Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Pickling Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 24 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~70 kcal per serving
🌿 Why You’ll Love These Healthy Pickled Beets
These Healthy Pickled Beets are a naturally sweet, tangy, and vibrant side dish perfect for salads, sandwiches, and meal prep. Made with fresh beets, apple cider vinegar, and natural sweeteners, this easy pickled beet recipe is low in sugar, gluten-free, vegan, and packed with antioxidants and fiber.
🛒 Ingredients for Healthy Pickled Beets
For the Beets:
- 4–5 medium fresh beets (about 1 ½ pounds)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Pickling Brine:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for a refined-sugar-free option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2–3 whole cloves (optional)
- 1 small bay leaf (optional)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional for flavor and color)
🥣 Instructions — How to Make Healthy Pickled Beets
- Prepare and Cook the Beets
- Wash beets thoroughly, trimming stems and roots.
- Place beets in a large pot, cover with water, and add ½ teaspoon salt.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain and let cool slightly. Slip off the skins under cold water and slice into rounds or wedges.
- Make the Pickling Brine
- In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, honey (or maple syrup), salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and optional spices.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 3–5 minutes to let flavors infuse.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine Beets and Brine
- Layer cooked beet slices and red onion in sterilized glass jars.
- Pour warm brine over the beets, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Seal jars tightly.
- Refrigerate and Pickle
- Let jars cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop.
- For best flavor, enjoy after 2–3 days.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store Healthy Pickled Beets in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Always use a clean spoon to remove beets to extend freshness.
🍽️ How to Serve Healthy Pickled Beets
- Add to salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches
- Serve as a side dish with roasted meats or fish
- Mix into goat cheese or feta salads
- Enjoy as a gut-healthy snack
💪 Health Benefits of Pickled Beets
- Rich in antioxidants like betalains
- Supports heart health and lowers blood pressure
- Boosts gut health due to vinegar’s probiotics
- Improves athletic performance through natural nitrates