Beets are one of those vegetables that seem to divide folks. Like Brussels sprouts and spinach, you either love them, or you feel they were put on earth to annoy you. But we firmly believe that, at least when it comes to beets, the haters are simply misinformed. If you aren't a fan of the earthy, bright red, über-sweet orbs, then chances are it's because you haven't had a chance to try a really well prepared version.
Good beets should start out fresh—forget the canned stuff. They should be firm when you buy them, and not soft to the touch. When making oven-roasted beets, give them a good scrub with a brush, then go ahead and roast them whole—the skins will magically slip right off when they're done. Then cut them into quarters, dress them with a little olive oil and salt, and you have a side that pairs well with pork, chicken, or steak.
But of course you don't have to simply roast them. Case in point: these dozen-plus recipes. From extra-simple salads to wow-worthy hummus, we've gathered our favorite beet recipes from here and around the web. You can go all-out and smoke beets for a glazed salad with goat cheese that would fit at the fanciest dinner party, or simply toss a few under a roast chicken, for a meal that practically cooks itself. But whatever you do, be sure to buy extra: These recipes are so good you'll find yourself wanting to make them regularly.
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1
Herbed Chicken with Beets and Brussels
There's not much tastier than slow cooking a chicken over a bed of root veggies. There's not much easier, either.
Get the recipe.
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2
Winter Chopped Salad
Golden beets, hearty sourdough bread, cabbage, cucumbers, and more make this veggie medley feastably delicious.
Get the recipe.
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3
Green Chile and Yellow Beet Dressing
While technically dressing (or stuffing, if you live in the North) is a once-a-year food, you could be forgiven for making this ultimate comfort-food dish a little more often.
Get the recipe.
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4
Spicy Beet Bloody Marys
Beets are great in salads or roasted. But sometimes you want to drink your veggies.
Get the recipe.
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5
Roasted Beet-and-Squash Salad
Sweet squash, earthy beets, toothy farro, and a bright vinaigrette that punctuates the flavors... this might be the ultimate fall salad.
Get the recipe.
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6
Beet Hummus and Chickpea Crostini
This beet-infused hummus is rich with mint, cumin, and garlic. It's great topped on crostini, but just as good as a dip for carrots—or as a sandwich spread.
Get the recipe.
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7
Salmon and Beets with Yogurt Sauce over Watercress
This fresh, simple combo of steamed beets and broiled salmon is easy to prepare and perfect for a light dinner.
Get the recipe.
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8
Beet, Orange, and Walnut Salad
This easy side pairs well with chicken or fish, and packs a lot of flavor. To make it really pop, toast the walnuts (or whatever nuts you have on hand).
Get the recipe.
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9
Basil and Balsamic Beets
Fresh chopped basil is a cool counterpart to sweet, roasted beets in this easy-to-prepare side dish. Serve with roasted chicken for a delicious dinner.
Get the recipe.
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10
Red Beet Chili
Beets and fire-roasted tomatoes give this basic chili a lot of depth and flavor.
Get the recipe.
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11
Beet and Apple Salad with Maple Dressing
Fresh and full of crunch, this salad tosses baby arugula and Belgian endive together with red beets and Royal Gala and Granny Smith apples in a syrup-tinged olive oil–and-vinegar dressing.
Get the recipe.
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12
Lemon-Basil Beet Salad
Multicolored beets add a sweet, earthy, buttery taste to this simple, fast salad.
Get the recipe.
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13
Golden Beet and Arugula Salad with Fried Apples
Roasted beets, fried apples, and gorgonzola cheese. This salad is so delicious you'll be licking the bowl.
Get the recipe at Rosalynn Daniels.
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14
Smoked Beets Salad
Take a cooking process generally reserved for meat, apply it to a sturdy root vegetable, and watch magic happen. These balsamic glazed smoky beets are unbelievably good.
Get the recipe at Food Fidelity.
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15
Beet Falafel Bowl
These beet-flavored baked chickpea balls are perfect for whatever Mediterranean dish you want to make — from gyros to burger substitutes. But they're delicious in a fresh, simple lunch salad.
Get the recipe at Simply LaKita.
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16
Beet Carrot Apple Juice
Make yourself a big glass of this juice in the morning, and you'll have enough nutrients to keep you going until noon.
Get the recipe at Savory Thoughts.
