What Goes Well with Beets in a Salad? (9 Flavorful Additions)

Beets are versatile vegetables that can be used in many different dishes, from salads to soups and stews. They have a sweet earthy flavor that pairs well with other ingredients to create delicious meals.

One of the tastiest ways to enjoy beets is in a salad, where their unique flavor is complimented by other tasty ingredients. So what goes well with beets in a salad?

In a salad, beets go well with ingredients such as goat cheese or feta cheese, nuts or seeds, leafy greens, citrus fruits, balsamic vinegar or citrus vinaigrette, avocado, grains, and pickled vegetables. These ingredients complement the sweet and earthy flavor of beets and add texture and nutrition to the salad.

In this article, we will explore in detail the various ingredients that pair well with beets in a salad. We’ll look at how these ingredients enhance the flavor of the beets as well as provide additional tips to create a delicious and nutritious meal.

What Goes Well with Beets in a Salad?

Beets are versatile and flavorful vegetable that can add a lot of color and nutrition to a salad. Here are some ingredients that go well with beets in a salad:

1. Goat cheese or feta cheese: The tangy flavor of the cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the beets.
2. Nuts or seeds: Toasted walnuts, almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds add crunch and texture to the salad.
3. Leafy greens: Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens are a good base for the salad.
4. Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, or blood oranges add a refreshing sweetness to the salad.
5. Balsamic vinegar or citrus vinaigrette: A simple dressing made with balsamic vinegar or citrus juice and olive oil complements the earthy flavor of the beets.
6. Avocado: The creamy texture of avocado balances out the sweetness of the beets.
7. Grains: Cooked quinoa, farro, or barley can be added to the salad to make it more filling and add extra nutrition.
8. Pickled vegetables: Pickled onions or cucumbers can add a tangy flavor to the salad and balance out the sweetness of the beets.
9. Yogurt: Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can be used as a dressing for the salad, adding a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Why Are Beets Great Addition to Salads?

Beets are an amazing addition to salads as they provide a number of health benefits. Beets contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and folate.

This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a nutritious diet. Not only are beets nutrient-rich but they also have an impressive fiber content which helps keep your digestive system functioning properly.

Along with their nutritional value, beets bring color and flavor to salads that can’t be matched by other vegetables. Their bright red hue makes them stand out in any dish and their slightly sweet taste is a refreshing change from the otherwise savory components of a salad.

Moreover, the earthy flavor of beetroot goes well with other ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and feta cheese.

Beets are also incredibly versatile and can be used in many different types of salads. From warm beetroot salads to classic Greek variations – the possibilities are endless when you incorporate this healthy vegetable into your meals.

Lastly, since beets are widely available year-round in most grocery stores it makes it easy for anyone to enjoy this superfood on any given occasion.

How to Prepare Beets for Salads

Preparing beets for salads can be a bit intimidating if you haven’t worked with them before but don’t let that stop you! Working with beets is actually quite simple, here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose the Right Beets: Start by choosing fresh beets that are firm to the touch and have a smooth surface. Look for beets that are relatively similar in size, so they cook evenly.
2. Wash and Trim the Beets: Rinse the beets under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut off the tops and bottoms of the beets, leaving about 1 inch of the stem intact.
3. Cook the Beets: There are several ways to cook beets, but roasting or boiling are the most common methods for salads. For roasting, place the beets in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 400°F for 45-60 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. For boiling, place the beets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the beets are tender.
4. Remove the Skin: Once the beets are cooked, let them cool until they are safe to handle. You can then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. The skin should come off easily, but be careful not to remove too much of the flesh.
5. Slice or Dice the Beets: Once the skin is removed, slice or dice the beets into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into wedges or cubes, depending on your preference.
6. Add the Beets to Your Salad: Now that your beets are prepared, you can add them to your salad. Beets pair well with a variety of ingredients, such as leafy greens, goat cheese, nuts, and citrus fruits. Toss the salad with your favorite dressing and enjoy!

Salad Ideas with Beets

Now that you know what goes well with beets in a salad, it’s time to create your own dish! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Arugula and Beet Salad with Feta Cheese and Walnuts: This is a light yet filling salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Start by combining arugula and beets in a large bowl, then add feta cheese and walnuts. Drizzle with a simple balsamic dressing and serve.

Beet, Orange and Avocado Salad: This unique combination of flavors creates a delicious and nutritious meal. Start by combining beets, oranges, and avocado in a bowl then top with toasted pumpkin seeds and feta cheese. Dress with a light citrus vinaigrette and enjoy!

Quinoa, Beet, and Goat Cheese Salad: This is a great salad for a summer BBQ or potluck. Start by combining cooked quinoa, beets, and goat cheese in a bowl then top with toasted almonds and pickled onions. Serve with a balsamic vinaigrette on the side.

Conclusion

Beets are a great addition to any salad and can be paired with many different ingredients for an extra flavorful boost. From goat cheese or feta cheese, nuts or seeds, leafy greens, citrus fruits, balsamic vinegar or citrus vinaigrette, avocado, grains and pickled vegetables – all these ingredients will enhance the flavor of the beets while adding texture and nutrition to your meal.

So next time you’re looking for something new in your salads give some of these pairs a try! You won’t regret it!