Beets and carrots are such companionable vegetables. They go together “grate” in this simple salad. Such flavorful veggies need only light embellishment — just a little added sweetness, plus the tartness of lemon, which brings out their flavors. And a small flourish of your favorite seeds is a nice finishing touch.
Serves: 4 to 6
- 2 medium beets, peeled and grated (see note)
- 4 large or 6 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or maple syrup
- Juice of ½ to 1 lemon (2 to 4 tablespoons), to taste
- 1 tablespoon caraway, hemp, or sesame seeds
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Leaves from a few sprigs minced fresh herb of your choice, optional
(parsley, cilantro, or dill, or a combination)
Combine all the ingredients in a serving bowl. Ideally, allow time to let the salad stand (at room temperature or refrigerated), so that the flavors can blend.
Note: If you like beets partially cooked (they’re also easier to peel and cut that way), you can simmer them whole in water to cover for about 5 to 8 minutes. Or, place them in a heatproof container with a very small amount of water; cover and microwave for 2 minutes per beet. With either method, don’t cook for too long — you want to be able to pierce through maybe ¼ inch, with resistance. Peel and cut the beets into chunks once they’re cool enough to handle, before grating them.
Here are more recipes using beets.
Gail Wakeford says
Great site!! Send me recipes for veggie ideas
MaryAnn says
Just found your Vegkitchen website. Really amazing. Yummy looking receipes! Can't wait to try. Thank you
Steven Hetletvedt says
I would like mainly vegetable recipes. Beets,Carrots,,Cucumbers, Acorn Squash, Sphagetti Squash, Egg plant,Peppers, etc. Thanks
Kindest Regards
Steven
Mary Iwasiuk says
Where can you get a shredder that shreds veggies, but makes them look julienned? Please let me know, because shredded carrots & beets never look that good.
Nava says
Hi Mary — I'm not sure; you might also try a spiral slicer, as that makes beets and carrots look gorgeous!
Renee says
I use a potato peeler to grate them.They are a little thicker width wise but still are julienne.
Jan says
Great use of a bumper crop of beets and carrots. I used the food processor to grate them with success. I omitted the sweetener and added black sesame seeds. I didn't use this as a stand-along salad but added it to a green leafy one, a gorgeous color addition. Loved the crunch. Thanks, Nava.
Nava says
Hi Jan — you sure were busy with VegKitchen recipes today! Thank you so much for making them and for your thorough feedback on each of the three recipes. Glad you enjoyed them!
Pere says
Hi.. Tried the beets and carrot salad today and it was 'wow'.. Great teaching! Warmest Regards
Nava says
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!