Zesty Beet Slaw With Olives & Pickled Onions Recipe

Vibrant summer salads often hide surprising flavor combinations, and this beet slaw with olives & pickled onions delivers a zesty punch that dance across your palate.

Crisp, jewel-toned beets mingle with briny olives in a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw.

Sharp pickled onions add a tangy edge that cuts through the root vegetable’s earthy sweetness.

The colors alone make this dish a feast for the eyes, blending deep purples and bright pinks with glossy olive tones.

Each forkful brings a complex balance of textures and tastes that surprise and delight.

Slicing and mixing these ingredients transforms a simple side dish into a Mediterranean-inspired sensation.

Serve this vibrant slaw alongside grilled proteins or enjoy it as a standalone summer sensation that will elevate any meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients at a Glance: Beet Slaw With Olives & Pickled Onions

• Red Onions: Adds tangy zest and vibrant color, selecting crisp and firm onions ensures the best pickle quality.
• Vinegar: Provides sharp acidity that transforms raw onions into a bright, punchy condiment.
• Mustard: Contributes robust depth and subtle heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Creates silky texture and rich undertone, opt for extra virgin for maximum flavor.

• Beets: Earthy root vegetable bringing sweet, deep crimson color, choose firm and smooth beets without blemishes.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and crunchy texture, select bright orange and firm carrots for best results.
• Parsley: Introduces fresh herbal notes, look for bright green leaves without wilting.

• Olives: Provides briny, salty punch, select high-quality Mediterranean or Greek varieties for authentic taste.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies overall taste, use sea salt or kosher salt for more nuanced seasoning.

Beet Slaw Prep Tools to Grab

• Large salad bowl: Perfect for mixing and marinating ingredients.
• Grater: Essential for shredding beets and carrots into thin, uniform strips.
• Knife: Needed for chopping onions and parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately measure vinegar, mustard, and olive oil.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing the slaw ingredients.

How to Make Beet Slaw With a Tangy Twist

• Onion Preparation

Chop onions and mix with vinegar, mustard, and olive oil in a large salad bowl. Let the mixture sit and marinate for 5-10 minutes to develop rich flavors.

• Vegetable Combination

Grate fresh beets and carrots, then add them to the marinated onions. Toss in briny olives and fragrant parsley. Season with salt and mix thoroughly to ensure the tangy marinade coats every vegetable piece.

• Serving and Storage

Enjoy the colorful slaw immediately for maximum crispness. Alternatively, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Variation Options for Beet Slaw Flavor

• Soak onions in vinegar for at least 5 minutes to soften their sharp edge and infuse them with tangy flavor.
• Use a box grater or food processor with a grating attachment to quickly and uniformly shred beets and carrots without messy hands.
• Swap olives for toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts to add different texture and nutty undertones to the slaw.
• This slaw tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for a more robust dish.

Serving Beet Slaw With Style

• Colorful Plate Presentation: Arrange the vibrant beet slaw on a white ceramic plate to make the deep red and orange colors pop, creating an Instagram-worthy dish that looks as delicious as it tastes.
• Mediterranean Mezze Companion: Pair the slaw alongside grilled pita bread, hummus, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired spread that feels like a delightful casual gathering.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the slaw with grilled chicken, crumbled goat cheese, or roasted chickpeas to transform this side dish into a satisfying and nutritious main course that provides extra protein and texture.
• Picnic Perfect Sidekick: Pack this slaw in mason jars for outdoor meals, potlucks, or summer picnics, where its tangy flavors and crunchy vegetables will shine as a refreshing accompaniment to sandwiches and grilled items.

Slaw Storage Suggestions That Work

• Fridge-Friendly Fresh Keeping: Store this vibrant slaw in a sealed glass container for optimal taste and crunch. The flavors will actually improve after a day in the refrigerator.
• Quick Meal Companion: Perfect as a side dish for grilled proteins or tucked into sandwiches. This versatile slaw adds instant color and nutrition to multiple meal scenarios.
• Advance Prep Magic: Grate vegetables and pickle onions up to 24 hours before serving. Keeping components separate until serving maintains maximum texture and prevents soggy vegetables.
• Smart Leftover Strategy: When stored correctly, this slaw remains delicious for 3-4 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the tangy marinade and revive the fresh flavors.

Vibrant Beet Slaw With Olives & Pickled Onions

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Colorful beet slaw with olives & pickled onions delivers Mediterranean zest through tangy layers of shredded vegetables and briny accents. Crisp textures and bold flavors invite diners to explore fresh, unexpected combinations on their plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 medium beets, peeled and grated
• 1 large carrot, grated
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• ⅓ cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp mustard
• ½ tsp sea salt

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Instructions

1. Pickle Preparation: Whisk vinegar, mustard, and olive oil in a large bowl to create a zesty marinade, then submerge thinly sliced onions to soften and infuse with tangy essence for 5-10 minutes.
2. Vegetable Processing: Using a box grater or food processor, transform beets and carrots into uniform, delicate strands that will provide a vibrant and textural foundation for the slaw.
3. Flavor Composition: Merge the marinated onions with grated vegetables, then artfully fold in briny olives and freshly chopped parsley, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients that creates a harmonious flavor landscape.
4. Seasoning and Finishing: Sprinkle salt across the mixture, gently tossing to coat each component with the aromatic dressing, allowing the flavors to intertwine and develop a sophisticated taste profile.
5. Serving and Storage: Present the slaw immediately for optimal crispness, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, during which time the flavors will continue to deepen and meld beautifully.

Notes

• Pickle Onions Precisely: Let onions marinate exactly 5-10 minutes for optimal tanginess and texture softening.
• Grate Uniformly: Use consistent, fine strands when shredding beets and carrots to ensure even flavor distribution and appealing presentation.
• Balance Briny Elements: Distribute olives and herbs carefully to create a harmonious blend of salty, earthy, and fresh flavor notes.
• Storage Strategy: Refrigerate in sealed container for up to 4 days, understanding flavors will continue developing and intensifying over time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg