Sweet, savory, and satisfyingly creamy, these Maple Roasted Carrots with Whipped Vegan Feta are a perfect plant-based side or light main.
Packed with fiber-rich carrots, protein from vegan feta and tofu, and heart-healthy pecans, this recipe is nutrient-dense and low in saturated fat.
Quick, easy, and versatile, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or elegant entertaining.
Sweet and Spicy Maple Roasted Carrots
Equipment
- 1-Baking tray
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 food processor
- Salad tongs or 2 wooden spoons
Ingredients
For the Carrots:
- 2½ lbs carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 large Medjool dates pitted and chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ⅛ tsp kosher salt
For the Whipped Vegan Feta:
- 8 oz vegan feta room temperature
- 3.5 oz medium or firm tofu ¼ block
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1 tsp kosher salt adjust per brand
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp white rice vinegar optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Carrots: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms, peel your carrots carefully and slice them into large, roughly 2-inch chunks. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they roast evenly. Place the sliced carrots in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the carrots, then sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything gently with your hands or a spoon until each carrot piece is lightly coated in oil and seasonings.
- Roast the Carrots: Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on a baking tray. It’s important they aren’t overcrowded so they caramelize rather than steam. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. About halfway through, give the tray a gentle shake or turn the carrots with a spatula to ensure even cooking. The carrots are ready when they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork and show golden-brown caramelization on the side touching the tray.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the carrots roast, make the flavorful maple dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk vigorously until fully emulsified. Set the dressing aside, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the toppings and whipped feta.
- Chop Dates, Pecans, and Parsley: Take 8 large Medjool dates, remove the pits, and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop ½ cup of pecans roughly so they retain some texture and crunch. Finely chop ¼ cup of fresh Italian parsley. Place all three ingredients in a small bowl and set aside; these will add bursts of sweetness, crunch, and fresh herb flavor to the roasted carrots.
- Make the Whipped Vegan Feta: In a food processor, combine 8 ounces of room-temperature vegan feta with 3.5 ounces of medium or firm tofu, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust depending on your feta brand), and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and, if desired, 1 teaspoon of white rice vinegar for an extra tang. Process on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. The texture should be spreadable but still hold its shape.
- Plate the Whipped Feta: Spoon the whipped vegan feta onto a large serving platter. Using the back of a spoon, gently create a swooshing or swirling pattern to give it an elegant presentation. You can prepare this ahead of time and keep it chilled while the carrots finish roasting.
- Combine Carrots with Toppings: Once the carrots are perfectly roasted, transfer them back to the large mixing bowl or leave them on the baking tray if you prefer. Add the chopped dates, pecans, and parsley to the hot carrots. Pour the prepared maple dressing evenly over the mixture. Using salad tongs or two wooden spoons, toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure each carrot is coated with dressing and combined with the sweet and crunchy elements.
- Assemble the Dish: Carefully spoon the roasted carrot mixture over the whipped vegan feta on your serving platter. Spread it evenly so that each bite combines the creamy feta, roasted carrot, sweet dates, and crunchy pecans. Taste a piece and sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper if desired to enhance the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: This dish can be served warm directly from the oven, at room temperature, or chilled for a refreshing contrast. It makes a perfect side dish for weeknight dinners, a festive holiday platter, or a light plant-based main for lunch. Encourage guests to scoop both feta and carrots together for the ideal combination of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use medium to large carrots for even roasting; smaller carrots may cook too quickly and become mushy.
- Ensure the vegan feta is at room temperature before whipping—this allows for a smooth, creamy texture that spreads easily.
- Medjool dates are ideal because of their natural sweetness and soft texture, but any soft, sweet variety can work.
- Adjust the dressing to taste: add more maple syrup for extra sweetness or more lemon juice for tang.
- For a nut-free version, substitute toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for pecans without compromising texture or flavor.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Carrots
To elevate the natural sweetness of carrots, roast them at a high temperature (400°F) without overcrowding the pan.
This ensures caramelization and deep flavor.
Always toss the roasted carrots with the dressing while they are still hot so the flavors meld beautifully.
When making the whipped vegan feta, using a combination of tofu and vegan feta balances creaminess and tang, giving a luxurious mouthfeel without dairy.
Experiment with a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg in the dressing for a subtle warming note.
Serving Suggestions for Perfect Presentation
This dish shines as a versatile side or light main.
Serve it warm alongside roasted or grilled plant-based proteins, such as tempeh or chickpea patties, for a complete meal.
For brunch, it pairs beautifully with avocado toast or grain bowls.
Sprinkle additional toasted pecans or fresh parsley on top before serving to enhance texture and visual appeal.
It also works chilled as a refreshing salad alternative, making it perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.
Storage Tips for Longer Freshness
Store leftover roasted carrots and whipped feta separately in airtight containers.
Carrots will remain flavorful for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, while whipped feta can last up to 5 days.
To reheat carrots, warm them gently in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes, or enjoy them chilled over the whipped feta for a quick meal prep lunch.
Avoid freezing the whipped feta, as the texture may become slightly grainy after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the carrots and make the whipped feta a day in advance. Store separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
2. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews can provide similar crunch and flavor. For a nut-free option, roasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin work well.
3. How spicy is the dressing?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth without overpowering the dish. Adjust the amount to taste if you prefer milder or spicier flavors.
4. Can I substitute the vegan feta?
Yes, you can use any firm plant-based cheese, but check the salt level first. Softer or creamier vegan cheeses may require extra blending or additional tofu to achieve the right texture.
5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The roasted carrots, dressing, and whipped feta can all be prepared in advance.
Keep components separate in the fridge and assemble when ready to serve for easy, flavorful meals throughout the week.
