Beets are one of nature’s most vibrant root vegetables, packed with nutrients and known for their earthy sweetness. Whether you roast them, boil them, or grate them raw into salads, beets bring a unique depth of flavor and a splash of color to any meal. But if you’re wondering “what do you eat beets with?” to enhance their flavor and create well-balanced dishes, you’ve come to the right place.
This article dives into everything you need to know about beet pairings, from savory sides and protein-based main courses to salads, dips, and even desserts. We’ll also cover health benefits, serving suggestions, and recipe ideas to help you get the most out of this versatile vegetable.
Why Beets Are a Nutritional Powerhouse
Before we explore what to eat with beets, it’s important to understand why they deserve a regular spot on your plate. Beets are naturally rich in nitrates, which can improve athletic performance and lower blood pressure. They also contain folate, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like betalains that help reduce inflammation and support liver health.
Their naturally sweet, earthy flavor might not appeal to everyone at first, but pairing them correctly can unlock their full potential.
Savory Pairings That Enhance Beets’ Natural Flavor
One of the most common questions people have is “what do you eat beets with” to make them more enjoyable. The earthiness of beets pairs beautifully with ingredients that balance acidity, creaminess, and contrasting textures. Here are some tried-and-true combinations:
Dairy: Adds Creaminess and Texture
Beets and cheese are a classic duo, especially tangy cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese. The creamy texture and sharp flavor of these cheeses cut through the sweetness of the beet, creating a well-balanced bite.
- Try roasted beets with crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Stir grated beets into a cheese dip or sour cream-based sauces
- Add slices of beet to a cheese board for a vibrant color contrast
Herbs and Spices: Amplify the Earthy Notes
Beets go well with herbs like thyme, rosemary, dill, and parsley. Spices like cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and smoked paprika further enhance their rooty earthiness and bring warmth to any dish.
Pro tip: For a globally inspired meal, season roasted beets with garam masala and top with fresh mint yogurt.
Greens: Great Flavor and Visual Appeal
Pairing beets with leafy greens is a smart move. Spinach, arugula, kale, and even Swiss chard provide a savory, sometimes peppery contrast to beets’ sweetness. This combination also creates a visually striking dish.
How to Use Greens with Beets:
- Toss baby greens with roasted beet cubes and a warm vinaigrette
- Add chopped beet greens to beet salads
- Create a veggie burger using beet and spinach mixture
Serving Beets with Proteins: Flavorful Combinations for Every Diet
If you’re pairing beets with a main dish protein, you’ll want to take into account the cooking style and flavor profile of the protein. Beets can complement a wide range of proteins, from beef to tofu.
Red Meats: A Rich Match Made in Heaven
Beets have traditionally been served alongside red meats in many European cuisines, especially with dishes like borscht. The deep, umami flavor of meats like beef or venison works well with beets’ sweetness.
| Protein | Pairing Idea |
|---|---|
| Grilled steak | Serve with a beet puree or mashed roasted beets and horseradish |
| Pork chops | Add a beet and apple slaw on the side |
| Lamb shank | Garnish with pickled beet slices for a tangy contrast |
Poultry: Light, Flavorful Combinations
Chicken and turkey also pair well with beets. Beet-based sauces or roasted beet slices can elevate a simple roasted bird into a gourmet dish.
Try a beet and citrus sauce for grilled chicken or layer roasted beet slices into a turkey burger. Beets add moisture and color without overpowering the poultry’s mild flavor.
Seafood: A Surprisingly Great Combo
Though uncommon in many Western cuisines, pairing beets with fish is a rising trend, especially in modern Nordic and Californian cuisine. The sweetness of beets complements the briny richness of salmon, tuna, and shellfish.
Suggested Pairings:
- Beet-cured gravlax or smoked salmon
- Beet-crusted baked cod
- Beet gazpacho served with grilled shrimp skewers
Plant-Based Proteins: Perfect for Vegan and Vegetarian Diets
For those eating vegetarian or vegan, beets pair beautifully with quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, and tofu. These proteins bring earthy, nutty flavors that harmonize with beets, making for hearty, nutrient-rich meals.
Try this combo: Beet and lentil stew with smoked paprika and coconut milk, served with brown rice.
Beet Salads: Light, Fresh, and Flavorful Meal Options
Since beets have a robust flavor and lovely texture, salads provide an ideal platform for pairing them with a wide variety of ingredients. A well-balanced beet salad can be a complete meal on its own.
Root Vegetable Medley Salad
Beets pair very well with other root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips. Roasting these veggies together and tossing with olive oil, herbs, and a lemon dressing creates a hearty salad base.
Beet and Citrus Salad
Citrus fruits such as oranges, blood oranges, and grapefruits can highlight the sweetness of beets with their acidity and brightness.
Sample Beet Salad with Citrus:
- Grate cooked beets and combine with chopped orange segments
- Mix with toasted walnuts and crumbled feta
- Dress with olive oil, orange zest, and honey
This salad is not only satisfying and colorful but also packed with vitamin C.
Grain-Based Beet Salads
Adding grains to beet salads enhances their texture and makes them more filling. Farro, barley, quinoa, and bulgur are all excellent choices.
Combine roasted beet cubes with toasted quinoa, baby arugula, and a tahini dressing for a nutrient-rich meal. The crunch of the quinoa complements the earthy softness of the beet.
Beets in Smoothies and Drinks: A Healthy Boost
Looking for a creative way to add beets to your diet? You might be surprised how well they work in smoothies and healthful beverages.
Beet Juice and Infusions
Fresh beet juice is a favorite among athletes and health enthusiasts due to its high nitrate content, which supports endurance and cardiovascular health. Combine beet juice with apple and carrot for a naturally sweet, vibrant blend.
You can even add beet to iced tea infusions for color — both visual and nutritional benefits!
Beet Smoothies: Naturally Sweet and Energizing
Beets blend seamlessly into smoothies, adding a subtle sweetness and an impressive nutrient punch. Try a simple beet smoothie recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted or raw beet | 1 medium | Betaines for liver support |
| Blueberries | 1 cup | Antioxidants |
| Greek yogurt | 1/2 cup | Protein and probiotics |
| Almond milk | 1 cup | Hydration and low calories |
| Honey or maple syrup | To taste | Natural sweetness |
Blended together, this smoothie makes a great pre-workout drink or nutritious breakfast addition.
Savory Beet Sides and Dips
Looking for ways to serve beets as a side dish or part of a communal appetizer spread? There are many flavorful dishes to choose from.
Roasted Beet Wedges
Much like roasted potatoes, sliced beet wedges can be roasted until golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Toss with olive oil, thyme, and a sprinkle of sea salt, then serve with a yogurt-based dip for a simple but striking appetizer.
Beet Hummus: A Colorful Twist on Tradition
Blending beet into classic hummus not only gives it a beautiful pink hue but also adds an extra layer of sweetness and nutrients.
To make beet hummus:
- Combine roasted beets, canned chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil in a blender
- Top with a drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of paprika before serving
This hummus pairs perfectly with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or crackers.
Beet and Walnut Spread
Popular in Eastern European cuisine, this tangy and rich spread is made of grated beets, walnuts, onions, and vinegar. It offers a bold umami flavor and is great on sandwiches or as a chilled side dish.
Pro tip: Serve it atop toasted baguette slices with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Beet-Infused Desserts: Sweet, Healthy, and Unique
If you’re wondering, “can you eat beets with dessert?” the answer is yes! Beets are often used in cakes, brownies, and even frostings to replace some of the oil or butter. They add moisture and a natural sweetness without compromising flavor.
Beet Brownies: Moisture and Richness Without the Guilt
Used in moderation, beets can make baked goods more moist and nutritious. Try a beet brownie recipe by pureeing one cooked beet and substituting it for half of the oil required. The beet flavor will not overpower the chocolate — in fact, it enhances it.
Beet-Infused Frosting
Looking for a naturally colored pink or red frosting? Beet juice is an excellent alternative to artificial food coloring. Simply blend cooked beets with a touch of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla or lime for a sweet frosting that’s visually stunning and healthy.
Beet, Apple, and Cinnamon Muffins
Combine grated beet and apple with cinnamon, oats, and honey to make a muffin that is both delicious and nutritious. These are perfect for a morning snack or an after-school treat for kids.
Wine and Beverage Pairings: What to Drink with Beets
Wondering what you can drink with beet dishes to complement their earthy, slightly sweet flavor? The rich taste and color of beets make them a great companion to wines and other beverages with depth and contrast.
Wine Pairings
Light to medium-bodied red wines such as Pinot Noir mirror the subtle sweetness and earthy tones of beets. If you prefer white wine, go for a full-bodied Chardonnay or an aromatic Gewürztraminer.
Beet-Wine Combos:
- Pinot Noir with roasted beet salad
- Gewürztraminer with warm beet soup
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
You can’t go wrong with herbal teas like ginger or hibiscus alongside beet dishes. For something fizzy, try homemade sparkling beet lemonade for a refreshing, vibrant drink.
Conclusion: Beets Are More Versatile Than You Think
So, what do you eat beets with? The answer is—almost anything! Beets’ bold color, earthy sweetness, and nutritional power make them a worthy addition to salads, main courses, dips, smoothies, and even desserts. Whether you’re a gourmet cook or a home chef looking to elevate your meals, beets offer countless opportunities to enhance both flavor and presentation.
From pairing with meats and cheeses to blending them into drinks and desserts, beets are a superfood that adapts well to a wide variety of cuisines and dietary preferences. Start experimenting with beets in your kitchen today and discover how this vibrant vegetable can turn even the simplest dishes into something extraordinary.
Remember, the secret to enjoying beets lies in balancing their sweetness and heartiness with complementary flavors. Whether you go bold with spices, tangy with vinegar, or creamy with cheese or yogurt, your beet-based meals will not only nourish you but also delight your senses.
Final Thoughts on Beet Pairings
No matter your dietary preferences—whether you’re an omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, paleo, or even gluten-free—beets can be a deliciously healthy ingredient in your meals. Learn how to pair them with other ingredients and you’ll unlock endless culinary possibilities that are as beneficial for your body as they are a feast for the eyes.
So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmer’s market, don’t overlook the humble beet. Take them home and start experimenting with the many pairings covered in this guide. The world of beets and flavor combinations awaits!
What are some classic food pairings that go well with beets?
Beets have an earthy sweetness that makes them a versatile ingredient, and they pair wonderfully with a range of foods. Classic pairings include goat cheese, arugula, walnuts, and citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits. The creaminess of goat cheese complements the natural sweetness of beets, while arugula adds a peppery contrast and walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Citrus tones down the earthiness and brightens the overall flavor.
Moreover, beets can enhance savory dishes when paired with proteins like beef, pork, or roasted chicken. Root vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes also harmonize well with beets in roasted vegetable medleys or hearty soups. Herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme can accentuate the flavor of beets, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, or allspice are often used to deepen their warmth in spiced beet dishes. These classic combinations help bring out the best in this vibrant root vegetable.
Can beets be eaten raw, and what are the best ways to incorporate them into meals?
Yes, beets can be eaten raw, and doing so preserves their vibrant color and crisp texture. To use raw beets in meals, simply grate them finely and add them to salads, slaws, or grain bowls for a nutrient boost and visual appeal. Raw beets can also be thinly sliced or julienned and pickled to create a tangy side dish or garnish.
If you prefer cooked beets, roasting, boiling, or steaming them can intensify their sweetness and soften their texture. Roasted beets are excellent in warm salads or as a standalone side dish, while boiled beets can easily be sliced or diced for beet-based dips or burgers. Pureed beets can be used in soups, smoothies, or even baked goods like brownies to add moisture and a beautiful color. Choosing how to prepare your beets depends on personal taste and the texture you’re aiming for in your dish.
Can beets be used in sweet recipes, and is beet juice a good sweetener alternative?
Beets are surprisingly versatile in sweet dishes due to their natural sugars. Grated or pureed cooked beets are commonly used in desserts such as beet brownies, muffins, and chocolate cakes, adding moisture and a rich color without overwhelming the flavor. They can also be used to make beet jam or even beet sorbet by blending them with fruit and freezing the mixture.
Beet juice is not typically used as a direct sweetener, but it can serve as a natural sweetener alternative in certain applications. Its mild sweetness works well in smoothies, fruit-based sauces, or as a sugar-free option to balance tart flavors. However, it lacks the concentrated sweetness and texture of traditional sweeteners like sugar or honey, making it more of a flavor enhancer than a flavor base. Combining beet juice with other sweeteners can result in a more balanced and health-conscious approach in desserts.
Are beet greens edible, and how can they be used in cooking?
Absolutely, beet greens are completely edible and packed with nutrients, often rivaling the nutritional value of the beet root itself. They can be cooked similarly to other leafy greens like spinach or kale and are delicious when sautéed, steamed, or added to soups and stews. For a simple preparation, sauté beet greens with olive oil and garlic until wilted, then season with salt and pepper for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Additionally, beet greens can be eaten raw in salads when young and tender, though they tend to be slightly bitter in that form. They also work well in green smoothies, contributing a strong nutrient profile with less of the bitterness found in some other greens. Pickling or fermenting beet greens can also be a tasty way to preserve them for later use. Making use of both the roots and the greens minimizes food waste and enhances meal planning.
How do beets pair with grains and legumes in plant-based meals?
Beets work exceptionally well with grains and legumes, making them a standout ingredient in plant-based meals. The hearty nature of beets complements grains like quinoa, farro, brown rice, and barley, providing a colorful and nutritious base for salads and bowls. Pairing roasted or diced beets with these grains creates a satisfying texture contrast, while the flavors meld beautifully when dressed with vinaigrettes or spice blends like za’atar or cumin.
Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and black beans also pair well with beets, combining to create nutrient-rich, plant-forward dishes. Beets can be added to lentil soups for a unique twist or blended into chickpea patties to enhance moisture and color. Beetroot hummus is another creative recipe that uses beets as a central component while maintaining the familiar flavors of legumes. Together, beets, grains, and legumes offer an impressive combination of taste, fiber, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
What are some global dishes where beets play a key role?
Beets have a long history in global cuisine and are prominent in many traditional dishes across Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Borscht, a famous Eastern European soup made with beets, is iconic for its deep red color and tangy flavor, often served with sour cream and dill. In Russia and Ukraine, shredded beets are commonly used in salads like vinegret, combined with potatoes, carrots, and pickles.
In the Middle East, beets are often served as part of mezze or roasted and blended into dips like hummus. They are also popular in Persian stews, such as ghormeh sabzi, where they add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. Meanwhile, in Indian cooking, beets are sometimes included in curries or chaat, seasoned with cumin, turmeric, and chaat masala. These diverse global dishes highlight the versatility and cultural significance of beets, making them a valuable addition to both traditional and modern culinary practices.
Are there any pairing mistakes to avoid when cooking with beets?
While beets are incredibly versatile, some flavor and texture combinations can detract from their natural appeal if not balanced properly. A common mistake is pairing beets with overly bitter ingredients without adding a contrasting sweet or acidic component. For example, using very bitter greens like kale without any citrus or vinegar can overpower the delicate sweetness of the beets and create an unbalanced flavor profile.
Another misstep is combining beets with dairy that is too mild, such as mozzarella, which may not provide enough contrast. Instead, opt for stronger cheeses like feta or blue cheese that stand up to the robust nature of beets. Additionally, overloading beet dishes with heavy spices or sauces can mask their natural earthy character. Beets shine best when their flavor is allowed to complement, not dominate, the rest of the meal. Keeping this in mind will ensure your beet-based meals are delicious and well rounded.