:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2015__01__pickled-beets-horiz-a-1800-a2db303805db4ae394756e09ed52f580.jpg)
Easy Pickled Beets
Ingredients
- 1 bunchbeets
- ¼ ccider vinegar
- 1 tbspsugar
- 1 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ½ tspdry mustard
- salt and pepper
Directions
- 1
Prep and cook the beets: Remove the greens from the beets, save for future use (see beet greens recipe ). Scrub the beets free of any dirt. Boiling method Place the beets in a medium saucepan and cover with water by about an inch. Bring to a boil on high heat then lower the heat and maintain a simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the beets, until they are easily pierced with the tines of a fork. Roasting method Rub the beets with olive oil and wrap them in foil (you can wrap them all together, no need to wrap them individually). Roast in a 400°F oven for an hour or until they are easily pierced with a fork. Let them cool to the touch.
- 2
Peel the beets and cut into quarters or slices: If you have boiled the beets, drain them and rinse them with cold water. Use your fingers to slip the peels off of the beets. The peels should come off easily. Discard the peels. Quarter or slice the beets.
- 3
Make the vinaigrette and pickle the beets: Make the vinaigrette by combining the cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and dry mustard. Whisk ingredients together with a fork. The dry mustard will help to emulsify the vinaigrette. Adjust to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine beets and vinaigrette in a bowl and allow to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator. Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!
Easy Pickled Beets
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2011__02__Roasted-Beets-Balsamic-LEAD-3-109860829a7e469a8f35bfe30954bde3.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 26 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that classic tangy-sweet side dish you remember? These Easy Pickled Beets deliver a taste of nostalgia right to your table, offering a vibrant, homemade touch that’s perfect for any meal.
Why These Pickled Beets Work
This recipe shines because it transforms simple, earthy beets into a bright, flavorful side through the magic of a straightforward cider vinegar vinaigrette. By marinating roasted or boiled beets, you achieve that perfect balance of tender texture and piquant taste that defines a true Midwestern classic. It’s refrigerator pickling at its best, ensuring fresh, lively flavors without extensive canning.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its focus on pure, balanced flavors. The distinct zing of cider vinegar paired with a touch of sugar and the subtle warmth of dry mustard creates a harmonious blend that enhances, rather than overwhelms, the natural sweetness of the beets. You’ll find these pickled beets strike just the right note—bright and refreshing, yet deeply satisfying.
What to Expect
Prepare for a burst of flavor with every bite. You'll experience tender, succulent beets bathed in a lively, tangy-sweet dressing. The texture is pleasantly yielding, never mushy, offering a delightful contrast to the crispness of other components on your plate. Each serving is a naturally gluten-free and vegetarian delight, weighing in at just 80 calories, making it a light yet incredibly flavorful addition.
This dish delivers a satisfyingly earthy sweetness upfront, quickly followed by the sharp, clean acidity of cider vinegar, all rounded out by the nuanced zest of dry mustard. It's a simple pleasure that feels both comforting and elegant, proving that some of the best flavors come from the most humble ingredients.
Customization & Variations
While the core recipe offers a perfectly balanced flavor, you can subtly vary your approach to the beets themselves. The recipe is designed for either roasted or boiled beets, allowing you to choose your preferred method for preparing the beet base. For a slightly earthier, more concentrated flavor, opt for roasting. If you prefer a softer texture and quicker prep, boiling works wonderfully. You could also experiment with different beet varieties, from classic red beets to golden or striped chioggia beets, for a different visual appeal.
Serving & Context
These Easy Pickled Beets are an incredibly versatile side dish. They're fantastic alongside hearty roasts, grilled chicken, or even as a bright counterpoint to a rich casserole. Serve them chilled as part of a cold salad plate, or alongside your favorite deli meats and cheeses for a truly satisfying spread.