Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Herbs (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Side Dishes for the Holidays

Now that we’re almost in holiday season, it’s time to start thinking of your Thanksgiving menu and Christmas meal ideas!

While it’s important to pay attention to the main courses (think turkey and ham), I find that side dishes play just an important a role at the holiday table.

Some of our favorite holiday sides include:

• Sautéed Shredded Brussels Sprouts (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Fennel and Apple Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Jalapeño Cornbread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Crispy Hasselback Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Creamy Scalloped Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Cornbread Stuffing (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Rainbow Carrots to Dress Up Your Table

I’m a big proponent of feasting with your eyes, and I find that the more vibrant and colorful food is, the more it whets my appetite.

And these beautiful roasted carrots are perfect for that. While you could easily use regular carrots instead, these lovely carrots come in different colors and make an elegant side dish.

They catch your attention, are perfect for accompanying main dishes such as chicken, pork, lamb or fish, and most importantly, are super easy to make!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for this roasted rainbow carrots are easily accessible at the local grocery stores (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: Making a perfect side dish as beautiful as this one really cannot get any easier! Prep time takes only 5 minutes, and you can let the oven do the rest of the work!
• Vibrant and Flavorful: I love just how gorgeous these carrots look (they really make a colorful side dish that jazzes up any dinner table!). This rainbow carrot recipe is festive enough for a holiday dinner party, but also quick enough as a simple side dish for an easy weeknight meal!
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: The best part is that this roasted carrots recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten and lactose intolerances can enjoy them without worries!

Ingredients You’ll Need + Recipe Notes/Substitutions:

• Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil because it has a more intense flavor, but you may also use another vegetable oil (such as sunflower oil, avocado oil, or even melted coconut oil) if you prefer.
• Carrots: I like using rainbow carrots for their vibrant colors (you can get these colorful carrots at most major supermarkets or the farmers’ markets), but if you don’t have access to rainbow carrots, feel free to use regular orange carrots or baby carrots instead.
• Seasonings: I used a mix of salt and ground black pepper for extra taste, but feel free to use other spices of your choice (such as ground turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder or even chili powder if you want something spicier).
• Herbs: I find that the mix of rosemary and parsley is particularly delicious, but go ahead and use other types of herbs (such as fresh thyme or fresh oregano) if you prefer. Alternatively, if you don’t have fresh herbs available, you may use dried rosemary and dried parsley instead (simply use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs instead).

How to Cook Roasted Rainbow Carrots (Step by Step):

1. Preheat Oven and Drizzle Oil

Preheat the oven to 450F (230C) and pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a rimmed baking sheet or cast iron skillet.

2. Wash Carrots and Place on Baking Dish/Skillet

Wash the rainbow carrots well and place them in a single layer on the cast iron skillet or baking sheet and drizzle the remaining olive oil over carrots.

3. Sprinkle Salt and Pepper

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste Toss the carrots to ensure they are coated evenly with salt and pepper.

4. Sprinkle Rosemary

Sprinkle fresh rosemary over the carrots.

5. Roast Carrots Until Tender

Roast carrots in oven for 45 minutes, turning over once halfway.

6. Garnish

Garnish the whole roasted rainbow carrots with extra fresh herbs and add salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve as a Thanksgiving side dish to any main dish such as chicken, pork chops, beef or fish.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks

• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add in other veggies such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash or pumpkin to enhance the fall flavors.
• Make it Sweeter: If want to further enhance the natural sweetness of these multicolored carrots, you can also drizzle some maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey over the carrots once they are roasted.
• Roasting Time May Vary: Depending on the size of your carrots, you may need a longer or shorter roasting time. Thicker carrots may require roasting up to 1 hour, while baby carrots may be ready in 30 to 40 minutes.

Recipe FAQs:

Gluten-Free Sides To Serve:

Other Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Enjoy: