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Za’atar Roasted Carrots with Feta and Pumpkin Seeds

With feta cheese, za’atar and pumpkin seeds scattered on top, these roasted carrots are far more exciting than a side dish has any business being. But every dinner party needs a scene stealer, right?

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Za’atar Roasted Carrots with Feta and Pumpkin Seeds on a serving tray

Yes, holiday foods can be stunningly beautiful and surprisingly healthy. We know, it sounds impossible, but this textural, flavorful, colorful roasted carrot recipe is proof positive! It’s also a super simple recipe—it’s really just plain roasted carrots, dressed up with a bit of za’atar and (our favorite, ultimate trick) topped with cheese. Salty feta, earthy, tangy za’atar and crunchy pumpkin seeds make these sweet roasted carrots into a dish that people will be raving about for years. You don’t need to let them know how easy it was to make—we can keep that between us.

raw carrots, olive oil, cilantro, salt,, za'atar, pumpkin seeds and feta cheese in bowls on the counter

Everything You’ll Need To Make Roasted Carrots with Za’atar

These roasted carrots are extremely forgiving—just don’t burn the carrots, and you’re pretty much golden. Most people like them, too, and they’re suitable for a lot of different dietary needs—vegetarian, low-carb, gluten-free. In general, this is just a super healthy side dish (that doesn’t skimp on flavor in the slightest). Even a vegan could pretty easily eat around the cheese (or you could always leave it off if need be). If one of your guests has the thing where cilantro tastes like soap to them, no worries! Just leave it off. It’s also really easy to scale this recipe up if you’re cooking for a big crowd.

  • Carrots

  • Salt

  • Olive oil

  • Za’atar

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Feta cheese

  • Pumpkin seeds

raw carrots tossed with  salt, olive oil and za’atar in a glass bowl

Za’atar—How Do We Love Thee?

Let’s count the ways! If you’ve never cooked with za’atar before, welcome to the za’atar fan club! If you love food, you’ll love za’atar. It’s just a really exciting spice. Or rather, spice blend! Yep, za’atar is not just one spice! It’s a blend of spices that is Middle Eastern in origin and the exact spices that are included in the blend varies from recipe to recipe, region to region and—if you’re buying it at the store—brand to brand. That said, the flavor profile remains roughly the same and is defined by thyme—za’atar is actually the name of a particular type of green herb that grows wild around the eastern Mediterranean and is related to the thyme that we’re familiar with here in the U.S.—sesame seeds, salt and sumac. Some recipes include cumin seeds or a bit of oregano. As with any spice in your cabinet, you want your za’atar to be as fresh as possible. It’s pretty easy to find in most grocery stores these days, but you can also find Za'atar online too!

raw carrots tossed with  salt, olive oil and za’atar on a baking sheet
roasted carrots seasoned with salt, olive oil and za’atar on a baking sheet

How To Make The Best, Savory Roasted Carrot Recipe, Ever

With feta cheese, za’atar and pumpkin seeds scattered on top, these roasted carrots are far more exciting than a side dish has any business being. But every dinner party needs a scene stealer, right? Time for roasted carrots to have their moment in the sun! Other than peeling the carrots (which you can do up to a week ahead! Just keep them in the fridge submerged in cool water) you can’t prep much of this recipe ahead of time, but it only takes about 15 minutes start-to-finish, so you can throw it together while guests are topping off their drinks and finding their seats around the table. Honestly, it’s that simple. Here’s how easy this beautiful side dish recipe is to make:

  1. Season! Toss the carrots with salt, olive oil and za’atar. Just to make life easy, do it on the baking sheet you’ll roast them on.

  2. Roast! About 15 minutes at 400°F.

  3. Serve! Make them look all pretty on a platter, and sprinkle them with cilantro, feta and pumpkin seeds.

Za’atar Roasted Carrots with Feta and Pumpkin Seeds on a serving plate topped with cilantro

Tools You’ll Need

More Delicious Things To Do With Carrots

Za’atar Roasted Carrots with Feta and Pumpkin Seeds on a serving tray topped with cilantro

Yes, Carrots Can Be Exciting

If you think carrots are for the bunnies, it’s time to think again! They’re inexpensive, ubiquitous and actually really delicious! Particularly when you pair their roasty sweetness with just the right things—salty feta and heady, herby za’atar, for example. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like it! Share a photo and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper so that we can see your stuff! Happy eating!

Za’atar Roasted Carrots with Feta and Pumpkin Seeds

  • Serves: 8
  • Prep Time:  15 min
  • Cook Time:  18 min
  • Calories: 106

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs large carrots, peeled, cut into 3 inch pieces and then quartered
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp za’atar
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped cilantro
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta
  • 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F
  2. In a large bowl, or directly on the baking sheet, toss carrots, salt, olive oil and za’atar until completely coated.
  3. Arrange prepared carrots on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Bake on the center rack for 15-18 minutes, until carrots are just tender.
  4. Transfer carrots to a large platter and top with cilantro, feta and pumpkin seeds. Serve family style.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories106
  • Protein2 g
  • Carbohydrates12 g
  • Total Fat5 g
  • Dietary Fiber3 g
  • Cholesterol4 mg
  • sodium433 mg
  • Total Sugars5 g

Za’atar Roasted Carrots with Feta and Pumpkin Seeds

Questions & Reviews

Join the discussion below.

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  • Langer

    Can this be prepared the night before?

    You can roast the carrots the night before. Reheat them before serving and then top with pepitas, cilantro and feta. Hope you enjoy Langer!

  • Martin

    What is Za'atar?

    Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made up of dried herbs such as oregano, marjoram or thyme, cumin, coriander, sumac and sesame. Every recipe is a bit different.

  • Tresa

    These were so delicious! I made them on Easter and everyone loved them! The crunch of pepitas was so good and they are incredibly easy to make!

    Thanks Tresa, glad you loved them!

  • Kelly Streeter

    yum

    Thank you Kelly!

  • Stephanie

    Love it!

    yay!