20 Unique Fresh Beet Recipes

It’s safe to say I have more than a slight fondness for beets. It goes back to my childhood, when I loved a big bowl of beets with butter and salt (still do!) and now, I have a big beet tattoo to tell the world how connected I am to my roots. Admittedly, after gardening with my parents and cooking as a child with mom, my food memories go way beyond the the plate, but when it comes to beets, that’s exactly where I like to find them. Roasted, simply, with a little sea salt – that’s still my favorite way. But fresh beets are just so earthy yet vibrant, relatable yet regal, that there seems to be no end to the unique and creative ways to use them. And when it comes to replacing yucky artificial food dyes, you just can’t beat a beet. That’s why today’s recipe collection includes 20 of the best fresh beet recipes from our food blogger friends.

For the purposes of this collection, we won’t be making use of beet greens, but don’t throw them out! According to Mercola.com, beet greens have more iron than spinach and more nutrients than the beet root itself. Toss them in a salad, juice them, sauté with olive oil and drizzle with balsamic, or just freeze for now and use them in soup stock later. Beet greens just don’t get enough attention, don’t you think?

Now, without further ado…