Pickled Beets Recipe – A Tangy, Sweet Classic You’ll Want to Make Again and Again! 🥄💜
Pickled Beets are a bold, vibrant, and timeless addition to your table—perfect as a salad topper, side dish, or even a straight-from-the-jar snack. With their sweet-tart flavor and beautiful ruby hue, they’re as eye-catching as they are delicious. Whether you grew up eating them at Grandma’s house or you’re discovering them for the first time, this easy recipe will turn you into a pickled beet enthusiast in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Pickled Beets Recipe
✅ Simple Ingredients – No preservatives or additives—just the real stuff.
✅ Perfectly Balanced – Sweet, tangy, and earthy all in one bite.
✅ Quick to Make – Minimal prep with big flavor payoffs.
✅ Versatile – Use them on salads, sandwiches, cheese boards, or eat them solo!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 medium-sized fresh beets, tops removed
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- (Optional additions: cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf for a spiced version)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beets
- Rinse the beets thoroughly and place them in a large pot.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until beets are fork-tender.
- Drain and let them cool enough to handle.
- Peel off the skins (they should slide off easily) and slice or quarter the beets, depending on your preference.
2. Make the Pickling Liquid
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, and salt.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- For a spiced variation, you can add a cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, or a bay leaf at this stage.
3. Combine and Chill
- Place sliced beets into clean glass jars or containers.
- Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
- Let them cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.
4. Let the Flavors Develop
- Allow the pickled beets to marinate for at least 24 hours before eating for best flavor.
- They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Serving Suggestions
- Add to goat cheese salads or arugula with walnuts
- Layer into grain bowls or roasted veggie platters
- Serve as a colorful holiday side dish
- Pair with sharp cheeses or smoked meats on charcuterie boards
- Dice and mix with boiled eggs for a classic beet salad
Pro Tips for the Best Pickled Beets
- Choose uniform-sized beets so they cook evenly.
- For deeper flavor, let them pickle for at least 2–3 days before eating.
- Add spices for a warming, old-fashioned flavor profile.
- Always use clean, sterilized jars if you plan to store them longer.
Nutrition Information (Per ½ cup serving)
- Calories: 75
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
Note: Beets are naturally rich in antioxidants and support healthy digestion.
Conclusion: A Must-Make Pantry Staple
Pickled Beets are easy to make, full of character, and totally crave-worthy. They transform a humble root vegetable into something tangy, sweet, and irresistibly snackable. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Keep those jars stocked—you’ll be reaching for them all week long!