Golden Beet and Burrata Stacks with Pistachio Citrus Zest: A Stunning Appetizer

Golden Beet and Burrata Stacks with Pistachio Citrus Zest 🍊✨

This vibrant appetizer brings together roasted golden and red beets, creamy burrata, nutty pistachios, and bright citrus zest into one eye-catching, delicious dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a romantic meal, or just want to elevate your veggie game—this recipe is a stunning addition to any table.


Why I Love This Recipe

Beets and burrata are a match made in culinary heaven. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets balances beautifully with the luscious creaminess of fresh burrata. Add in a sprinkle of toasted pistachios, a touch of honey, and the aromatic lift of orange zest, and you’ve got a dish that’s as flavorful as it is beautiful.

It’s also incredibly versatile: serve it as a fancy starter, a light lunch, or even a show-stealing side. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian-friendly or nut-free with simple swaps.


Ingredients

  • 3 golden beets, roasted and sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 2 red beets, roasted and sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 ball of fresh burrata cheese, gently torn into creamy pieces
  • ¼ cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Ingredient Swaps & Notes

  • Burrata Substitute: Use fresh mozzarella or whipped goat cheese if burrata isn’t available.
  • Nut-Free Version: Swap pistachios with sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
  • Citrus Twist: Try lemon or grapefruit zest for a different zing.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based soft cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Beets

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet.
  • Roast for 45–50 minutes, or until a knife inserts easily.
  • Let cool, then peel and slice into ½-inch rounds.

2. Build the Stacks

  • On each serving plate, start with a golden beet slice as the base.
  • Add a spoonful of burrata, then layer a red beet slice on top.
  • Repeat for 2–3 layers, finishing with a dollop of burrata.

3. Finish with Garnish

  • Drizzle stacks with olive oil and honey.
  • Sprinkle chopped pistachios generously.
  • Add orange zest, flaky salt, and cracked black pepper.
  • Top with fresh thyme leaves for aroma and a pop of green.

Tips for Success

  • Use similar-sized beets for more stable, uniform stacks.
  • Roast ahead of time and chill the beets for easy prep.
  • Serve at room temperature to let the flavors shine.
  • Use a microplane for the orange zest to get fine, aromatic strips.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve these beet and burrata stacks with crusty bread or alongside a full spread. They pair beautifully with:

  • A bubbly Prosecco or a dry Rosé
  • For a complete light meal, serve with Blueberry Lemonade
  • Impress guests even more by offering a warm appetizer like Baked Brie

Storage & Leftover Tips

  • Best served fresh, but can be stored (undressed) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Keep burrata separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy stacks.
  • Pistachios should be added just before serving for best crunch.

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Final Thoughts

This Golden Beet and Burrata Stack is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of color, flavor, and texture. It’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough to dazzle guests. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment, tag your photos with @chefmaniac, and don’t forget to follow for more inspired eats.

Let’s turn vegetables into the star of the show—one vibrant stack at a time. 🧡