Roasted Pesto Beets

Elevate your side dish game with these vibrant and flavorful Roasted Pesto Beets! This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of perfectly roasted beets with the bright, herbaceous notes of a homemade basil pesto, featuring pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fresh lemon juice. Tender beet cubes are caramelized in the oven, then tossed in this savory pesto to create a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for adding a pop of color and gourmet flair to your table. Serve these pesto-coated roasted beets warm or at room temperature—it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that works beautifully as a side dish, salad topper, or even a healthy snack.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium beets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups basil leaves
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.25 cup olive oil (for pesto)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Wash and pat dry the beets. Trim off the tops and roots, then peel the skin with a vegetable peeler.

Step 3

Cut the beets into 1-inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the beets, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 5

Roast the beets in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are tender and lightly caramelized.

Step 6

While the beets are roasting, prepare the pesto. Combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and 0.25 cup of olive oil in a food processor.

Step 7

Blend until the mixture is smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with a pinch of salt or an extra drizzle of lemon juice.

Step 8

Once the beets are done roasting, transfer them to a large bowl.

Step 9

Add 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared pesto to the roasted beets and toss until they are evenly coated. (You can save any extra pesto for another recipe by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.)

Step 10

Serve the Roasted Pesto Beets warm or at room temperature. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	512.3 grams (512.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1251

Total Fat 117.10g	150%
Saturated Fat 18.40g	92%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.40g
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 3366mg	146%
Total Carbohydrate 40.70g	15%
Dietary Fiber 11.70g	42%
Total Sugars 24.60g
Protein 19.20g	38%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 318mg	24%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 1415mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 81.5%

Protein: 5.9%

Carbs: 12.6%