Pickled Beet Salad

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.

Pickled Beet Salad with Capers, Lemon Zest and Parsley on a platter.

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

Labeled ingredients for Pickled Beet Salad.
  • 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!

Beet salad on a white platter with parsley and capers.

This Pickled Beet Salad is a natural compliment to Danish Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Lentil Salad. I ALWAYS serve them together!

Burger topped with caramelized onions next to roasted beets and lentil salad.

FAQs

Can I use pickled beets from the store rather than making them myself?

Yes! Any pickled beet will work with this recipe.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

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.

How do I store this pickled beet salad?

Any leftovers of this Pickled Beet Salad can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Looking for more ways to put those pickled beets to good use? Give these recipes from the blog a try!

Recipe

Pickled Beet Salad with Capers, Lemon Zest and Parsley on a platter.

Pickled Beet Salad

A fresh and easy pickled beet salad with lemon zest, capers and Italian parsley that makes a great compliment to grilled meats and legumes, lentils in particular.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings 2 cups
Calories: 119kcal
Author: Kristi

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

  1. Arrange pickled beet slices on a platter.  Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle lemon zest, capers and parsley leaves over the top.  Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 272IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen!
Course: lunch, Salad
Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian

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6 Comments

  1. Where is the recipe used for spicy beets. I have hunted and hunted without success. PLS show the recipe.

      1. 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

        1. 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.