Get ready to spice up your choice dishes with these homemade Pickled Beets! This quick and simple recipe adds a tangy, zesty kick to any salads, making it a must-have condiment in your kitchen.They take just a few Beets and minimal prep time.

If you’ve ever pushed beets to the side of your plate this recipe might change your mind completely. It’s just my opinion, but I think every household should have a good dill pickle recipe for beets.
So now here I am because I am sharing a pickled beet recipe that I actually crave and it is sweet and tangy and earthy and also a little old school in the best possible way.

Here is what I love about this one because it uses super simple ingredients and because there is no fancy equipment involved and because you can throw it on salads and sandwiches or you can just eat it cold straight out of the fridge.
therefore let us do it.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
- Large pot for boiling beets
- Medium saucepan for the brine
- Colander or strainer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean glass jars with lids
- Spoon or tongs
Tips for Pickled Beets
– Choose beets that are firm smooth and not too big. Smaller beets are usually sweeter and cook more evenly.
– If you’re short on time you can use pre-cooked vacuum-sealed beets from the store. Just skip the boiling step and go straight to slicing and pickling.
– Wear gloves if you don’t want pink hands or rub your hands with lemon juice afterward to remove stains.

– Taste the brine before adding the beets. If it’s too sharp add a little more sugar. If it’s too sweet add a splash more vinegar.
– Spices are optional so don’t stress. Even plain vinegar sugar and salt make delicious pickled beets.
What to Eat with Pickled Beets ??
I love serving these pickled beets alongside fresh salads or roasted vegetables they add a tangy, vibrant pop of flavor. Sometimes I use them to top sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos for an unexpected twist.
My kids enjoy them with cheese , while my husband likes adding them to grain bowls or alongside roasted meats for a colorful, tasty side. If you enjoy quick, flavorful additions like this, try my Quick Pickled Red Onion it’s tangy, easy to make, and perfect for enhancing any meal.
Ingredients :
- Fresh beets about 2 pounds
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 cup
- Water 1 cup
- Sugar ½ to ¾ cup depending on how sweet you like it
- Salt 1 teaspoon
Optional spices : “1 small cinnamon stick ” , ” 2 to 3 whole cloves ” or ” ½ teaspoon peppercorns “
How to Make Pickled Beets :
Step 1
Start by washing the beets really well. Beets grow in the dirt so make sure all the soil is scrubbed off. Trim off the leafy tops and the long root tail but don’t peel them yet along with that Place the whole beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil then lower the heat and let them simmer until a fork slides in easily. This usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on their size.

Step 2
Once the beets are tender drain them and let them cool just enough to handle. Now the fun part happens. The skins will slip right off when you rub them gently with your fingers or a paper towel. Be ready for pink hands but don’t worry it washes off.

Step 3
Slice the peeled beets into rounds or cut them into cubes depending on what you like best. Set them asid plus In a medium saucepan combine the vinegar water sugar salt and any spices you’re using. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring so the sugar dissolves completely. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step 4
Carefully add the sliced beets to the hot brine. Stir gently and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the beets start soaking up the flavor and Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the beets and brine into clean jars. Make sure the beets are fully covered by the liquid.
Step 5
Let it rest briefly once cooled seal the jars and place them in the refrigerator. They’re ready to eat in a few hours but taste even better after sitting overnight.
FAQ’S :
Do I have to cook the beets before pickling ?
Yes cooking makes them tender and helps them absorb the brine better.
How long before pickled beets are ready to eat ?
They’re good after a few hours but best after 24 hours.
Why did my beets turn the brine red ?
That’s normal beets release their color into the liquid.
Can I freeze pickled beets ?
Non Freezing is not recommended because it changes the texture.
Can I make this recipe without sugar ?
You can reduce it or use honey but some sweetness balances the vinegar.
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Homemade Pickled Beets
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings15
minutes45
minutes70
kcal1
hourTender cooked beets soaked in a sweet and tangy vinegar brine that makes a colorful easy side dish or salad topping.
Ingredients
Fresh beets about 2 pounds
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 cup
Water 1 cup
Sugar ½ to ¾ cup depending on how sweet you like it
Salt 1 teaspoon
Optional spices : "1 small cinnamon stick " , " 2 to 3 whole cloves " or " ½ teaspoon peppercorns "
Directions
- Start by washing the beets really well. Beets grow in the dirt so make sure all the soil is scrubbed off. Trim off the leafy tops and the long root tail but don’t peel them yet along with that Place the whole beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil then lower the heat and let them simmer until a fork slides in easily. This usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on their size.
- Once the beets are tender drain them and let them cool just enough to handle. Now the fun part happens. The skins will slip right off when you rub them gently with your fingers or a paper towel. Be ready for pink hands but don’t worry it washes off.
- Slice the peeled beets into rounds or cut them into cubes depending on what you like best. Set them asid plus In a medium saucepan combine the vinegar water sugar salt and any spices you’re using. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring so the sugar dissolves completely. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
- Carefully add the sliced beets to the hot brine. Stir gently and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the beets start soaking up the flavor and Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the beets and brine into clean jars. Make sure the beets are fully covered by the liquid.
- Let it rest briefly once cooled seal the jars and place them in the refrigerator. They’re ready to eat in a few hours but taste even better after sitting overnight.
Notes
- Roasting enhances flavor : boiling is quicker. Either method works as long as beets are tender.
- Slice uniformly : Even slices or cubes ensure consistent pickling and presentation.
- This helps the beets absorb flavor quickly and safely.
- Vinegar, sugar, salt, and optional spices like cloves, cinnamon, or mustard seeds create classic pickled flavor.
- Pickled beets taste best after 24–48 hours; flavors deepen after a few days and you can refrigerated pickled beets last 2–3 weeks, maintaining crunch and flavor.
- Add pickled beets to salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, or serve as a side for meats and cheeses.



