Vegan Beet and Walnut Dip

Cooking for a Crowd, Recipes, Small Plates & Snacks

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Here’s another crowd-pleasing recipe – I made this beet and walnut dip at home and brought it to a friend’s party a few weeks ago. People were curious to find out what this fuchsia-colored dip was and surprised by how great it tasted.

I initially found this recipe on Veggie Belly, a vegetarian food blog, and the moment I saw it, I knew I needed to try it for myself. And once I did, I was amazed by how easy it was to make and by how great it tasted!

I deviated a bit from the original recipe a bit so let me know what you think.

Just as a side note, if you’re not going to eat all of it at once or right away, put it in a container and keep it in the refrigerator, it should keep for about two or three days.

The next day I decided to incorporate the beet dip into a salad. I took about a cup and a half of mixed greens, 2-3 canned artichoke hearts (rinsed and pulled apart) and about a 1/3 of a cup of the beet dip.

Nutritional Benefits: Beets contain phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron and folic acid, which is actually recommended for pregnant women because it may lower the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects in newborn infants. Beets also help to detoxify blood and renew it with minerals and natural sugars.

Walnuts: Walnuts are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and antioxidants such as Vitamin E and have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Walnuts are one of seven nuts that have less than 4 grams of saturated fat per 50 grams.

Orange Juice: Orange juice contains a lot of Vitamin C, which is essential vitamin for our bodies and an important antioxidant. Drinking orange juice, when combined with a meal that also includes carbohydrates (i.e. beets) and fats (i.e. nuts), helps to prevent the occurrence of inflammation within the body.

Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is made from white Trebbiano grapes in northern Italy – their unfermented juice is used to make the vinegar. Balsamic vinegar plays a role in a healthy weight loss plan as it helps to suppress the body’s appetite and increase the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty, which can contribute to weight loss by preventing overeating.

Beet and Walnut Dip
Author: 
Recipe type: Small Plates and Snacks
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4-6 servings
 
Ingredients
  • 4-6 small ready to eat beets
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ¾ cup raw walnuts
Instructions
  1. Put all ingredients into blender and puree under smooth. It should make about 12 ounces and only takes about 15 minutes
 

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21 Comments

  • Reply
    Dana
    December 12, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    This sounds like such a unique combo of flavors. I can see why people were curious… I want to try it out for myself!

  • Reply
    Alexis @ There She Goesa
    December 12, 2011 at 8:04 am

    i love the idea of using this as a salad dressing

  • Reply
    Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
    December 11, 2011 at 9:34 am

    Maris, this looks SO good! I absolutely LOVE beets, but only my daughter and I will eat them. I wonder if I can get the remaining 3 family members to come over to the other side if I make this for them. Will have to give it a go. Thanks!
    Happy holidays! Hugs!!

    • Reply
      Laura
      December 11, 2011 at 9:46 am

      Lynne, I totally understand picky eaters. Veggie Belly (http://bit.ly/rpjmdi) posted the original version of this recipe but she suggests that you could even try using carrots instead of beets.

  • Reply
    Pudding Pie Lane
    December 11, 2011 at 6:42 am

    I love beets! Sometimes I just eat them on their own (once cooked)… is that strange? Anyhow, now I can use this recipe to mask my strangeness and just eat the dip!

  • Reply
    Roz@weightingfor50
    December 9, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    Hi Maris, this looks DELICIOUS. And soooo healthy. Hope you are doing well!!!! Sending hugs your way!

  • Reply
    Caroline
    December 9, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    Mmm this dip sounds fantastic…lovely color, too! x

  • Reply
    Kitchen Belleicious
    December 9, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Well now that looks delicious and actually healthy for you in the midst of all this baking for the holidays!

  • Reply
    Rachel
    December 7, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    I have been obsessed with blended-up concoctions that I can use as dips/spreads/salad dressing…you name it. This looks TOO GOOD to pass up!

  • Reply
    Daryl
    December 7, 2011 at 4:03 am

    I am going to make this for my office holiday party. Love the color and flavors

  • Reply
    lisa
    December 6, 2011 at 10:39 am

    I love beets, this look beautiful!

  • Reply
    Kerstin
    December 5, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    So pretty and healthy! My hubby would love this.

  • Reply
    vianney
    December 5, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    I love this colorful dip!! I have a ton of roasted beets in my fridge. Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    lynn @ the actor's diet
    December 5, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    GORGEOUS. i love beets.

  • Reply
    Jessica
    December 5, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    This sounds amazing! I love Beets…and I love Walnuts….so this must be amazing! 😀

  • Reply
    Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)
    December 5, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Irresistible color — and I love beets with orange and balsamic.

  • Reply
    Kelly
    December 5, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    Great idea for a party. I’m curious enough to try it!

  • Reply
    Greg
    December 5, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    I love balsamic vinegar, not crazy about walnuts, which makes me weird I know. That dip is pretty.

  • Reply
    5 Star Foodie
    December 5, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    A terrific, colorful and healthy dip!

  • Reply
    sarah
    December 5, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    The color is glorious and I adore beets. I think it would really brighten up a holiday spread and definitely make me feel good about dipping away at a party.

  • Reply
    Kay
    December 5, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    Wow love that color!

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