Refrigerator Pickled Beets that are easy to make and delicious straight or on sandwiches and in salads. You won’t believe how easy these are to make; start with my tutorial for how to roast beets and you are half way there.
A few months ago I updated my post on my Easy Beet Salad. You guys, people have FEELINGS about beets. I mean, like intense, slap your mama kind of feelings. I had no idea. I must be living under a rock.
Anyway, whenever I share that salad or my tutorial for how to roast beets, two things happen. First, everyone loses their minds sharing their opinions on beets. Second, half the people (the half that like beets, and a few who don’t actually) that they LOVE pickled beets. So I decided that since Quick Pickled Red Onions are my favorite thing in the world, I should make ya’ll some quick pickled beets.
This is a simple spin on that red onion recipe and one that I will make over and over. Though I still hold true that I like just a plain roasted beet more.
How to Pickle Beets
The start to this recipe is my tutorial on how to roast beets. I love that post because it has photos and guides you through the process step by step. I promise you won’t turn your whole kitchen red. It will be worth it.
Next you want to mix your vinegar, water, salt, and sugar mixture. The first time I made this I went too heavy on the vinegar, and didn’t love it. So this version pulls back the vinegar a little. You get the tang while still holding onto the sweetness of the beet.
Cut your roasted beets into quarters or eighths (depending on how big they are). After that, you add them to a mason jar.
Top with your vinegar mixture. You may have more than you need.
Type of Vinegar
I know a lot of pickling recipes call for white wine vinegar. I have always used just regular white vinegar as that is what I have on hand. I love the final taste. That said, if you would like to change this up with a white wine vinegar, I’m sure that would be delicious as well.
Canning Pickled Beets
I know pretty much next to nothing on canning beets, but my friend Rebecca is basically an expert. She even wrote a book on it! So I invite you to check out her post on Canning Basics.
How Long do Refrigerator Pickled Beets Last?
Given that we aren’t sealing this quick pickled beets recipe, we are just storing in the refrigerator, you can count on it being good for about 1 to 3 months.
How to Serve Pickled Beets
There are a number of great ways to use pickled beets, but I like to think of them as a condiment and then get imaginative.
My favorite way to use them is in salads. That seems to be the way most other people eat them as well.
Another great idea is for a charcuterie board! They would be great in a little bowl with some tooth picks next to it, much in the same way that you would put pickles or olives in a bowl on a charcuterie board.
Throw them on your sandwich! Now all I want is a sandwich with hummus (oh! or Edamame Hummus!), some sprouts, pickled beets, cucumbers and tomatoes. Can you tell I grew up in a creatively vegetarian house?
Most unique idea: In my research I heard about one person eating Pickled Beets and Peanut Butter Sandwich. I’m not going to lie, I kind of want to try that now!
Are Pickled Beets Good for You?
Because I’m not a nutritionist, I really struggle with the notion that I can tell you what is good for you and what isn’t. That said, there are a few things about beets I’ve learned:
- Beets are low in calories.
- They are high in vitamins and minerals.
- Beets are a great source of fiber.
Given that all we are doing when we pickle them is adding a tiny bit of salt, sugar, and then some vinegar, I feel great about adding refrigerator pickled beets to everything.
Other Great Homemade Condiments
The longer I am a food blogger, the more I want to create all the homemade condiments for you. Here are some of my most recent favorites:
- BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Hamburger Seasoning
- Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
- Taco Seasoning (This one isn’t new, but it’s my all time favorite.)
If you make these refrigerator pickled beets or any of my other recipes please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
Pickled Beets
Ingredients
- 1 pound beets oven roasted (see note)
- 3/4 cup hot water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vinegar
Instructions
- Slice the roasted beets into bite sized pieces. Add to a mason jar.
- Dissolve the salt and sugar in the hot water. Add the vinegar and stir to combine. Pour the liquid over the beets in the mason jar and seal.
- Refrigerate for at least a half hour and enjoy!
Notes
Aida Abumeizer says
Fantastic…
Thelma Hoevenaars says
Never cooked beets iin oven before please can you tell me how to prepare the beets. Also you call for a pound of beets thats how how many cups per the prepared juice thanks so much
You can get all the information on how to roast beets here: https://simplejoy.com/how-to-roast-beets/
David Marshall says
How do you roast beets and for how long do you roast them in the oven?
You can get all the information on how to roast beets here: https://simplejoy.com/how-to-roast-beets/
Dorothy says
Love the recipes my mom brought us up on pickled beets very good for you.
Yes! I love them!
Dodie Weiss says
Is it ok to use packaged, pre-cooked beets or is it absolutely necessary to roast them myself? Just trying to cut down on prep time.
My only concern with that is that there will be seasonings and/or sugar already in them. If you get some that are just beets, then absolutely, go for it.
Marion says
I might try your recipe. However, I have some concerns. I would feel more confident if the brine was boiled and if you listed pickling salt and some spices. I have made pickled refrigerator beets and pickles in a pail and bread and butter pickles and done much canning over the years since I am now 75 so it seems to me you made this recipe up. Sorry. Also, you did not mention using a knife to take out air bubbles. Your whole approach seems laidback and casual. I hope no one gets food poisoning from eating this food.marion
These are meant to be quick pickled beets and as I mention in the post are meant to be stored in the refrigerator. If someone follows the instructions I have listed here, there is no reason to believe they will get food poisoning.
Ron Eggen says
After all this hard work. You just need to add 1 tsp whole cloves , 1 tsp whole allspice & 1 tsp cinnamon . NOW you will have the best pickled beets . ( add to your ingredients ) .
Thanks for the suggestion, Ron. We actually love this as is, but I think it’s great for people to tweak things to their tastes.
Sheryl S says
I have been looking for a recipe like this! This recipe was really good, but I did add cloves, cinnamon, and all-spice which reminded me of the beet pickles I grew up with. I used my Cuisinart 65 Air fryer to roast the vegetables, bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes 2nd rack.
I’m so glad you liked it!