I love beets – they’re sweet, colorful, and full of health benefits. They contain a unique antioxidant called betalains, which are currently being studied as a potential weapon in the fight against cancer. The beets we eat today are thought to have evolved from a prehistoric North African root vegetable. Originally only the greens were eaten by humans; in Ancient Rome, people began to cultivate the root itself for consumption. Beet root became more popular as a food source during the 16th century.
I’ve dressed this roasted beet salad with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, cumin, sugar and fresh mint. The flavors in this salad really pop; the freshness of the mint is a lovely counterpoint to the earthiness of the beet root. It’s simple, succulent, rich and beautiful– everything a beet salad should be.
To learn how to roast beets, click here.
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Roasted Beet Salad with Mint
Ingredients
- 2 pounds roasted beets, skins removed - learn how to roast beets here (about 6 medium)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped mint
Instructions
- Chop roasted beets into bite-sized pieces and place them in a salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, sugar, cumin and salt.
- Pour dressing over the beets, then add 3 tbsp minced mint. Toss salad gently till beets are coated in the dressing and mint.
- Sprinkle the last tablespoon of mint over the top of the salad. Serve. This salad can be made ahead, but the mint must be added right before serving, otherwise the beet juices will turn the mint red.
- Gluten Free Note: If you are preparing this salad gluten free, make sure you use a GF balsamic vinegar (most are-- but check the label to be safe!).
Nutrition
I’ve moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and it’s too hot to to cook anything here. I am happily and healthily subsisting on your salad recipes. Thank you, Tori!
Glad to hear it Ales!
This has become a regular addition to our family menu. Making it for my husband for Valentine’s Day this year. Thank you for sharing!
Hello! Sorry this is such a late comment, but am I able to serve this cold the next day?
Hi Austin– you mean, can you make a day ahead and serve the next day? If that is your question, then yes– but I would wait and mix the fresh mint in just before serving, otherwise it will soak in the beet juice and turn red/soggy.
Hi Tory,
Learned how to roast beets from your website and now am going to add this beet salad with mint to my Rosh Hashanah 2013 menu. You say that it can be made ahead …Could I prepare it the day before (minus the mint)? If not the entire salad, could I at least do the roasting/dicing of beets and add the dressing/mint the day of serving?
Hi Marcia– you can do the roasting and the dicing ahead of time. Add the dressing and mint 1-2 hours before serving. Enjoy!
Do you really need the sugar? Beets are so sweet anyway.
Or is it just to balance out the vinegar?
The sugar just enhances the natural sweetness. You can leave it out if you like. 🙂