Blog

Simple Beetroot Salad Recipe with Tangy Dressing

Looking for a vibrant and healthy dish that’s incredibly easy to make? This beetroot salad recipe combines the earthy sweetness of fresh beetroot with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing that perfectly balances all the flavours. Whether serving it as a light lunch or a colourful dinner side dish, this simple beetroot salad recipe will become your go-to choice for healthy eating.

The best part about working with recipes using beetroot is their incredible versatility. You can enjoy beetroot raw for maximum crunch and nutrition or cook it to bring out its natural sweetness. This recipe showcases raw beetroot at its finest, delivering maximum nutritional benefits while creating a stunning visual presentation perfect for entertaining or everyday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Beetroot Salad Recipe

This recipe stands out among other beetroot recipes because it’s designed for busy home cooks. With just 15 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, you can create a restaurant-quality salad packed with nutrients and flavour.

Beetroot is a nutritional powerhouse containing essential vitamins and minerals. A 100-gram serving provides 43 calories and 2 grams of fibre. It is particularly rich in folate (27% of daily value), potassium (9% of daily value), and vitamin C (8% of daily value). The natural nitrates in beetroot support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and may help lower blood pressure.

Ingredients for Beetroot Salad Recipe (Serves 4-6)

3 medium beetroots (about 1 pound), peeled and grated

2 medium carrots, grated

1 large apple, cored and grated

1/2 cup mixed fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or cilantro), chopped

1/4 cup toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions to make Beetroot Salad Recipe

Prepare the Vegetables:

Start by washing your beetroots thoroughly under cold running water. Choose fresh, firm beetroots that feel heavy for their size, indicating they’re full of moisture and flavor. Peel the beetroots using a vegetable peeler and grate them using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment.

Pro tip: Wear gloves while handling beetroot to prevent staining your hands, and work on a cutting board if you don’t mind getting coloured.

Create the Base:

Combine the grated beetroot, carrots, and apple in a large mixing bowl. The apple adds a lovely sweet-tart flavour that perfectly complements the beetroot’s earthiness. Toss everything together gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined—season with salt and pepper to taste. The honey balances the acidity, while the mustard adds depth and helps emulsify the dressing.

Assemble and Serve:

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Mix gently with chopped herbs and half of the nuts or seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the remaining nuts and crumbled feta cheese.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Storage: This salad improves with time as the flavours meld together. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beetroot will release some of its juices, creating an even more flavorful dressing.

Cooking Options: While this recipe features raw beetroot, you can easily substitute cooked beetroot. To cook beetroot, wrap whole beetroots in foil with olive oil and roast at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let cool, then peel and dice instead of grating.

Click Here for Majjiga Pulusu Recipe – Traditional Andhra Buttermilk Stew

Flavor Variations:

Mediterranean Style: Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes, and use goat cheese instead of feta

Indian Inspired: Include grated coconut, roasted peanuts, and a pinch of cumin powder

Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, or grilled chicken for a more substantial meal

Seasonal Adaptations: Add grated raw sweet potato or thinly sliced pears in autumn. During summer, fresh mint and cucumber make excellent additions.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

This simple beetroot salad recipe is more than just delicious – it’s incredibly nutritious. Beetroot is rich in betalains, powerful antioxidants that give beetroot its vibrant colour and help reduce inflammation. The high fibre content (3 grams per 100g serving) supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

This salad’s combination of raw vegetables provides maximum vitamin retention, particularly vitamin C, which can be reduced during cooking. The healthy fats from olive oil and nuts help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins more effectively.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This versatile beetroot salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats and roasted chicken or can stand alone as a light vegetarian meal. Serve it alongside quinoa or brown rice for added protein and fibre, or stuff it into pita pockets for a healthy lunch on the go.

For entertaining, serve this colourful salad on a large platter garnished with extra herbs and nuts. The vibrant colours make it a stunning centrepiece that will impress your guests while providing them with a nutritious and delicious option.

Final Thoughts: Beetroot Salad Recipe

This beetroot salad recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavours, plus a satisfying crunch from the nuts and seeds, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favourite.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you’re new to cooking with beetroot or looking for fresh ways to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this recipe provides the perfect starting point. Give it a try today and discover why so many people love this nutritious, colourful, absolutely delicious salad. Remember to experiment with different combinations of herbs, nuts, and additions to make this recipe uniquely yours. Happy cooking