The Best Way to Cook Beets and Get Their Sweetest Flavor for Your Next Picnic

Beets are a picnic star: colorful, sweet, and packed with flavor. From tangy pickles to creamy dips, they can be prepared in simple, delicious ways that travel well and brighten any outdoor spread. These eight recipes highlight their natural sweetness, pair them with vibrant flavors, and make them perfect for enjoying under the sun.

Roast Beets with Citrus or Herbs

Roasting is the easiest way to highlight the sweet, earthy taste of beets. Coat them in olive oil, season with salt, and wrap in foil before baking at 375–425°F until fork-tender, about 45–75 minutes depending on size. Once cooked, drizzle with fresh orange juice, sprinkle with lemon zest, or add thyme for a fragrant finish. The citrus adds brightness while the herbs bring depth. Roasted beets are delicious warm or chilled, making them a colorful, picnic-ready option.

Pickled Beets for Tangy Bites

Pickled beets bring a tangy, refreshing kick that pairs beautifully with cheeses, grilled meats, or sandwiches. Start with cooked beet slices, then soak them in a vinegar brine with sugar, spices, and garlic. Chill to deepen the flavors. Stored refrigerated in a sealed container and kept submerged, they travel easily and typically keep for 1–3 months, making them an ideal make-ahead dish.

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This classic pairing is a picnic favorite, balancing earthy beets with creamy, tangy goat cheese. Add peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of vinaigrette for a mix of flavors and textures. The beets can be roasted ahead and chilled, then combined with fresh ingredients right before serving. It’s light yet satisfying, travels well in a container, and looks as beautiful on the picnic blanket as it tastes on the fork.

Hasselback Beets with Dill Yogurt Sauce

Hasselback beets may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple. Slice thin cuts across each beet without cutting through, brush with oil, and roast until tender. Serve with a cool, tangy dill yogurt sauce that seeps into each slice. The creamy sauce balances the beet’s sweetness, creating a refreshing and elegant picnic dish. Easy to transport and eye-catching on the table, they’re a unique twist on a roasted vegetable favorite.

Shredded Beet and Apple Slaw

For a crisp and colorful picnic side, shred fresh beets and mix with thinly sliced apples. Toss in a light citrus dressing made from lemon or orange juice to balance the sweetness and help slow browning. This slaw stays crunchy for hours when chilled, making it perfect for warm-weather picnics. It’s quick to prepare, easy to pack, and pairs well with sandwiches, grilled foods, or as a refreshing bite between heartier dishes.

Beet-Carrot-Apple Juice or Smoothie

Brighten your picnic drink menu with a vibrant beet blend. Combine beets, carrots, and apples in a juicer or blender, adding lemon for a citrus lift. Serve well-chilled in a thermos to keep it fresh until ready to pour. Naturally sweet and colorful, this drink adds hydration and a pop of flavor to your picnic spread without heavy claims; perfect with light snacks and sunny afternoons.

Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad

Balsamic roasting deepens the sweetness of beets while adding a tangy edge. Roast until tender, then toss with balsamic vinaigrette while still warm so they absorb the flavor. Add spinach, crumbled feta, and sunflower seeds for texture and richness. This salad is hearty enough to be a picnic main dish yet light enough for a side. Pack it in a sealed container, and it will keep its flavor and appeal until serving.

Beet Tahini Hummus with Pita

Turn beets into a show-stopping dip by blending them with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. The beets give the hummus a naturally sweet flavor and a stunning pink hue, while tahini adds creamy richness. Pack it with pita bread or crisp veggie sticks for easy dipping. It’s a healthy, crowd-pleasing picnic snack that’s as beautiful as it is tasty and a fun twist on a classic appetizer.