Crispy Zaatar Roasted Carrots with Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Crispy Zaatar Roasted Carrots with Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing

Ready to spice up your veggie game? These crispy zaatar roasted carrots are a flavor-packed side dish you’ll crave! Tossed in earthy zaatar and drizzled with a zesty lemon herb tahini dressing, they’re crisp, creamy, and downright irresistible. Let’s roast!

4.3 out of 5 (3 ratings)

Ah, carrots! The humble root veggie that's always in the background—until now. Let’s bring them front and center with this show-stopping recipe for Crispy Zaatar Roasted Carrots with Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing. Picture this: tender, caramelized carrots, seasoned with the toasty, herbal goodness of zaatar, topped off with a creamy, citrusy dressing that sings with freshness. This dish is more than just a sidekick—it’s the superhero of your plate! Whether you're dressing up a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, these zaatar roasted carrots are here to change the veggie game forever.

Crispy Zaatar Roasted Carrots With Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing Recipe

What makes this recipe truly special is the way it balances bold flavors from different corners of the world. Zaatar, a Middle Eastern blend of herbs like thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, adds an earthy, nutty punch that pairs so beautifully with the natural sweetness of roasted carrots. Then comes the magic of the lemon herb tahini dressing—smooth tahini gets a zippy lift from fresh lemon juice, a handful of chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro, and a splash of water to make it drizzle-ready. The contrast between crispy, caramelized carrots and the creamy, tangy dressing? Pure culinary harmony! It's a flavor combo you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Now, here’s a tip to make these carrots extra crispy and extra delicious: don’t overcrowd your baking tray! Spread your carrots out in a single layer, giving each piece the space it needs to roast rather than steam. For that perfect golden-brown edge, crank up the heat to about 425°F (220°C) and toss the carrots with just enough olive oil to coat them evenly. Bonus tip: if you've got extra zaatar, sprinkle some on your favorite roasted potatoes or even a slice of avocado toast. Trust me, once you start using zaatar, there’s no going back!

So, are you ready to roast your way to flavor heaven? These crispy zaatar roasted carrots are perfect as a vibrant side dish, but you could also toss them into a salad or serve them over fluffy couscous or quinoa for a full meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the carrots for parsnips or sweet potatoes—the lemon herb tahini dressing goes with just about everything! The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is, and I just know your taste buds will thank you. Now, grab that zaatar, heat up your oven, and let the roasting magic begin!

Keywords: zaatar roasted carrots recipe, crispy oven-roasted veggies, lemon tahini dressing recipe, best roasted carrots side dish, Middle Eastern vegetable recipe, homemade tahini herb sauce, zaatar vegetable recipes.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Middle Eastern

Ingredients

  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon zaatar spice blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons water (to adjust dressing consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

  2. 2

    Place the peeled and halved carrots in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with zaatar, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the carrots evenly.

  3. 3

    Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy around the edges.

  4. 4

    While the carrots are roasting, prepare the lemon herb tahini dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and water until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add more water, a teaspoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.

  5. 5

    Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and honey or maple syrup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.

  6. 6

    Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the lemon herb tahini dressing.

  7. 7

    Garnish with sesame seeds and additional fresh herbs, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories

180 calories per serving

Protein

3g

Carbs

13g

Fat

13g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different vegetable instead of carrots?

A: Yes, you can substitute carrots with other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even butternut squash. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even roasting.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have zaatar spice blend?

A: If you don’t have zaatar, you can create a simple substitute by mixing dried thyme, oregano, sumac (or lemon zest for tang), and sesame seeds. Alternatively, use Italian seasoning with a squeeze of lemon juice for a different but complementary flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: The recipe is already vegan apart from the optional honey in the dressing. To make it vegan, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store the roasted carrots and the tahini dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The carrots will keep for up to 3-4 days, and the dressing will stay fresh for about a week. Reheat the carrots in the oven or microwave and drizzle the dressing just before serving.

Q: Why is my tahini dressing too thick?

A: Tahini can vary in consistency depending on the brand. If your dressing is too thick, continue adding water a teaspoon at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition, until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a little extra lemon juice for more acidity.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can roast the carrots and make the tahini dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately and assemble just before serving. Warm the roasted carrots in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes if serving warm.

Q: What are some serving suggestions for this dish?

A: These roasted carrots pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled fish as a side dish. For a vegetarian meal, serve them over a bed of quinoa or couscous and add some chickpeas for extra protein. They can also be served as part of a mezze platter with pita bread, hummus, and olives.

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