20 Inspired Beet Recipes That Go Way Beyond Winter Salads

Beets are just as packed with nutrients as they are saturated in their iconic deep red hue. Loaded with natural dietary fiber, beets are additionally rich in vitamins A and C — and they contain more dietary iron than most other vegetables, including spinach (surprising!). Beyond a beet's colorful, earthy flesh, beet greens are also frontloaded with vitamin K and potassium. Overall, they're a fabulous, rich source of nutrients, especially when they're fresh and in-season during the bitterly cold winter months.

Believe it or not, beets get their vibrant color from antioxidants that also help to deter the formation of cancer-causing free radicals in the body, as our nutrition pros have previously reported. The deep reds, golden yellows and milky whites of fresh beets in your supermarket or farmer's market add a much-needed splash of color to most of the heartiest winter dishes; and you'll rest easy knowing they're a great addition to any diet for holistic health.

Whether they're grown in your garden or store-bought, harvesting the robust flavor profile in beets is super simple — you can layer sliced beets into winter salads, incorporate them into sweet treats for a punch of nutrition, or even substitute beets for other grains in soul-warming sautés or entrées. We're sharing the most exciting ways you can cook with beets in original recipes and exciting ideas for any dinner guest this winter season.