What Should I Eat Beetroot With? A Comprehensive Nutrition Diet Guide

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Beetroot is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in nitrates that have been shown to lower blood pressure. However, its distinct earthy taste can be challenging for some, making the question of what should I eat beetroot with a common one. Pairing it with the right ingredients can transform it into a culinary delight, amplifying its health benefits.

Quick Summary

Beetroot pairs exceptionally well with sharp cheeses like feta or goat cheese, tangy ingredients such as balsamic vinegar or citrus, and a variety of nuts for texture. Its earthy flavor is also complemented by fresh herbs like dill and mint, other root vegetables, and spices like cumin.

Key Points

Balance Earthiness: Pair beetroot's earthy flavor with tangy cheeses like feta or goat cheese and acidic citrus fruits to achieve a balanced taste.
Add Texture: Incorporate nuts like walnuts and pistachios or seeds like pumpkin seeds to provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft beetroot.
Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Use fresh herbs such as dill, mint, or parsley to brighten and refresh dishes featuring beetroot.
Boost Smoothies: Blend beetroot into smoothies with fruits like orange, mango, and berries, plus a touch of ginger, to create a flavorful and nutrient-packed drink.
Consider Preparation Method: Roasting beetroot caramelizes its natural sugars and mellows the earthy flavor, while eating it raw provides a fresh, crisp texture.
Serve Creatively: Beyond salads, consider adding beetroot to hummus, soups, curries, or even brownies to explore its full culinary potential.

Understanding the Flavor Profile of Beetroot

Before diving into specific pairings, it's helpful to understand the flavor profile of beetroot. It has a distinctive earthy sweetness, which can be balanced by complementary or contrasting flavors. The preparation method also significantly alters its taste; raw grated beetroot offers a fresh crunch, while roasting intensifies its natural sweetness. Understanding these nuances is key to creating successful combinations.

The Classic Combinations: Savory Pairings

Cheese and Beetroot: A Match Made in Heaven

The classic pairing of beetroot with cheese is a time-tested favorite. The salty, tangy notes of certain cheeses cut through and balance beetroot's earthy sweetness. Goat cheese and feta are particularly popular choices, often featured in salads with roasted beetroot. The crumbly, creamy texture provides a delightful contrast to the tender root vegetable. For a richer pairing, try a blue cheese, where its sharp flavor profile stands up perfectly to the beetroot.

Nuts and Seeds: Adding Texture and Depth

For a textural contrast, adding nuts and seeds is an excellent strategy. They also bring a nutty, toasty flavor that complements the beetroot's deep notes. Some of the best choices include walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds. A sprinkle of toasted nuts over a beet salad or incorporated into a dip adds a satisfying crunch.

Herbs and Spices: Elevating the Aroma

The right herbs and spices can truly elevate a beetroot dish. Fresh herbs like dill, mint, and parsley bring a refreshing lift, cutting through the earthiness. For warmer, spicier notes, consider spices such as cumin, coriander, and ginger. This versatility allows beetroot to be used in everything from cool raitas to hearty curries.

Modern and Creative Pairings: Thinking Beyond the Salad

Beetroot in Smoothies and Juices

For those who prefer their nutrients on the go, beetroot makes a fantastic addition to smoothies and juices. Its natural sweetness pairs well with a variety of fruits and other vegetables. For a vibrant and refreshing juice, blend beetroot with:

Carrot and orange, adding a kick of ginger.
Apple and lemon, for a tangy, bright drink.
Berries and spinach, creating a powerhouse of antioxidants.

Hummus, Soups, and Dips

Adding cooked or roasted beetroot to hummus creates a stunningly vibrant pink dip. This beetroot hummus, blended with tahini, olive oil, and garlic, is perfect for serving with pita bread or fresh vegetables. For a warming meal, beetroot is the star of borscht and other creamy soups, where its sweetness can be enhanced with aromatics like onion and garlic.

Flavor Pairings Comparison Table


Flavor Category	Examples of Pairings	Best Preparation Method	Why it Works
Tangy & Creamy	Goat Cheese, Feta, Yogurt, Creme Fraiche	Roasted, Cooked, or Raw (in salads)	The sharp, salty, or creamy flavor and texture cuts through and contrasts the beet's earthiness.
Nutty & Crunchy	Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Pumpkin Seeds	Roasted, Raw (in salads, sides)	Adds textural contrast and a complementary toasty flavor.
Spicy & Warm	Ginger, Cumin, Coriander, Horseradish	Juiced, Soups, Curries	The warm spice provides a delicious counterpoint to the beet's sweet undertones.
Bright & Citrusy	Orange, Lemon, Lime, Pomegranate	Juiced, Raw (in vinaigrettes)	The acidity brightens the flavor, balancing any lingering bitterness.

Tips for Cooking and Combining Beetroot

Maximize Nutritional Benefits: When roasting beets, wrapping them in foil can help lock in moisture and flavor. For juicing, including high-vitamin-C fruits like orange or apple can help with iron absorption from the beetroot.
Mitigate Earthiness: If you find the earthy flavor too strong, roasting or boiling with an acidic ingredient like vinegar can help. Pairing with bright, tangy flavors like citrus is also effective.
Use the Greens: Don't discard the beet greens! They are edible and nutritious, and can be sautéed like spinach with garlic and olive oil.
Portion Control: For those with sensitive digestion (e.g., IBS), larger portions of beetroot may cause symptoms due to its FODMAP content. Small portions are often tolerated better, especially pickled or canned versions.

Conclusion: The Art of Beetroot Pairing

The simple act of pairing beetroot with other foods is a journey from balancing its earthy notes to elevating its natural sweetness. From classic combinations like goat cheese and walnuts to modern applications in smoothies and hummus, beetroot's versatility is remarkable. By leveraging tangy, creamy, nutty, or spicy ingredients, you can find a combination that not only pleases your palate but also maximizes the nutritional value of this vibrant root vegetable. Experimenting with different preparation methods, from raw and grated to roasted and pureed, will reveal a world of culinary possibilities. A good diet is about flavor as much as nutrition, and beetroot offers plenty of both when paired thoughtfully.

For more healthy eating tips, explore resources like the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, which offers insights into the benefits of incorporating beets into your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best cheeses to pair with beetroot are tangy and creamy varieties like feta and goat cheese. Their salty, sharp flavor provides a perfect contrast to the beetroot's earthy sweetness.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are excellent complements. Berries such as strawberries and raspberries also work well, especially in smoothies, balancing the earthy tones with their sweetness.

Yes, raw beetroot is delicious in salads. When grated or shaved thinly, it adds a crisp texture and a sweet, earthy flavor. To prevent the color from bleeding, dress the salad just before serving.

Fresh herbs like dill, mint, and parsley bring a refreshing lift. Warm spices such as cumin, coriander, and ginger also pair well, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

Roasting beets can help bring out their natural sweetness and reduce the earthiness. Pairing them with acidic ingredients like balsamic vinegar or citrus juice is also an effective way to balance the flavor.

Absolutely. Nuts such as walnuts, pecans, and pistachios add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements beetroot's taste and texture. They also provide healthy fats and protein.

Be mindful of portion size if you have a sensitive digestive system, as larger amounts contain FODMAPs that can cause bloating or gas in some people. Also, beetroot contains oxalates, which can be a concern for individuals with a history of kidney stones.