Most of the time, pickled beets are served as a compliment to something else, playing a supporting role on the plate. But why not make them the star of the show now and then? This Pickled Beet Salad is the pickled beet's opportunity to shine, its moment in the spotlight. And you would never know from the complex and delicious nature of this salad that it is incredibly simple to prepare.
If you have a batch of Spicy Quick Pickled Beets in the refrigerator, it comes together in a matter of minutes and makes a sophisticated Nordic side dish for grilled meats and legumes, lentils in particular.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because we are taking the already acidic pickled beets and simply drizzling them with a good quality extra-virgin olive oil. They don't need a vinaigrette....the tangy, vinegary taste is built right in.
The Ingredients
- I make this salad with a batch of my Spicy Quick Pickled Beets, but any recipe for canned pickled beets, quick pickled beets or even store-bought pickled beets will work in this recipe.
- A drizzle of good quality extra-virgin olive oil mellows out the briny beets.
- A shower of lemon zest, capers and Italian parsley brings welcome freshness and contrast to the sweet zing of the beets.
How to Make This Recipe
- Transfer the pickled beets to a platter with a fork or slotted spoon, leaving most of the brine behind in the jar.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Shower with whole Italian parsley leaves, lemon zest and capers.
- Serve!
It doesn't get much easier than that!
This Pickled Beet Salad is a natural compliment to Danish Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Lentil Salad. I ALWAYS serve them together!
FAQs
Yes! Any pickled beet will work with this recipe.
Since it comes together so quickly, I usually make this salad right before I plan to serve it. But you could definitely make it a few hours ahead of time if you like. Simply cover the salad with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Any leftovers of this Pickled Beet Salad can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Related Recipes
Looking for more ways to put those pickled beets to good use? Give these recipes from the blog a try!
Recipe
Pickled Beet Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Spicy Quick Pickled Beets
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Finely grated zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon capers drained and rinsed
- A handful of Italian parsley leaves removed from their stems
Instructions
- Arrange pickled beet slices on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle lemon zest, capers and parsley leaves over the top. Serve.
Nutrition
If you loved this recipe, give it a star review! Also, snap a picture of your Pickled Beet Salad and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tagging me @true_north_kitchen.
Eleonor E Hellman says
Where is the recipe used for spicy beets. I have hunted and hunted without success. PLS show the recipe.
Kristi says
Hi Eleonor,
I will double check the link in the recipe. Thanks for letting me know! Here is the link for the beets.
https://true-north-kitchen.com/spicy-pickled-beets/
Please let me know if you are still having trouble.
Thanks,
Kristi
Eleonor E Hellman says
Thanks for responding...however, there is no recipe for the spicy brine. PLS just send that spicy brine recipe...that's all I am requesting. Thanks, Eleonor
Kristi says
The brine is all the ingredients except for the beets and the olive oil:
Spicy Pickled Beets
12-16 ounces small to medium-sized beets
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon fine salt
5 allspice berries
10 juniper berries
10 peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried chile flakes
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Scrub and trim beets. Place beets on a large piece of foil and drizzle them with olive oil. Using your hands, rub oil onto the surface of the beets. Fold foil over and seal the edges making a pouch. Place pouch on a baking sheet and transfer to oven. Roast beets for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Smaller beets will take less time than larger ones.
Remove beets from oven and open pouch. Let cool before handling. Once the beets are cool enough to work with, rub the skin off with a paper towel and slice into 1/2 inch thick wedges. Transfer to a quart sized mason jar.
Meanwhile, heat remaining ingredients over medium-low heat until simmering and sugar has dissolved. Pour mixture into the jar with the beets. Allow to cool at room temperature. Cover and place in the fridge. Consume beets within two weeks.
Eleonor E Hellman says
My bad...it's the SPICY BRINE recipe I need, not the full beet recipe. Thanks, Eleonor
Kristi says
Hi again,
I hope I was able to send you what you needed. Have a great weekend!
Kristi