Roasted Carrot Salad

Sweet roasted carrots take center stage in this vibrant Roasted Carrot Salad! They’re not just the central ingredient, but they star in the dressing too combined with zesty orange juice, tangy rice vinegar and the subtle kick of whole-grain mustard. Carrots are rich in antioxidants to help reduce inflammation and support eye health. Crumbled feta cheese and pepitas add even more to this salad for the perfect balance of texture and flavors. Keep reading for our top tips and tricks to make this easy salad tonight!

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Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

• Opt for small carrots that are all about the same size so they cook evenly. If you can find them, use carrots that have been stored with their greens still attached for the best flavor. 
• To infuse the flavor of the dressing into the kale, you will have to massage it in with your clean hands. This step also breaks down the fibers of the leaves, making them more tender. Once the leaves are dark and shiny and the volume has reduced, the kale is good to go.
• We love the dark, bumpy leaves of lacinato kale (sometimes referred to as Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale), but any kind of kale will work well. Just make sure the leaves are washed and the stems are removed before massaging with the dressing.

Nutrition Notes

• Carrots contain luteolin, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of lung, prostate, stomach and breast cancer. This antioxidant can also support brain health. Carrots are also great for eye health thanks to beta carotene, another antioxidant. 
• Cruciferous vegetables like kale are an excellent addition to your plate. Kale contains calcium and vitamin K, both of which support strong bones. Vitamin K specifically helps bone density and minimizes the risk of fractures. 
• Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are packed with lignans, a type of compound that may reduce inflammation. Lowering inflammation reduces the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Pumpkin seeds also contain magnesium, which may help regulate blood pressure.