
- Add 1 cup arborio rice and stir to coat grains with oil, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until liquid is absorbed before adding more.
- When the rice is halfway cooked (about 15 minutes), stir in 1 cup grated or finely diced cooked beetroot.
- Continue cooking and stirring until rice is creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes total.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a little black pepper. Serve warm.
Beetroot Hummus
- In a food processor, combine 1 cup cooked beetroot (roasted or boiled), 1 can drained chickpeas, 2 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, and salt to taste.
- Blend until smooth, adding water or olive oil as needed for desired consistency.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with chopped parsley or toasted pine nuts.
- Serve with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or use as a sandwich spread.
Tips & Variations
To avoid beet stains on your hands, wear gloves while peeling and chopping.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as mint, basil, or rosemary to complement the beet’s earthiness. Adding citrus zest to dressings can boost freshness.
For a vegan version of the roasted beet salad, skip the goat cheese and add toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch and protein.
If you want to save time, cook beets in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to speed up softening before using in any recipe.
For a warm and cozy meal, try the beetroot risotto with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Discover more vibrant vegetable recipes like those in our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals collection or explore sweet treats in the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Roasted Beet Salad) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Fiber | 7 g |
Vitamin C | 8% DV |
Folate | 30% DV |
Iron | 6% DV |
Beetroot is rich in antioxidants and naturally low in calories, making these dishes nourishing and satisfying without being heavy.
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian beetroot dishes pair beautifully with crisp, fresh salads or warm crusty bread. For the hummus, serve alongside colorful vegetable sticks such as carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers for a healthy snack or appetizer.
The roasted beetroot salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish to grilled vegetables or meat substitutes. It also works well as a topping for rice bowls or grain salads.
The beetroot risotto makes a wonderful main course for cozy dinners. Pair it with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine to elevate the experience.
For more creamy and luscious sauces to accompany your pasta or vegetable dishes, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or explore hearty and healthy options in the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Conclusion
Vegetarian beetroot recipes offer a delightful fusion of flavor, color, and nutrition that can brighten up any meal. From roasting to blending and simmering, beets can be transformed into diverse dishes that please the palate and nourish the body.
These recipes are approachable for cooks of all skill levels, making beetroot an accessible ingredient for everyday cooking or special occasions.
Incorporating beetroot into your vegetarian meals is a wonderful way to enjoy its health benefits while adding a splash of natural vibrancy to your plate. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different textures and combinations — you might just discover a new favorite!
For more delicious vegetarian inspiration, explore our other recipes like Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.
📖 Recipe Card: Roasted Beetroot Salad with Goat Cheese
Description: A vibrant and healthy vegetarian beetroot salad featuring roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beetroots, washed and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 100g goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Wrap beetroots in aluminum foil and roast for 35-40 minutes until tender.
- Allow beets to cool, then peel and slice into wedges.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
- Toss salad greens with dressing.
- Arrange beet slices on a serving plate, top with salad greens, goat cheese, and walnuts.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 18 g
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