Triathlete Nutrition: 3 Simple and Delicious Beet Green Recipes

How to Use Beet Greens

Beet Green Recipes

Everyone knows how great beets are for you, especially athletes. They are ideal for training due to their anti-inflammatory benefits, detoxifying traits and antioxidants. But when you buy beets at the store, the root often comes attached to the leafy green plant. For years, I felt guilty cutting off the little beet root and throwing away all the greens until I discovered something: those leaves actually taste really good! So, stop throwing away all your good beet greens and start putting them to use.

Beet greens taste like a cross between kale and swiss chard. They retain a little bit of the beet flavor in the red veins of the leaves. And, just like kale or swiss chard, they are full of nutrient-rich fiber.

Here are 3 Simple and Delicious Ways to try Beet Greens for yourself! All of the recipes below can be made vegan!  

Beets and Greens Smoothie

This smoothie is super refreshing with a little kick from the ginger. Using beet greens instead of kale or spinach will save you a little bit of money and time, since you are getting two of your main ingredients from one plant!

Beet Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 fresh beet, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup of coarsely chopped beet greens
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 cup of frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup milk (almond, soy, coconut or cow)
  • 1 TBSP fresh ginger
  • 1-2 TBSP chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 TBSP honey (optional)

Instructions:

Combine ingredients in a high-power blender. Chop beets well so they will puree easier. If you do not have frozen strawberries, substitute fresh and add ice.

Makes 2 servings

Beet Greens Salad

Beet Green Salad

There are few things that are more delicious than a salad of fresh roasted beets and goat cheese. Adding beet greens to the mix just makes this classic salad that much more delicious.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 TBSP honey
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1 bunch beets, peeled and coarsely diced
  • Beet Greens from 1 bunch of beets, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • ½ cup crumbled goat cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. After tossing beets in a little olive oil, place them on the pan and roast for about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Whisk lemon juice, shallots and honey in a bowl until blended. Add olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Add salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, combine beet greens, spinach and dressing until greens are well coated. Arrange beets on the salad and top with goat cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Braised Beet Greens

Beet Greens

For those chilly Fall and Winter days, braised greens are a great way to get your comfort food fix, while still getting some nutrients that will give you healthy energy.

Ingredients:

  • Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Beet Greens from 1 bunch of beets, chopped
  • 1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and Pepper

Instructions:

Heat enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a medium-size pot over medium heat. Add beet greens and garlic, stirring constantly until beet greens turn bright green (about 2 minutes). Add chicken or vegetable stock, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook greens for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add lemon juice, salt and pepper and serve warm.

How do you put your beet greens to use? Share with us @LivCycling #TryaTri