Craving vibrant and nutritious Healthy Beet Recipes? These spiralized beet noodles with pesto offer a delicious and light meal you can whip up quickly, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. You’ll love the earthy sweetness of the beets paired with fresh, zesty pesto.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Beets: Use fresh, firm beets for the best spiralizing results. You can substitute with pre-spiralized beet noodles for convenience.
- Pesto: Fresh basil pesto is ideal. Feel free to use store-bought or a homemade vegan pesto.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness. Sun-dried tomatoes are a good alternative.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: Provides crunch. Toasted walnuts or pecans work well too.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium beets, peeled
- ¼ cup prepared pesto
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250
- Tools Needed: Spiralizer, large skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Beets
Peel your beets thoroughly. Using a spiralizer, create noodles from both beets. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can carefully julienne them into thin strips.
2. Sauté the Beet Noodles
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized beet noodles to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beets are tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still with a slight bite.
3. Combine with Pesto
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the pesto to the warm beet noodles and toss until evenly coated. The residual heat will help warm the pesto.
4. Add Finishing Touches
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
5. Serve Immediately
Divide the spiralized beet noodles with pesto between two plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy this simple and healthy beet recipe!
Variation Ideas:
- Add crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free feta for extra tang.
- Incorporate other vegetables like spinach or sautéed mushrooms.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Try a different pesto flavor, such as a kale or sun-dried tomato pesto.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover spiralized beet noodles with pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until just heated through, or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Are beets good for you?
A: Yes, beets are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a very healthy vegetable.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prep the beet noodles and pesto separately, but it’s best to combine them just before serving for optimal texture.
Q: What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
A: You can use a julienne peeler or carefully cut the beets into thin strips with a knife.
Q: Can I use different nuts instead of pine nuts?
A: Absolutely! Toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious additions.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a specific diet?
A: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan by using a dairy-free pesto, making it one of many versatile Healthy Beet Recipes.
Q: How do I choose good beets?
A: Look for beets that are firm, smooth, and have a vibrant color. Avoid any that are soft or bruised.