What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These pickled beets are a tasty, easy way to add a pop of color and flavor to your meals. You’ll love how simple they are to make, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Sweet and tangy flavor—the perfect balance that makes them irresistible.
- Versatile—great on salads, sandwiches, or even as a snack straight from the jar.
- Long shelf life—they stay fresh for weeks, so you can enjoy them anytime.
Recipe
Pickled beets are a tangy and vibrant addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. This recipe is simple to prepare and can be customized with spices for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium beets, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place sliced beets in a clean jar.
- Pour the hot brine over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Let cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Notes:
- For spicier pickled beets, add a sliced jalapeño or red pepper flakes.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
Serving: 4
Calories: ~70 per serving
Cuisine: American
Equipment
Preparing pickled beets requires a few essential tools to guarantee efficiency and safety in the kitchen. Proper equipment helps maintain hygiene and simplifies the pickling process.
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Cutting board
- Large pot for boiling beets
- Glass jars with airtight lids
- Funnel for transferring pickling liquid
- Tongs for handling hot jars
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean kitchen towels or gloves
Nutrition
Pickled beets are not only flavorful but also packed with essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown for a typical serving.
| Nutrient | Per serving (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 1g |
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love serving pickled beets with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or feta—their tangy flavors balance the beets’ sweetness perfectly. A fresh salad with greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette makes a crisp, invigorating side that doesn’t overpower the beets. Try these combos, and you’ll see how they turn a simple dish into something special.
Cheese Pairings
A few cheeses pair perfectly with pickled beets, balancing their tangy sweetness with creamy or sharp flavors. I love pairing them with tangy goat cheese, which complements the beets’ acidity, or creamy brie for a smooth contrast. Sharp cheddar adds a bold kick, while feta’s saltiness enhances the earthy notes. Blue cheese, with its strong flavor, creates a surprising yet delicious match. Experiment to find your favorite combo!
Salad Combinations
Since pickled beets add a vibrant punch to any dish, they’re fantastic tossed into salads for extra zing and color. I love pairing them with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts—it’s a flavor explosion! They also shine in grain bowls with quinoa or mixed greens, feta, and a tangy vinaigrette. Don’t forget a simple side of beets, oranges, and mint for a revitalizing twist. So versatile!
