Roasted Beets with Mustard Vinaigrette

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Packed with flavor, roasted beets with mustard vinaigrette is a delicious side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of beets with a tangy, zesty kick. For a more substantial meal, add grilled or roasted chicken, or turn it into a vibrant salad and serve it over a bed of peppery arugula.

an image of the Roasted Beets with Mustard Vinaigrette
Credit:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Clarie Spollen

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4
  • Roasting beets at high heat enhances their earthy sweetness and transforms their texture.
  • Using extra-virgin olive oil provides rich flavor and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
  • Mixing the vinaigrette in the same bowl saves a dish and maximizes flavor.

Our Roasted Beets with Mustard Vinaigrette is the delicious side you must make this week. Roasting heart-healthy beets at high heat brings out their earthy sweetness, and the crunchy root vegetable is transformed into a soft and delicate bite—excellent for soaking up the tangy and zingy mustard vinaigrette. Fresh parsley and chives add freshness and color, complementing the flavors of this nutrient-packed side. Keep reading for our expert tips, including the best way to peel beets without staining your hands. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • You can use precooked beets to save time, but be sure to pick ones that aren’t packed in vinegar or pickling liquid. That way your homemade vinaigrette will shine.
  • To make the vinaigrette, mix it directly in the bowl used to toss the beets. This saves a dish and ensures you capture every bit of flavor.
  • For added flavor, consider sprinkling some goat cheese or feta on top of the roasted beets.

Nutrition Notes

  • Both red and yellow beets are packed with antioxidants, which can help lower inflammation contributing to heart disease or type 2 diabetes. They are also rich in nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide, and this helps to open your blood vessels and can contribute to lower blood pressure. 
  • We chose extra-virgin olive oil as the base of the vinaigrette because it is a heart-healthy choice packed with monounsaturated fats. It also has a rich flavor that comes from its polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
an image of the ingredients to make the an image of the Roasted Beets with Mustard Vinaigrette

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Clarie Spollen

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • pounds red beets (about 3 medium), peeled and cut into ¾-inch pieces (about 5 cups)

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • ½ teaspoon pepper, divided

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar

  • teaspoons honey

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place cut beets, 2 tablespoons oil and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat. Spread in an even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet (reserve the bowl; do not rinse). Roast until tender and starting to brown, 30 to 35 minutes, tossing once halfway through.

    an image of the beets being tossed with the pepper and oil

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Clarie Spollen

  2. Meanwhile, whisk 1 tablespoon mustard, 2 teaspoons vinegar, 1½ teaspoons honey, ¼ teaspoon salt and the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and ¼ teaspoon pepper together in the reserved bowl.

    an image of the vinaigrette being whisked together

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Clarie Spollen

  3. Add the warm beets, 1 tablespoon parsley and 2 teaspoons chives to the bowl with the dressing; toss to coat.

    an image of the beets being tossed with the vinaigrette

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Clarie Spollen

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s the easiest way to peel beets?

    The easiest way to peel beets is to first slice off the beet greens, leaving a small stem for a better grip. Then, carefully use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. To keep your hands from staining purple, it’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves. Additionally, to protect your favorite wooden cutting board from staining, you can line it with parchment paper or use a plastic cutting board, which is easier to clean. If you do end up with stains on your hands or cutting board, try removing them with a mixture of lemon juice and salt.

  • What should I know about choosing beets?

    Selecting the best beets is straightforward: Choose a bunch that feels firm to the touch and has plenty of healthy green leaves still attached. The beet greens are a great bonus, as they are delicious when cooked and can serve as a wonderful side dish.

  • What can I do with the beet greens?

    There are so many ways to use beet greens. You can sauté them in olive oil with garlic, salt and pepper for a quick side dish, or add extra flavor and nutrition to salads, soups, pastas, grains, casseroles, mashed potatoes, egg dishes and more.

  • How should I store roasted beets?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them in a freezer-safe airtight container for about a month. You can reheat them in any way you choose—microwave, oven or stovetop.

  • What should I serve with Roasted Beets with Mustard Vinaigrette?

    Beets are a fantastic side dish for pork chops, baked fish and meals like our Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans. They also pair wonderfully in salads. For a quick and vibrant dish, serve roasted beets over a bed of peppery arugula, and if you want something a little more substantial, top it with a protein of choice.

Recipe developed by Marianne Williams

EatingWell.com, April 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

217 Calories
14g Fat
22g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about ½ cup
Calories 217
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 16g
Added Sugars 2g 4%
Protein 3g 7%
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Vitamin A 9µg
Vitamin C 11mg 13%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 14%
Folate 219µg
Vitamin K 26µg
Sodium 389mg 17%
Calcium 38mg 3%
Iron 2mg 10%
Magnesium 49mg 12%
Potassium 664mg 14%
Zinc 1mg 7%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Sarah Pflugradt

Sarah Pflugradt is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her extensive background in dietetics has made her a sought-after expert in family and youth sports nutrition.

and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.