25 Ways To Cook Beets That Don’t Taste Like Dirt

Beets have a bad reputation for tasting like dirt, but that’s usually because they were cooked the wrong way. Treated right, they are sweet, earthy in a good way, and bring incredible color to your plate. Roasting, blending, or even tucking them into baked goods changes how you think about them. They can be paired with cheese, grains, herbs, or even chocolate to make dishes that feel balanced and fresh. From salads and slaws to smoothies and waffles, there are plenty of ways to give beets a second chance.

Feta Beet Salad

This salad brings together roasted beets, crumbled feta, pistachios, and fresh herbs with a lemon olive oil dressing. The mix of flavors creates balance between earthy, salty, and bright notes. It can be served as a side but also works as a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie

Beets and wild blueberries make a nutrient-packed smoothie that is as colorful as it is flavorful. The blueberries mellow out the earthiness of the beets, while banana adds creaminess. It’s a refreshing way to start the day or a quick mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie

BBQ Beef Beet Burgers

Ground beef and beets are combined in these burgers, which are then topped with avocado and goat cheese. The beets keep the patties moist while adding a subtle sweetness. They cook up easily on the grill or stovetop and are hearty enough to make a full meal on their own.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Beef Beet Burgers

Beet Chips

Thinly sliced beets are baked until crisp, creating a crunchy snack with a slightly tangy salt and vinegar flavor. They are lighter than potato chips but still satisfy the craving for something crisp. They also make a colorful addition to snack boards.
Get the Recipe: Beet Chips

Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney

This chutney combines beets with apples, orange, and warming spices for a condiment that is both sweet and savory. It pairs well with meats, cheese boards, or can be spooned over yogurt. The slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen, creating a versatile spread to keep on hand.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney

Sweet Carrot Cabbage and Beet Slaw

This slaw combines shredded carrots, crunchy cabbage, and earthy beets into a bright and colorful side dish. The mix of textures keeps every bite interesting, while the natural sweetness of the vegetables balances out the earthiness of the beets. A light dressing ties it all together, making this a refreshing dish to serve alongside heavier mains or as a crisp topping for sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Carrot Cabbage and Beet Slaw

Beetroot and Chickpea Salad

This salad pairs roasted or steamed beets with hearty chickpeas for a protein-packed meal that feels both fresh and filling. The chickpeas add a nutty, creamy texture that balances the beets’ deep flavor, and the dish is finished with herbs and a simple dressing. It works as a side, but it’s substantial enough to double as a main course for a light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot and Chickpea Salad

Thai Quinoa Beet Stir Fry

This dish layers cooked quinoa with stir-fried vegetables and chunks of beet for a colorful one-pan meal. The sauce blends sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spice, which complements the natural earthiness of the beets. It is quick to prepare, easy to adjust with different vegetables, and makes a satisfying dinner that is both hearty and vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Thai Quinoa Beet Stir Fry

Sri Lankan Red Beet Curry

This curry takes beets in an unexpected direction by simmering them with spices that bring out their natural sweetness. The dish leans more toward gently spiced than fiery, letting the flavor of the beets shine through. The result is a rich and comforting side that pairs beautifully with rice, bread, or a protein dish.
Get the Recipe: Sri Lankan Red Beet Curry

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Orange Vinaigrette Dressing

This salad mixes roasted beets with creamy goat cheese and a tangy orange vinaigrette. The citrus adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese, while the beets ground everything with their earthy depth. It is a layered salad that feels balanced and refreshing, perfect for pairing with grilled meats or fish.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Orange Vinaigrette Dressing

Air Fryer Beets

Cooking beets in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness while keeping the prep simple. The hot circulating air roasts them quickly, leaving the outside slightly caramelized and the inside tender. They can be eaten plain, tossed with herbs, or used as a base for salads and bowls, making them a versatile option when you want a fast vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beets

Parma Ham and Beet Salad

This salad combines salty Parma ham, earthy beets, and crumbly feta for a mix of flavors that play off each other well. The sweetness of the beets balances the saltiness of the ham, while the feta adds a creamy texture. It works well as a starter for a dinner party or as a special lunch on its own.
Get the Recipe: Parma Ham and Beet Salad

Beet Smoothie

This smoothie blends raw or cooked beets with bananas, berries, and spinach for a drink that is both nutrient-packed and naturally sweet. The fruit smooths out the earthiness of the beets, creating a flavor that is balanced and refreshing. It’s a quick way to add extra vegetables to your day while enjoying something creamy and easy to sip.
Get the Recipe: Beet Smoothie

Pickled Beet Salad

Pickled beets bring tangy brightness to this salad, which also features juicy mandarin oranges, toasted walnuts, and creamy goat cheese. The mix of flavors makes it both sweet and savory, while the crunch of the nuts adds texture. Tossed with a homemade vinaigrette, it is a fresh side that can stand up to rich main courses.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Salad

Roasted Beet Hummus

Roasting the beets before blending them with chickpeas and lemon gives this hummus a deep flavor and vibrant color. The result is a creamy dip that feels hearty enough to enjoy as part of a meal. It works well spread on sandwiches, served with vegetables, or paired with pita for a filling snack.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Hummus

Ukrainian Borscht

Traditional borscht combines beets with cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes meat in a hearty soup that has been enjoyed for generations. The beets give the broth a rich color and subtle sweetness, while the vegetables and broth make it filling and satisfying. It is often served with a dollop of sour cream, which adds creaminess to every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Borscht

Beet and Butternut Squash Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette

This salad balances roasted beets and butternut squash with crisp greens, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds. The ginger vinaigrette brings a punch of brightness that ties everything together. The mix of roasted and raw textures makes it both hearty and refreshing, perfect for cooler months when root vegetables are abundant.
Get the Recipe: Beet and Butternut Squash Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette

Roasted Beet and Sweet Potato Salad with Pecans

Roasted beets and sweet potatoes are paired with crunchy pecans in this side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of both vegetables. The roasting process caramelizes the edges, while the nuts add richness and crunch. It’s an excellent option for a holiday table or any dinner that calls for a more substantial salad.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet and Sweet Potato Salad with Pecans

Red Velvet Beet Brownies

These brownies use pureed beets to create a moist, rich texture without overpowering the chocolate flavor. The beets add natural sweetness and a hint of earthiness that deepens the cocoa. They are a creative way to bake with vegetables while still delivering on the classic fudgy brownie texture.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Beet Brownies

Beet and Leek Cassava Crust Pizza

This pizza starts with a crust made from cassava flour, then gets topped with roasted beets and sautéed leeks. The combination is both hearty and flavorful, making it a fun alternative to traditional pizza toppings. It works well as a weeknight meal or a slightly dressed-up dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beet and Leek Cassava Crust Pizza

Balsamic Tahini Beet Noodles

Spiralized beets take the place of noodles in this salad that also includes arugula, celery, and a balsamic tahini dressing. The dressing adds richness and tang, while the beets provide crunch and color. It is a light but filling option that works as either a side dish or a main.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tahini Beet Noodles

Red Velvet Beet Waffles

Pureed beets and cocoa powder give these waffles a vibrant color and a subtle earthiness. They are less sweet than cake but pair well with fruit, syrup, or yogurt. It is a creative breakfast option that sneaks extra vegetables into the morning routine.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Beet Waffles

Golden Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese

Golden beets bring a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than red beets to this salad, which is finished with walnuts and goat cheese. The mix of textures makes it interesting, while the color makes it visually appealing. It’s a versatile dish that can be served alongside almost any main.
Get the Recipe: Golden Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese

Cucumber Beet Salad

This salad layers sliced cucumbers, roasted beets, and arugula with toasted chickpeas for crunch. A basil balsamic vinaigrette ties the ingredients together, making it both refreshing and hearty. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and holds up well in the fridge, making it a good option for meal prep or entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Beet Salad

Homemade Beetroot Tortillas

Pureed beets give these tortillas a striking color and added nutrition. The dough is simple to prepare and can be stuffed with a variety of fillings. They are versatile enough for tacos, wraps, or even a quick snack with hummus.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Beetroot Tortillas