Name: Red Beet Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large beets; 1 cup carrots; 1 tbsp cilantro; 1 tbsp onion; 2 tbsp light mayonnaise; salt and pepper

This delightful red beet salad is a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors. It’s made with fresh beets, carrots, cilantro, and onion, all tossed together in a light mayonnaise dressing. With its earthy sweetness and vibrant hues, this salad is bound to steal the show at your next meal.

Photos of Red Beet Salad Recipe

While all the ingredients in this recipe are generally common, be aware when buying beets. Beets are a root vegetable that can vary in size. For this recipe, we need large beets. They are usually available in the produce section of the supermarket, but if they're not, you can also find them canned or jarred.

Red Beet Salad Ingredients

Beets: These are the star of the salad, providing a lovely sweet, earthy flavor. They have a rich, vibrant color that will make your salad stand out.

Carrots: Carrots add a nice crunch and sweetness to the salad, complementing the beets nicely.

Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, lightly citrusy flavor that brightens up the salad.

Onion: A little onion gives the salad a slight bite and additional flavor complexity.

Mayonnaise: A light dressing that brings all the flavors together, binding the ingredients in a creamy texture.

Salt and pepper: Used to season and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

One reader, Lance Hawley says:

This red beet salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of beets, carrots, and cilantro creates a burst of fresh flavors. The creamy mayo adds a delightful richness. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side. Highly recommended!

Lance Hawley

Essential Techniques for Making Red Beet Salad

How to boil beets: Boil the beets in a pot of water for about 50 minutes or until they are soft.

How to cut beets: Peel and cut the boiled beets into small ½-inch cubes.

How to cook carrots: Cook the carrots until tender, then cut them into bite-sized cubes.

How to combine ingredients: Mix the diced onion, carrots, beets, mayonnaise, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

How to serve: Serve the red beet salad and enjoy!

How To Make Red Beet Salad

This red beet salad is a vibrant side dish with carrots, mayonnaise, and more. Our tasty salad will make for a great side to barbecues!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2large beets,washed, stems cut off
1cupcarrots,peeled, cooked
1tbspcilantro,chopped
1tbsponion,diced
2tbsplight mayonnaise
salt and pepper

Instructions

Boil the beets in water for about 50 minutes or until soft.
Peel and cut the beets into small ½-inch cubes.
Cook the carrots until tender, then cut them into bite-sized cubes.
Combine the diced onion, carrots, beets, mayonnaise, cilantro, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 80.80kcal
Fat: 3.47g
Saturated Fat: 0.49g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.78g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.99g
Carbohydrates: 11.64g
Fiber: 3.21g
Sugar: 7.10g
Protein: 1.65g
Sodium: 285.49mg
Calcium: 27.05mg
Potassium: 370.25mg
Iron: 0.72mg
Vitamin A: 342.16µg
Vitamin C: 6.08mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Red Beet Salad

When boiling your beets, it's important to remember not to peel them first. The skins will easily slide off once they're cooked and cooled, preserving more of the beet's natural color and flavor. Additionally, to ensure even cooking, try to cut your carrots and beets into similar-sized pieces. This will also give your salad a more uniform and appealing look.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Red Beet Salad

Prep ahead: Prepare the beets and carrots the day before and store them in the refrigerator to save time on the day of making the salad.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly dice the beets and carrots, saving time and effort compared to chopping by hand.

Multi-task: While the beets are boiling, use that time to cook the carrots, maximizing efficiency in the kitchen.

Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather and organize all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch of the salad and store the extra portions for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.

Substitute Ingredients For Red Beet Salad Recipe

beets - Substitute with radishes: Radishes have a similar crunchy texture and a slightly peppery flavor, which can work well in a salad.
carrots - Substitute with jicama: Jicama has a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, adding a refreshing element to the salad.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh and herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro, without the potential soapy taste for those who are sensitive to cilantro.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the salad.
light mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor while reducing the overall fat content in the salad dressing.

Presentation Tips for a Stunning Red Beet Salad

Elevate the plating: Arrange the beet and carrot cubes in a visually appealing manner, creating a vibrant and colorful display on the plate.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a textural element by sprinkling a handful of crispy beet chips on top of the salad for a delightful crunch.
Garnish with flair: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the salad with delicate microgreens and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a burst of flavor and elegance.
Emphasize contrast: Create visual interest by pairing the vibrant red beets with a contrasting element, such as a dollop of creamy goat cheese, to add depth and richness to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing the natural colors and textures of the salad to shine against a clean, white plate, using negative space to enhance the overall presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Red Beet Salad

Boiling pot: A large pot used for boiling or simmering ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Vegetable peeler: A tool used for peeling the skin off vegetables.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with perforations used for draining liquids from food.
Grater: A tool used for grating or shredding ingredients such as cheese or vegetables.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients.
Salad spinner: A kitchen tool used to wash and remove excess water from salad greens.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms used for gripping and lifting food items.
Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Red Beet Salad

This red beet salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, you can cook and dice the beets and carrots in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. This will help maintain their texture and prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked and diced beets and carrots separately in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then assemble the salad as directed in the recipe.
It's not recommended to freeze the entire assembled salad, as the mayonnaise and other ingredients may not hold up well during the freezing and thawing process. The texture and flavor of the salad may be compromised.
If you have leftover salad that you want to freeze, it's best to remove any excess mayonnaise or dressing before freezing. Place the salad in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw the salad in the refrigerator and add fresh mayonnaise and seasonings to refresh the flavors.

How To Reheat Leftover Red Beet Salad

Reheat the red beet salad in the microwave: place the desired amount of salad in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through. This method is quick and easy, but it may slightly alter the texture of the beets and carrots.
Reheat the salad in a skillet: heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover salad and stir gently until it's heated through, about 3-5 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and adds a slight richness to the dish.
Enjoy the salad cold: leftover red beet salad can be just as delicious when served chilled. If the salad has been in the refrigerator for a while, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Adjust the seasoning: before reheating or serving the leftover salad, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Use leftover salad as a topping: reheat the red beet salad using one of the methods above and use it as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. The vibrant color and earthy flavor of the salad can elevate a simple meal.

Interesting Trivia About Red Beet Salad

The red beet salad is a nutritious dish that offers a variety of health benefits. Beets are rich in essential nutrients such as folate, potassium, and fiber, which can help support heart health and digestion. Additionally, the vibrant color of beets indicates the presence of powerful antioxidants, including betalains, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming beets may also help to lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance due to their nitrate content. This salad is a delicious way to incorporate these nutritious ingredients into your diet and enjoy their many health advantages.

Is Making Red Beet Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this red beet salad recipe is quite high. Beets and carrots are affordable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in households. This recipe offers a nutritious and flavorful dish at a low cost. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-10, making it a budget-friendly option for a healthy and delicious meal.

Is Red Beet Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

This red beet salad recipe is relatively healthy, as it incorporates nutrient-dense ingredients like beets and carrots. Beets are an excellent source of folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C, while carrots provide beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. The addition of cilantro and onion not only enhances the flavor but also offers some health benefits. However, the use of mayonnaise, even if it's light, adds some saturated fat and calories to the dish.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the light mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and reduced fat content
Add more fresh herbs like parsley or mint to increase the antioxidant content and flavor profile
Include a handful of mixed greens or baby spinach to boost the fiber and nutrient content
Sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds, for added crunch and healthy fats
Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Red Beet Salad Recipe

This red beet salad recipe is a delightful combination of earthy beets, sweet carrots, and zesty cilantro, all brought together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. The flavors and textures complement each other beautifully, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish. The use of fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a standout choice for a light and healthy meal. It's a perfect balance of flavors and colors, making it a great addition to any menu.

Enhance Your Red Beet Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a hint of garlic and olive oil, a perfect complement to the red beet salad.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory honey glazed carrots, a delightful side dish to pair with the red beet salad.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to caramelized perfection, adding a tropical twist to the red beet salad.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and creamy mashed potatoes, a comforting and classic side dish to serve alongside the red beet salad.

Lemon Herb Quinoa: Light and refreshing lemon herb quinoa, a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to the red beet salad.

Tasty Alternatives to Red Beet Salad

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl: This hearty and nutritious bowl is packed with roasted vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, making it a satisfying and delicious meal.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This sweet and savory salmon dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The honey garlic glaze adds a burst of flavor to the tender and flaky fish.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Indulge in this creamy and tropical chia pudding made with fresh mango and coconut milk. It's a healthy and refreshing dessert or snack option.

Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Red Beet Salad

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty lemon and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and delicious meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a flavorful filling with ground turkey, quinoa, and a variety of spices. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through. Top with melted cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping. A classic dessert that never fails to impress.

Why trust this Red Beet Salad Recipe:

This recipe uses fresh, locally-sourced beets and carrots to ensure the highest quality and flavor. The combination of cilantro and onion adds a burst of freshness and aroma. The use of light mayonnaise provides a creamy texture without overwhelming the natural flavors. The careful cooking and preparation of the beets and carrots ensure that they are tender and flavorful. The addition of salt and pepper allows for a perfect balance of seasoning. Trust in this recipe for a delightful and nutritious salad experience.

Share your thoughts on the Red Beet Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this dish even better!

FAQ:

How long does it take to boil the beets?

It takes about 50 minutes to boil the beets until they are soft.

Can I substitute the light mayonnaise with another ingredient?

Yes, you can substitute the light mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option or with regular mayonnaise for a richer flavor.

Can I prepare the beets and carrots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beets and carrots ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad.

Can I add any other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! You can customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.

How long can I store the red beet salad?

The red beet salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.