Description
Mediterranean-inspired Roasted Carrot Salad blends sweet, caramelized carrots with fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese. Guests will savor Ina Garten’s delightful recipe that elevates simple ingredients into an elegant side dish perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds carrots, preferably with leafy tops
- 6 ounces baby arugula
- 6 ounces goat cheese, such as Montrachet, medium-diced
Nuts and Dried Fruits:
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ⅔ cup roasted, salted Marcona almonds
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ¼ cup pure Grade A maple syrup
- ⅔ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
- 3 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, grated on a microplane
- Good olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 425°F (218°C), preparing for a culinary transformation.
- Meticulously wash and trim the carrots, ensuring a clean surface. Lavishly coat with olive oil, generously sprinkling salt and freshly ground black pepper. Distribute evenly across two expansive baking sheets.
- Slide the carrot-laden sheets into the preheated oven. Roast for 20 minutes, gently turning the carrots midway to promote even caramelization. Drizzle maple syrup over the vegetables and continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior. Allow the carrots to rest and cool for 10 minutes.
- In a petite saucepan, gently simmer the cranberries with orange juice, creating a vibrant, fragrant mixture. Let the berries steep and soften for 10 minutes, developing intense flavors.
- Craft a zesty vinaigrette by combining vinegar, minced garlic, and salt in a compact bowl. Whisk vigorously while streaming in olive oil until emulsified.
- Assemble the salad in a spacious bowl, layering peppery arugula, roasted carrots, plump cranberries with their aromatic liquid, crumbled goat cheese, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle the vinaigrette and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is perfectly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Slice carrots uniformly to guarantee consistent caramelization and texture throughout the roasting process.
- Drizzle generous olive oil to create a golden, crispy exterior that enhances natural carrot sweetness.
- Experiment with honey quantities to personalize the glaze, ranging from subtle hints to bold caramelized notes.
- Watch the oven carefully during final roasting minutes, as carrots can quickly transition from perfectly caramelized to burnt.
- Chop fresh herbs moments before adding to preserve vibrant aromatics and maximize flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg