15 Best Beet Recipes to Try at Home

Beets have a way of transforming simple dishes into something vibrant and memorable. Whether you roast them, pickle them, or blend them into smoothies, their deep color and subtle sweetness add instant depth. The best part is how versatile they are; you can pair them with citrus, cheese, grains, or even chocolate. These 15 beet recipes prove that this humble root deserves more space in your kitchen. Each one brings out a different side of the beet: earthy, sweet, tangy, or savory. Let’s dive in.

1. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

There’s a reason this combo shows up on menus everywhere. When you roast beets, their sugars caramelize, creating a sweetness that perfectly balances tangy goat cheese. Toss them with arugula or spinach, drizzle a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and finish with crushed walnuts for texture. It’s light but satisfying, fancy enough for dinner guests yet easy enough for a weekday lunch. The trick is to roast the beets until fork-tender and let them cool before mixing, so the cheese doesn’t melt into the greens.

2. Beet Hummus

This bright pink dip looks beautiful and tastes even better. By blending cooked beets into classic hummus ingredients-chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic – you get a slightly sweet, earthy spread with a smooth texture. It’s perfect for pitas, raw veggies, or as a sandwich spread. You can adjust the flavor with extra lemon juice or cumin, depending on how bold you want it. This version is high in fiber and packed with antioxidants, making it one of those rare snacks that feels indulgent but is genuinely healthy.

3. Beet Risotto

A beet risotto turns the creamy Italian classic into something visually stunning and deeply flavorful. The beets give the rice a rich magenta hue and an earthy note that pairs beautifully with Parmesan cheese. Use arborio rice and add vegetable broth slowly, stirring constantly until you reach that silky, perfect texture. Finish with butter and a little lemon zest to balance the sweetness. It’s an elegant, comforting dish that looks like it took all day but comes together in under an hour.

4. Beet and Feta Grain Bowl

This is a meal that makes healthy eating feel effortless. Combine roasted beets with cooked quinoa or farro, diced cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Add a handful of greens and top with a lemon-dill dressing. The flavors are fresh and balanced-the saltiness of the feta complements the sweetness of the beets, while the grains make it filling. You can prep the components ahead of time for a quick weekday lunch or dinner. It’s colorful, protein-packed, and easy to customize.

5. Beet Soup (Borscht-Inspired)

This Eastern European classic is comfort in a bowl. Beet soup has a deep red color and a rich, earthy flavor that’s both sweet and savory. Start by sautéing onion, garlic, and carrot before adding diced beets, vegetable broth, and a splash of vinegar for brightness. Let it simmer until everything softens, then finish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill. It’s warming, satisfying, and surprisingly light. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a full meal that feels nourishing and timeless.

6. Beet Carpaccio

For something elegant and simple, try beet carpaccio. Thinly slice roasted or boiled beets, then arrange them in overlapping circles on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and top with shaved Parmesan, arugula, and a few drops of balsamic reduction. The presentation looks fancy, but the ingredients are minimal. The key is slicing the beets evenly so they lie flat. It’s a refreshing starter that delivers a clean, slightly sweet bite without being heavy.

7. Chocolate Beet Cake

Here’s a dessert twist you might not expect: pureed beets in chocolate cake. They make the crumb extra moist and add a hint of natural sweetness without tasting like vegetables. The cocoa and beet combination gives the cake a deep flavor and striking color. Pair it with a cream cheese or ganache frosting for balance. It’s one of those recipes that surprises people when they find out what’s inside. You get a rich, fudgy texture and the satisfaction of sneaking in a vegetable.

8. Beet and Orange Salad

This salad is a refreshing mix of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors. Combine roasted beets with orange segments, red onion, and a light vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice. The citrus cuts through the beet’s earthiness, making every bite bright and balanced. Sprinkle toasted pistachios or almonds on top for crunch. It’s perfect for spring or summer meals when you want something that feels both light and flavorful. The color contrast alone makes it table-worthy.

9. Beet Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil

You can turn beets into a vibrant pasta sauce by pureeing them with olive oil, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Toss the sauce with spaghetti or linguine, and top with crumbled feta or ricotta. The result is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet without any heavy cream. It’s a great vegetarian option that still feels indulgent. If you want a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. The sauce keeps well, so you can make it ahead and reheat it for a quick meal.

10. Pickled Beets

Pickled beets are tangy, slightly sweet, and endlessly useful. You can toss them into salads, layer them on sandwiches, or eat them straight from the jar. To make them, simmer sliced cooked beets in a mix of vinegar, water, sugar, and spices like clove or allspice. Store them in a clean jar and refrigerate. The longer they sit, the better they taste. They keep for weeks and bring a punch of flavor to anything they touch. A homemade batch easily beats the store version.

11. Beet Smoothie

Beets might not be the first thing you think to blend into a smoothie, but they work beautifully with fruits like berries, banana, or orange. They add natural sweetness, fiber, and color. Combine raw or roasted beets with yogurt, almond milk, and a touch of honey for a drink that’s both refreshing and nutrient-dense. It’s energizing without being overly sweet, and it makes a great post-workout option. If you want a smoother texture, use cooked beets instead of raw.

12. Beet Chips

Think of these as a smarter alternative to potato chips. Slice raw beets very thin, toss them with olive oil, and bake until crisp. They come out light, crunchy, and naturally sweet, with a flavor that doesn’t need much salt. The key is getting the slices uniform so they cook evenly. They make a great snack on their own or as a topping for soups and salads. Once you make them yourself, the store-bought versions won’t compare.

13. Beet Tacos

Roasted beets make an unexpectedly good taco filling. Their hearty texture holds up well, and their flavor pairs perfectly with avocado, lime crema, and cilantro. You can add black beans or crumbled feta for extra protein. Wrap it all up in a warm tortilla, and you’ve got a vegetarian taco that’s satisfying and colorful. The combination of creamy, tangy, and earthy flavors works in every bite. It’s a great way to break out of your usual taco routine.

14. Beet Yogurt Parfait

This one sounds unusual, but tastes incredible. Blend cooked beets with Greek yogurt and a little honey, then layer them with granola and berries. The result is a visually striking breakfast or snack that’s high in protein and probiotics. The beet’s sweetness balances the tartness of the yogurt, while the granola adds crunch. It’s an easy way to sneak more nutrients into your morning without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it looks beautiful in a glass jar or bowl.

15. Beet Pesto Crostini

For an easy appetizer, make beet pesto by blending roasted beets with garlic, walnuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Spread it on toasted baguette slices and top with crumbled feta or microgreens. The flavor is nutty, rich, and slightly sweet, perfect for pairing with wine or serving at a party. You can also toss the pesto with pasta or roasted vegetables. It’s a colorful twist on the classic green version and a guaranteed conversation starter.