Name: Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar; 1 small shallot, minced; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey; ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 pound red beets, peeled and grated; 1 large carrot, peeled and grated; ¼ cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley; ¼ cup chopped fresh mint

If you’ve been searching for a fresh and vibrant salad that bursts with flavor and color, then you’re in for a treat with this Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe. I absolutely love how this salad balances the earthy sweetness of beets with the bright zing of fresh herbs and a tangy dressing—you’ll find that it’s not just beautiful on your plate but also a serious crowd-pleaser. Plus, it comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for quick lunches, side dishes, or even bringing to your next potluck.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in under 15 minutes with no cooking required.
Vibrant Fresh Flavors: The mix of parsley and mint makes every bite pop with herbaceous brightness.
Versatile Side: It pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
Nutritious and Colorful: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber—and it looks gorgeous on the table.

A dark gray bowl filled with a colorful salad made of thin, long strands of deep red beets layered with thin orange carrot strips, scattered with fresh green mint leaves and parsley, small diced white bits, and thin yellow lemon zest curls spread evenly on top, all sitting on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs, healthy beet salad ideas, quick beet salad recipes, vibrant vegetable salads, fresh herb salad recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple, fresh, and easy to find at any grocery store or farmers market. The magic really happens when you combine the grated beets and carrots with a bright, tangy dressing and fresh herbs that bring brightness and balance.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of sherry vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of minced shallot, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with grated lemon zest, a small white ceramic bowl of sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, a peeled whole red beet resting beside a pile of freshly grated red beet, a peeled whole large carrot beside a pile of freshly grated carrot, a small bunch of chopped fresh flat leaf parsley, a small bunch of chopped fresh mint placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs, healthy beet salad ideas, quick beet salad recipes, vibrant vegetable salads, fresh herb salad recipes

Extra-virgin olive oil: Go for a good quality one since it’s a key part of the dressing’s flavor.
Sherry vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess without overpowering the salad.
Shallot: Minced finely to bring a mild, sweet onion flavor.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a gentle sharpness.
Honey: Balances out the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
Lemon zest: Freshly grated, it brightens the whole dish.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spicy warmth.
Red beets: Peeled and grated finely; these bring earthiness and color.
Carrot: Also grated for crunch and sweetness that complements the beet.
Fresh flat leaf parsley: Provides a fresh, slightly peppery note.
Fresh mint: Gives a cool, aromatic pop that livens up the salad.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!

Adding nuts: I sometimes toss in toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch and an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the beets.
Swapping herbs: If mint isn’t your thing, fresh dill or cilantro can be wonderful alternatives.
Using different vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work if you don’t have sherry vinegar on hand.
Making it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili adds a nice kick.
Going vegan: The honey can be swapped for maple syrup to keep it fully plant-based.

How to Make Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by whisking the olive oil, sherry vinegar, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon zest, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a large bowl until the dressing is emulsified—that means it’ll look smooth and well combined. I discovered this trick when I learned that thoroughly whisking the dressing before adding veggies ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Next, peel and grate the red beets and carrot. I like to use the fine side of a box grater because it creates these delicate strands that really soak up the dressing. Pro tip: wearing gloves while grating the beets keeps your hands stain-free, but if you forget, just scrub them well with lemon juice afterward!

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Add the grated beets, grated carrot, half of the chopped parsley, and half of the chopped mint to the bowl with your dressing. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the veggies are coated evenly in that tangy, herby dressing. This is when the salad truly comes alive—the fresh herbs add such a lovely brightness.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your vibrant salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining parsley and mint on top for a fresh, colorful garnish. This finishing touch not only looks beautiful but keeps the herbal notes fragrant and distinct. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors mingle.

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Pro Tips for Making Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe

Grating Technique: Using the fine side of your grater creates a delicate texture that helps the salad soak up the dressing better than chunky pieces.
Balancing Flavors: I learned that adjusting the honey and vinegar based on the sweetness of your beets makes a big difference—taste and tweak as you go!
Herb Freshness: Add half the herbs to the salad and reserve the rest for garnish to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
Preventing Stains: Wear kitchen gloves when handling raw beets or immediately scrub your hands with lemon juice to avoid stubborn red stains.

How to Serve Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe

Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love finishing this salad with extra fresh herbs—parsley and mint really lift it. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or toasted seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) for extra texture and flavor. Lemon wedges on the side never hurt either if you want to add a little more zing at the table.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs incredibly well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty grain bowl. My family goes crazy for it alongside simple grilled lamb chops or falafel. It also makes a fantastic light lunch on its own with some crusty bread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad layered in individual glass jars or pretty bowls to showcase those brilliant red and orange colors. You can even mold it with a ring mold onto a plate for a restaurant-style presentation—always a hit at dinner parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Because this salad is dressed, it’s best eaten within 2 days to keep the herbs fresh and prevent the beets and carrots from becoming too soggy. I always give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fresh herbs and grated vegetables lose their texture once thawed. I recommend making it fresh for the best taste and texture every time.

Reheating

Since this is a raw salad, I don’t reheat it. Instead, just serve it cold or at room temperature—both work beautifully and keep the freshness intact.

FAQs

Can I prepare beets in advance for this Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe?

Yes! You can peel and grate the beets a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure to toss them with a little lemon juice or vinegar to prevent browning. Keep the dressing and herbs separate until right before serving for the freshest taste.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh mint?

If fresh mint isn’t available, try fresh basil or cilantro for a different but equally fresh and bright flavor. Dill is also lovely, especially if you prefer a more herbaceous note. Avoid dried herbs here, as they lack the fresh punch that this salad needs.
Is it necessary to peel the beets before grating?

Peeling beets before grating helps remove the slightly tougher outer skin and gives a smoother texture to your salad. That said, if the beets are young and tender, you can leave the skin on as long as they’re washed thoroughly. The flavor will be earthier and the texture a bit firmer.
Can this Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe be made vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it fully plant-based without losing that touch of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor without any fuss. The combination of earthy beets, crunchy carrots, and bright herbs feels like a celebration of simple, honest ingredients. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll enjoy how it effortlessly brightens any meal and adds that little wow factor your family and friends will ask for again and again.