How to Prepare Fresh Beetroot
Trim the Leaves
If the beets still have their green tops, cut them off while leaving approximately one inch of stem attached.
Do not cut deeply into the roots before boiling. Keeping the skin mostly intact reduces the amount of pigment and flavour lost to the water.
Beet greens are also edible when fresh. Wash them thoroughly and cook them like spinach or Swiss chard.
Wash the Beets
Scrub the beets gently under cool running water to remove soil.
The FDA’s produce-cleaning guidance recommends washing fresh produce under plain running water rather than using soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash.
Cook Until Tender
Place the whole beets in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce it to a steady simmer.
Cook for approximately 30 to 50 minutes, depending on size. Small beets may be ready sooner, while large ones can take longer.
Insert a thin knife into the centre. The beets are ready when the knife enters with little resistance.
How to Make Beetroot Salad
Step 1: Cool the Beets
Drain the cooked beets and allow them to cool until they are comfortable to handle.
You can briefly run them under cool water, but avoid soaking them for an extended period.
Step 2: Remove the Skins
Use your fingers or a paper towel to rub away the loosened skins.
Trim off the remaining stem and root ends.
If the skins do not slide away easily, use a small knife or vegetable peeler.
Step 3: Cut the Beetroot
Cut the cooked beets into bite-sized cubes or wedges.
For an appearance similar to the supplied image, cut them into uneven cubes approximately ¾-inch wide.
Place the pieces in a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Honey or maple syrup
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional garlic
Whisk or shake until the dressing looks blended.
Step 5: Dress the Warm Beets
Pour approximately two-thirds of the dressing over the beets while they are still slightly warm.
Warm beets absorb the dressing more readily than completely chilled pieces.
Toss gently to avoid breaking or mashing them.
Step 6: Add Onion and Herbs
Add the thinly sliced red onion, parsley, and optional mint or dill.
Taste and add more dressing, salt, pepper, lemon juice, or vinegar as needed.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Transfer the beetroot salad to a clean serving bowl.
Add the optional crumbled feta and toasted walnuts shortly before serving. This prevents the cheese from becoming completely pink and helps the walnuts remain crisp.
Serve the salad slightly warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Alternative Roasting Method
Roasting concentrates the beets’ sweetness and avoids placing them directly in water.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C.
- Wash and trim the beets.
- Wrap each beet loosely in foil or place them in a covered baking dish.
- Roast for approximately 45 to 75 minutes, depending on size.
- Check tenderness with a small knife.
- Allow them to cool slightly.
- Remove the skins and cut them into pieces.
- Continue with the dressing and salad instructions.
Roasted beets often have a deeper flavour, but boiling can be faster for smaller beets and matches the glossy texture shown in the image.
Important Tips for the Best Salad
Use Similar-Sized Beets
Beets of similar size will finish cooking at approximately the same time.
If your beets vary considerably, remove the smaller ones when tender and continue cooking the larger ones.
Dress Them While Slightly Warm
Slightly warm beetroot absorbs vinaigrette effectively. Do not add delicate greens or feta until the beets have cooled further.
Balance Sweetness With Acidity
Beets are naturally sweet. Lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, and salty cheese prevent the salad from tasting flat or excessively sweet.
Avoid Overcooking
Overcooked beets become very soft and may break apart while tossing. Cook them until tender but not mushy.
Protect Light Surfaces
Use a cutting board that will not be permanently damaged by red pigment. Wipe splashes quickly.
Taste Before Adding More Salt
Feta is salty. If using it, add less salt to the dressing initially and adjust after combining the ingredients.