Beet Carpaccio with Citrus Dressing

Name: Beet Carpaccio with Citrus Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium beets, cooked and peeled; 1 orange, juiced and zested; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Natural Healthy Meals Favorites

I absolutely love making Beet Carpaccio with Citrus Dressing for gatherings. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors never fail to impress my guests. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the beets, complemented by a zesty citrus dressing that enhances the earthiness of the vegetables. This dish is as simple to prepare as it is visually stunning, making it a perfect choice for both casual lunches and elegant dinner parties. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll want it in your regular rotation!

Created by

Cassandra Reed

Last updated on 2026-01-08T16:17:36.692Z

When I first discovered Beet Carpaccio, I was amazed at how a simple preparation could highlight the beet's natural sweetness. I experimented with various dressings and found that a citrus-based one worked best, marrying acidity with the earthy tones of the beets. The zest from oranges and lemon provides brightness that makes this dish pop.

I love presenting this dish in layers, as it creates an appealing visual experience. Using a mandoline slicer ensures thin, even slices, which not only look beautiful but also soak up the dressing wonderfully. The result is a fresh and vibrant appetizer that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The earthiness of beets perfectly paired with tangy citrus dressing
A refreshing, light dish that's perfect for warm days
Visually stunning, making it an impressive centerpiece for any table

      

Understanding Beets

Beets are the star of this dish, providing not only a striking visual appeal but also a rich, earthy flavor that balances beautifully with the citrus dressing. When selecting beets, look for firm, smooth-skinned ones, avoiding any that feel soft or have blemishes. Cooking can be done by boiling or roasting; roasting at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes intensifies their sweetness and adds a lovely caramelized flavor. Once cooked, allow them to cool before peeling to avoid burns.

The texture of the beets is crucial for this carpaccio. To achieve the paper-thin slices that make this dish visually stunning, I recommend using a mandoline slicer, which offers precision and uniformity. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp chef’s knife can work, but take your time to ensure each slice is even, aiming for about 1-2mm in thickness. This uniformity is important as it allows for even marinating, helping the flavors to meld seamlessly.

The Citrus Dressing

The dressing is where the magic happens. The combination of orange and lemon juice not only brightens up the earthy beets but also adds a layer of complexity with its sweet yet tangy profile. Make sure to zest both fruits before juicing; this adds a depth of flavor from the oils in the skin that you wouldn’t want to miss. The olive oil acts as a smooth base that brings all the flavors together, so use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.

When whisking the dressing, aim for a smooth, emulsified consistency. If it appears too thin, add a bit more olive oil until it coats the back of a spoon. If you prefer a kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Dijon mustard can elevate the dressing further. Balancing the acidity with salt is key, so taste as you go to ensure it complements the beets without overpowering them.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delightful dish:

Ingredients

2 medium beets, cooked and peeled
1 orange, juiced and zested
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Beet Carpaccio:

Prepare the Beets

Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the cooked beets as thinly as possible and arrange them beautifully on a serving platter.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, orange zest, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Dress the Beets

Drizzle the citrus dressing over the beet slices, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the beets to marinate in the dressing for about 10 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for an added touch of freshness and color.

Enjoy your beautiful Beet Carpaccio as a refreshing appetizer or side dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding crumbled feta cheese or walnuts on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Beet Carpaccio makes a stunning first course or a light lunch. To elevate the presentation, consider layering it with slices of goat cheese or feta, adding a creamy element that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the beets. Additionally, serving it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can create a wonderful texture contrast and enhance the fresh, vibrant theme of your meal.

For a more substantial offering, you could serve the beet carpaccio over a bed of quinoa or farro, which will absorb the citrus dressing and provide a nutty background flavor. This way, the dish transforms into a complete meal that retains its beautiful presentation while adding heartiness.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the great advantages of this dish is that it can be made ahead of time. After dressing the beet slices, allow them to marinate in the fridge for up to two hours before serving. This helps the flavors deepen even more. However, if you plan on making it a day in advance, I suggest storing the beets and dressing separately to maintain the texture, then combining them just before serving for optimal freshness.

If you have leftovers, Beet Carpaccio can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the beets will become due to the dressing. I recommend enjoying it cold as a topping on grain bowls or salads to ensure that its refreshing qualities shine through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use raw beets instead of cooked?

Yes, you can use raw beets, but ensure to slice them very thin and consider marinating them longer in the dressing for tenderness.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beets will continue to absorb the dressing flavors.

→ What other dressings work well with beet carpaccio?

You could try a balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing for a creamy twist.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this Beet Carpaccio with Citrus Dressing is completely vegan and gluten-free!