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Roasted Carrot & Feta Salad with Orange Zest & Pecans Recipe

Roasted Carrot & Feta Salad with Orange Zest & Pecans Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 10 reviews

This Roasted Carrot & Feta Salad combines tender, caramelized carrots with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the bright zest of fresh orange. Lightly spiced with cumin and paprika, and dressed with a honey-orange vinaigrette, it’s a perfect warm or room temperature side dish bursting with vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

Seasonings & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Nuts & Cheese

  • 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing & Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting the carrots to a perfect tender and slightly caramelized finish.
  2. Prepare Carrots: Place the peeled and cut carrot sticks on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and paprika. Toss thoroughly to coat all the carrot sticks evenly with the spices and oil.
  3. Roast Carrots: Roast the seasoned carrots in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and caramelized on the edges, stirring once halfway through for even cooking.
  4. Toast Pecans: While the carrots roast, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the chopped pecans for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, honey, and a pinch of salt to create a bright and sweet dressing that complements the roasted carrots.
  6. Assemble Salad: Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish. Drizzle the orange-honey dressing evenly over the top. Then sprinkle with toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese, fresh orange zest, and chopped parsley for color and flavor.
  7. Serve: Serve the salad warm or at room temperature as a delightful side dish with your favorite main course.

Notes

  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of chili flakes when seasoning the carrots.
  • Use fresh carrot sticks rather than pre-cut to ensure tenderness and flavor.
  • Can be served cold, though flavors are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
  • Substitute walnuts or almonds if pecans are unavailable.
  • For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted carrot salad, feta cheese salad, pecan salad, orange zest salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy side dish

Find it online: https://maicook.com/roasted-carrot-and-feta-salad-with-orange-zest-and-pecans-recipe/