Pickled beets are a tasty and versatile ingredient that can be paired with many different foods. The earthy, tart flavor of pickled beets complements hearty foods like meats and cheeses. The bright pink color also makes them an attractive addition to salads, sandwiches, appetizers and more. When using pickled beets, keep in mind their acidic taste which allows them to cut through richer flavors. This guide will explore what foods go well with pickled beets and provide serving suggestions.
What are pickled beets?
Pickled beets are raw beets that have been boiled, peeled, sliced and pickled in a brine solution. The brine usually contains vinegar, salt, sugar and spices. This pickling process gives the beets a tangy, sour taste. It also helps preserve them and retain their vibrant color. Commonly used spices in beet pickling brine include cinnamon, allspice, cloves and mustard seed. The resulting pickled beets have an earthy, tart flavor. They add interest and acidity to balance heavier dishes. When buying pickled beets, you can find them canned or in jars in the refrigerated section of grocery stores. You can also easily pickle beets yourself at home.
Complementary foods for pickled beets
Pickled beets pair well with foods that match or contrast with their distinct sweet, sour and earthy flavor notes. Some top food matches include:
Meat
Pickled beets lend pleasant acidity to richer meats like:
- Beef
- Pork
- Lamb
- Duck
- Goose
- Game meats like venison, bison or boar
The tart, bright beets cut through the heaviness of fatty meats. Their tanginess also helps balance the iron-rich taste of red meats. Thinly sliced pickled beets make a nice topping for roast beef sandwiches. Cubed pickled beets can be added to meaty stews, braises or soups.
Cheese
Pickled beets pair delightfully with a wide variety of cheeses, including:
- Goat cheese
- Feta
- Blue cheese
- Aged cheddar
- Gouda
- Gruyère
- Mozzarella
- Farmer’s cheese
- Cream cheese
- Ricotta
The salty, creamy characteristics of these cheeses balance the acidity of pickled beets. Beets and cheese are often combined in salads or sandwiches. Pickled beets can be served on a cheese board for contrast. They also pair nicely with cheese-based dips.
Seafood
The vinegar tang of pickled beets helps cut through the richness of fattier fish like:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Anchovies
Thinly sliced pickled beets make a colorful carpaccio-style topping for smoked salmon. Diced beets can be mixed into tuna or salmon salad recipes. Fried fish like catfish or cod work well atop a bed of pickled beets. The acidity cuts the oiliness of the dish.
Eggs
The creaminess of hard boiled, deviled or poached eggs balances the acidity of pickled beets:
- Chopped pickled beets on top of egg salad or deviled eggs
- Pickled beet and egg salad sandwich
- Pickled beets served alongside poached eggs and hollandaise sauce
- Pickled beet and quiche slice
Grains
Hearty grains stand up well to the strong flavor of pickled beets. Some tasty combinations include:
- Pickled beets mixed into farro or barley salads
- Pickled beet relish served with quinoa
- Pickled beets atop grain bowls
- Cubed pickled beets mixed into oatmeal or grits
- Pickled beet sandwiches on rye or pumpernickel bread
The earthiness of beets suits nutty, wholesome grains. The acid helps cut the richness of dressed grains in salads.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds provide crunchy texture contrast and complementary flavor to pickled beets:
- Toasted walnuts
- Sliced almonds
- Pine nuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
Nuts and seeds can be used as a topping for pickled beets. They also pair nicely when mixed together in grain-based salads.
Potatoes
Starchy potatoes help soak up the tart acidity of pickled beets. Enjoy them together simply roasted or mashed. Or use potatoes as a base for pickled beet toppings in dishes like:
- Pickled beet and potato salad
- Pickled beets on baked potatoes
- Pickled beet hash with potatoes
Orange & citrus fruits
The sweet-tart flavor of citrus fruits complements pickled beets:
- Orange segments
- Grapefruit
- Blood orange
- Mandarin oranges
- Kumquats
- Lemons
- Limes
Use citrus in beet salads. Pair pickled beets with citrus-glazed meats like orange chicken or lemon salmon. The vitamin C in citrus also aids in iron absorption from the beets.
Pomegranate arils
The juicy, tart seeds of pomegranates pair deliciously with pickled beets. Try combining them in:
- Pickled beet and pomegranate salad
- Pickled beet hummus with pomegranate seeds
- Pickled beet tapenade with pomegranate
Balsamic vinegar
Drizzle good quality aged balsamic vinegar over pickled beets. The sweet, tart vinegar enhances their flavor. Balsamic dressed beets pair well with grilled or roasted meats.
Fresh herbs
Bright, fresh herb flavors balance pickled beets. Try pairing them with:
- Dill
- Mint
- Parsley
- Chives
- Tarragon
- Cilantro
Use chopped fresh herbs in pickled beet salads, sauces, relishes or sandwiches. Herby flavors accentuate the tangy essence of pickled beets.
Serving suggestions for pickled beets
Here are some tasty ways to serve pickled beets:
Salads
- Pickled beet, goat cheese and mixed green salad
- Pickled beet, orange and walnut salad
- Pickled beet panzanella bread salad
- Pickled beet, fennel and apple salad
Sandwiches & wraps
- Pickled beet and turkey sandwich with cream cheese
- Pickled beet hummus veggie wrap
- Pickled beet Reuben sandwich
- Falafel sandwich with pickled beets
Appetizers
- Pickled beet bruschetta
- Pickled beet crostini with ricotta
- Pickled beet tapenade with crackers
- Pickled beet dolmas wrapped in grape leaves
Side dishes
- Pickled beets with baked chicken or fish
- Pickled beet potato hash
- Pickled beets with quinoa and walnuts
- Pickled beet relish
Vegan meals
- Pickled beet burger or beetball sandwich
- Black bean taco with pickled beets
- Pickled beet salad wrap
- Pickled beet rice bowl
Meat combos
- Pickled beets with corned beef or pastrami
- Pickled beet and lamb stew
- Pickled beets with sausages or hot dogs
- Pickled beet hash with corned beef
Recipe inspiration
To get you started, here are some tasty pickled beet recipe ideas:
Salads
Pickled Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients:
- Pickled beets, diced
- Mixed greens
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Toasted walnuts
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Toss together greens, pickled beets, goat cheese and walnuts.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette right before serving.
Beet and Orange Salad
Ingredients:
- Pickled beets, julienned
- Oranges, segmented
- Shaved fennel
- Mixed greens
- Orange vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Gently mix together the beets, oranges, fennel and greens.
- Drizzle with the orange vinaigrette.
Sandwiches
Pickled Beet Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients:
- Sliced corned beef
- Sauerkraut
- Pickled beets
- Thousand island dressing
- Rye bread
Instructions:
- Spread dressing on rye bread slices.
- Layer corned beef, sauerkraut and pickled beets.
- Grill sandwich until bread is crisp.
Falafel Pickled Beet Wrap
Ingredients:
- Falafel patties
- Pickled beets, shredded
- Hummus
- Lettuce
- Whole wheat tortilla
Instructions:
- Spread hummus on tortilla.
- Top with lettuce, falafel patties, pickled beets.
- Roll up tortilla.
Side dishes
Pickled Beet and Potato Hash
Ingredients:
- Diced potatoes
- Diced pickled beets
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Herbs like thyme, rosemary
Instructions:
- Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Add potatoes and onions. Cook until starting to brown.
- Stir in pickled beets. Cook 5 more minutes.
- Season with herbs.
Pickled Beet Relish
Ingredients:
- Diced pickled beets
- Diced apple
- Diced onion
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Mustard
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the diced beets, apple and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and mustard.
- Pour dressing over relish and stir to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Tips for cooking with pickled beets
Here are some helpful tips for using pickled beets:
- Rinse pickled beets before using to remove excess brine if the flavor is too strong.
- Roast or pan sear pickled beets to intensify their flavor.
- Pickled beets can be eaten cold, room temperature or hot.
- Use the brine from pickled beets to make vinaigrettes.
- Try dehydrating sliced pickled beets for beet chips.
- Blend pickled beets into hummus or bean dips.
- Use pickled beets in place of fresh beets in recipes.
- Mix different colored pickled beets for visual appeal.
Nutrition of pickled beets
Pickled beets are packed with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants:
Vitamins & Minerals
- Folate
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Magnesium
Beneficial Plant Compounds
- Betalains: Provide anti-inflammatory effects
- Betacyanins: Act as antioxidants
- Betanin: May protect cells from oxidative damage
Beets get their deep red-purple color from betalain plant pigments. These betalains have been linked to beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, pickled beets provide important nutrients as well as health-promoting compounds. They are a nutritious addition to a well-rounded diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
Pickled beets are a versatile ingredient that pairs well with many foods like meats, cheeses, grains and citrus fruits. Their distinctive sweet, earthy and tart flavor profile enhances salads, sandwiches, sides and more. Pickled beets also provide great nutrition, including antioxidants. Next time you see a jar of pickled beets, don’t be afraid to get creative with ways to cook and serve them for a tasty dose of nutrition.