Simple and Flavorful Pesto Roasted Carrots: Your New Favorite Side Dish

If you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-make veggie side dish that’s not lacking in flavor, pesto roasted carrots are about to become your new go-to recipe. One thing you should know about me is if there is a menu option at a restaurant for pesto anything, you bet yourself I will be ordering it. Needless to say pesto is one of my favorite foods/flavors. This dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with the herby, garlicky goodness of pesto, making it a hit for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It’s a fun untraditional Thanksgiving side dish as well (your guests leave asking for the recipe).

Why Carrots? A Nutritious and Seasonal Choice

Carrots, as a root vegetable, offer a wealth of nutrition while being affordable and easy to find. They’re rich in beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), which supports our eye health and immune system function. Carrots are also a good source of fiber, helping with digestion, promoting a feeling of fullness, and aiding in blood sugar management.

Carrots are typically in peak season during the spring and fall, though they’re widely available year-round. If you’re an amateur home gardener (like myself) I recommend checking out this resource for growing carrots HERE. Choosing carrots when they’re freshest will enhance their natural sweetness, especially when roasted.

If you do not typically have fresh carrots on hand, frozen carrots also work great and are equally as nutritious. Frozen vegetables offer an advantage of saving time (already washed and prepped) as well as being very cost effective. The texture after roasting the carrots will vary compared to the fresh carrots due to the water content, but are just as delicious. I encourage you to try both fresh and frozen carrots to try and see which you prefer!

Homemade or Store-Bought Pesto: Both Work Perfectly

This recipe shines whether you’re using homemade or store-bought pesto. If you have basil, garlic, olive oil, nuts/seeds, and Parmesan on hand, whipping up your own pesto can add an extra layer of freshness. On the other hand, a store-bought pesto is a convenient alternative that still delivers on flavor. I often do either depending on what I have on hand and how much time I have available. Homemade pesto is an easy recipe, but does involve an extra step and dishes.

For a dairy-free or vegan option, you can opt for a pesto made without Parmesan or use nutritional yeast as a substitute that provides a cheese-y flavor and added nutrition.

How to Make Pesto Roasted Carrots

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Toss whole or halved carrots with your pesto and roast in the oven. If your pesto is already made or you're using a store bought pesto, this is a 2 ingredient recipe. And if you’re using a pan (lined with parchment paper) and toss the pesto and carrots together on the pan, it’s a one pan recipe. Minimal dishes and clean up is always a win in my book!

Pairing Suggestions: Create a Balanced Meal

Pesto roasted carrots are a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Here are some pairing ideas:

• Plant-Based: Serve alongside quinoa or lentils for a protein-packed vegan option. Add a dollop of hummus or a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

• With Chicken or Meat: Pair with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or seared pork chops. The herbaceous pesto complements savory proteins beautifully.

• Other Veggies: Combine with roasted potatoes, asparagus, or a simple green salad to round out your plate. These pesto roasted carrots are also great cold on a salad as a way to add texture, flavor, and more veggies to meal prepped salads.

Final Thoughts

Pesto roasted carrots are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable dishes. Whether you’re looking to add more veggies to your diet or impress guests with a vibrant side dish, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Plus, with the option to use homemade or store-bought pesto, it’s as convenient as it is delicious.

Give this recipe a try and see why roasted carrots deserve a permanent spot on your table. Don’t forget to share your creations and pairings in the comments below!

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Simple and Flavorful Pesto Roasted Carrots: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Yield: 4

Author: Macy Diulus RD, LD, MPH, CDCES

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 55 Min

This dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with the herby, garlicky goodness of pesto, making it a hit for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb whole carrots
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400*F.
2. Scrub and wash whole carrots and pat dry.
3. I leave the skin for additional fiber, but if you prefer to peel the carrots - go for it! Then slice carrots in half, trying to make carrots a uniform size.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dump carrots onto baking sheet.
5. Add pesto onto pan with carrots - using tongs or clean hands, toss the carrots in the pesto to coat each carrot.
6. Roast for 45 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

76

Fat

3 g

Sat. Fat

1 g

Carbs

11 g

Fiber

3 g

Net carbs

8 g

Sugar

6 g

Protein

1 g

Sodium

148 mg

Cholesterol

1 mg

The nutritional information provided is an estimate calculated using online tools and is for informational purposes only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods. If you have dietary restrictions or specific health concerns, consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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