Beets are one of the most vibrant vegetables you can add to your kitchen. Many people wonder: how to eat raw beets in salads? The answer is simple: yes, you can. Raw beets are crunchy, slightly sweet, and packed with nutrients. They can be grated, spiralized, or thinly sliced into fresh salads without cooking. If you prefer a softer option, cooked beets are an excellent alternative. In this guide, you will learn how to prepare raw beets for salads without the mess, discover quick raw beet salad recipes, and find tools that make preparation easier.
Why Eat Raw Beets in Salad
- Raw beets are crunchy and refreshing, similar to carrots.
- They retain more vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants compared to cooked beets.
- Their earthy sweetness pairs perfectly with citrus, nuts, cheese, and fresh herbs.
How to Prepare Raw Beets Without the Mess
- Wear kitchen gloves — thin, reusable gloves (such as these gloves on Amazon) keep your hands clean and stain-free.
- Peel with a vegetable peeler over parchment or paper towel.
- Vegetable Spiralizer: The WellToBe 6-Blade Spiralizer (Amazon) turns beets, zucchini, carrots, cucumbers and more into spirals for salads and healthy meals.
- For paper-thin beet carpaccio or uniform slices, the Gramercy Adjustable Stainless Steel Mandoline (Amazon) is ideal. It’s sharp, adjustable, and includes protective gloves, making it easier and safer to use at home — even when kids want to help in the kitchen
Easy Raw Beet Salad Recipes
Beet and Apple Slaw
- 1 raw beet, grated
- 1 apple, julienned
- Lemon juice, olive oil, pinch of salt
- Walnuts and parsley to garnish
Raw Beet Carpaccio
- Thin slices of raw beet
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar drizzle (a cold-pressed option like this olive oil on Amazon enhances flavor)
- Goat cheese crumbles and fresh mint
Rainbow Beet Bowl
- Raw beet spirals
- Carrot, cucumber, chickpeas
- Tahini-lemon dressing
Alternative: Using Cooked Beets in Salad
If you don’t want the earthy crunch of raw beets, cooked beets are a sweeter and softer alternative.
- Roast or steam until tender, then slice or cube.
- Toss with arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Cooked beets bleed less color in salads and are easier to handle.
Tip: Keep a container of cooked beets in the fridge for quick salad prep.
Key Takeaways
- You can eat raw beets in salads by grating, spiralizing, or slicing them thinly.
- Gloves and proper tools help reduce the mess.
- Cooked beets are a great alternative when you want a sweeter, softer texture.
- Pair beets with citrus, nuts, herbs, and cheese for balanced flavor.
FAQs
Can you eat raw beets in salad?
Yes. Raw beets are safe to eat and add crunch, sweetness, and color to salads. They should be peeled, then grated, spiralized, or sliced thinly for the best texture.
Do you peel beets before eating raw?
It’s recommended to peel raw beets before adding them to salad. The skin is edible but can be tough and bitter. A vegetable peeler makes the job easy.
Are raw beets healthier than cooked beets?
Raw beets keep more vitamin C and folate, while cooked beets are easier to digest and slightly sweeter. Both are healthy options, so it depends on taste and preference.
What goes well with raw beet salad?
Raw beet salads pair well with citrus (lemon or orange), creamy cheeses like goat or feta, crunchy nuts (walnut, pistachio), and fresh herbs such as parsley or mint.
How to Grow Beets from Seed: Fresh Roots, Fresh Memories
Eating beets is wonderful, but growing them yourself is even better. Beets are one of the easiest root vegetables to cultivate: they grow well in small garden beds, raised boxes, or even large containers. With loose soil, consistent watering, and a bit of patience, you can harvest your own vibrant roots within just a few weeks.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a garden, remember: the best one is the one you begin today.
To make it simple, I created a step-by-step Gardening Beginner Guide — available on Etsy — that walks you through growing vegetables like beets, plus easy herbs for beginners. It’s the perfect way to start your journey toward fresh, homegrown food this season.
