Name: Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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’re looking for something fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly simple to brighten up your meal, this Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe is absolutely the way to go. I love this salad because it’s crunchy, colorful, and packed with bright herbal notes that make every bite feel like a little celebration. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up—perfect for when you want something healthy and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

💙

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Refreshing: The combination of fresh herbs and lemon zest lifts the beets into something truly lively.
Easy and Quick to Prep: No cooking needed—just peel, grate, and toss!
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or bringing a dish to a gathering, it fits right in.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and fresh flavors that make eating greens fun.

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, beet salad recipe, healthy beet salad, easy beet salad, vibrant vegetable salads

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe calls for a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Pay attention to the quality of your olive oil and fresh herbs—they make a noticeable difference!

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, beet salad recipe, healthy beet salad, easy beet salad, vibrant vegetable salads

Extra-virgin olive oil: Go for a fruity, robust flavor—it really complements the earthiness of the beets.
Sherry vinegar: This adds a subtle depth and sweetness that’s more nuanced than plain white vinegar.
Shallot: Milder than onions, it blends smoothly into the dressing without overpowering the salad.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a gentle tang.
Honey: Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness—feel free to adjust to taste.
Lemon zest: Brightens the whole salad with fresh citrus aroma.
Sea salt: Enhances flavors—don’t be shy here, but taste as you go.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that makes the salad pop.
Red beets: Fresh and firm beets are key; peeling and grating them raw keeps their vibrant color and crunch.
Carrot: Adds sweetness and a complementary crunch.
Fresh flat leaf parsley: One of my favorite herbs—it adds freshness and color.
Fresh mint: Brings a cooling note that balances the earthiness of the beets beautifully.

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

I’ve tried tweaking this Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe in a few ways, mostly to suit different seasons or dietary tweaks. It’s surprisingly adaptable, so you should definitely make it your own!

Add toasted nuts: I love sprinkling in toasted walnuts or pecans for a warm crunch that pairs beautifully with the cool herbs.
Swap herbs: Sometimes I use cilantro or dill instead of parsley and mint—both bring unique twists to the flavor profile.
Include citrus segments: Adding peeled orange or grapefruit pieces adds a juicy burst that brightens the salad even more.
Make it vegan: The honey can be swapped for maple syrup or agave nectar without losing any of the sweet balance.

How to Make Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by combining the extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, grated lemon zest, sea salt, and cracked black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk everything vigorously until the dressing becomes emulsified—that means it should look smooth and slightly thickened. I like to use a balloon whisk here, but a fork will work in a pinch. This dressing is the heart of the salad, so take a moment to savor the aroma—it’s that fresh, tangy start that sets the tone.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Peel your beets and carrots carefully, then grate them using the larger holes on a box grater for that perfect texture—somewhere between a shred and small ribbons. When I first tried grating raw beets, I learned to be patient and to frequently clear the grater to prevent clogging. It’s worth it to maintain the salad’s crunch and vivid color! Be mindful to use gloves or wash hands well afterward, as beet juice loves to stain.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Add the grated beets and carrots to your bowl with the dressing. Then toss in half of your chopped parsley and mint. Use your hands or tongs to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring every bit of veggie is nicely coated in that flavorful dressing. The herbs perk everything up with fragrant freshness. Once mixed, transfer the salad into a beautiful serving bowl and garnish with the remaining parsley and mint to give it that bright, inviting finish.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe

Use Fresh Herbs: I always recommend using freshly chopped parsley and mint rather than dried—the difference in flavor is night and day.
Grate Just Before Serving: Beets oxidize quickly, so grating right before preparing keeps the salad bright and colorful.
Adjust Sweetness as Needed: Depending on your beets and vinegar, you might want a touch more honey to balance acidity—taste and tweak!
Peel Carefully to Avoid Waste: I learned the trick of using a vegetable peeler gently to keep beets from becoming too thin, which preserves texture.

How to Serve Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe

Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to finish this salad with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled feta cheese if I’m feeling indulgent. Both add a lovely contrast in texture and flavor—salty, nutty, and just a little creamy. Plus, a few more fresh mint leaves scattered on top make it look irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even alongside thick slices of warm, crusty bread. One of my favorite combos is to serve it with a simple quinoa pilaf or herbed roasted potatoes—keeps the meal light but filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this grated beet salad on individual appetizer plates topped with a dollop of whipped goat cheese and edible flowers. It’s a real showstopper and makes guests pause to appreciate the colors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the beets will soften a bit and the herbs might lose some of their punch, so I usually make this fresh when I can. If you do store it, give it a quick stir and maybe a pinch more fresh herbs before serving again.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh herbs and raw vegetables don’t hold up well to freezing—they’ll become mushy and lose their vibrant flavor.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you prefer less chill, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I prepare the beets ahead of time for this salad?

It’s best to grate the beets just before assembling the salad. Beets oxidize and lose their fresh color when prepped too early. If you must prepare in advance, peel and store whole beets in the fridge, then grate right before serving for optimal freshness.
Can I use other types of vinegar instead of sherry vinegar?

Absolutely! While sherry vinegar adds a nice depth, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar are good alternatives. Just adjust the amount to taste, as some vinegars can be more acidic or sharper than sherry vinegar.
Is it necessary to use both parsley and mint?

Both herbs add unique freshness that really elevates this salad, but if you don’t have both, you can use just one or substitute with herbs like cilantro or dill. The key is to use fresh herbs to bring brightness and balance the earthiness of the beets.
Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Grated Beet Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe turns out every single time—it’s fresh, simple, and always a highlight at my table. When I first discovered this combo, it quickly became a staple for both weeknight dinners and special occasions because it feels fancy but takes almost no time at all. If you give it a try, I think you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that becomes your go-to for when you want something healthy, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive. Trust me—your family and friends will go crazy for it!