🥕 Roasted Carrot, Beet & Goat Cheese Bowl
Description
This Roasted Carrot, Beet & Goat Cheese Bowl is a colorful, wholesome meal that perfectly balances sweet, earthy, creamy, and tangy flavors.
Roasted root vegetables caramelize beautifully in the oven, pairing wonderfully with fluffy quinoa (or brown rice), tangy goat cheese, and a drizzle of honey-balsamic glaze.
It’s a nutrient-dense vegetarian bowl that’s great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep — both comforting and packed with superfoods!
🌿 Ingredients
For the Roasted Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium beets, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Bowl
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the veggies:
Place sliced carrots and cubed beets on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme. Toss to coat evenly. - Roast the vegetables:
Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized. - Prepare the base:
While the veggies roast, cook quinoa or brown rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork. - Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup) and balsamic vinegar. This creates a simple sweet-tangy glaze. - Assemble the bowl:
In a serving bowl, layer quinoa or rice as the base. Top with roasted carrots and beets, sprinkle with goat cheese and walnuts, and drizzle the honey-balsamic dressing on top. - Garnish and serve:
Finish with chopped fresh parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
🍽️ Servings
- Serves: 2
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes roasting)
🔍 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~390 kcal |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
(Approximate values; may vary based on ingredients used.)
🌿 Health Benefits
- 🥕 Carrots: High in beta-carotene and vitamin A for vision and skin health.
- 🍠 Beets: Boost heart health, improve blood flow, and are packed with antioxidants.
- 🧀 Goat cheese: Easier to digest than cow’s cheese, and rich in calcium and protein.
- 🌾 Quinoa: A complete plant protein containing all 9 essential amino acids.
- 🍯 Honey & balsamic: Add natural sweetness and polyphenols for antioxidant support.
- 🌰 Walnuts: Source of omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart function.
This bowl is gluten-free, vegetarian, and fiber-rich, making it ideal for clean eating or meal prep.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Roasting tip: Keep beets and carrots on separate halves of the tray to prevent color bleeding.
- Add greens: Top with baby spinach or arugula for extra freshness.
- Vegan option: Substitute goat cheese with vegan feta and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Make ahead: Roast veggies and cook quinoa in advance — assemble just before serving.
- Add protein: Try topping with chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Storage:
- Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven before serving, then add cheese and dressing.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I roast the veggies ahead of time?
A: Yes! Roast them up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat before assembling your bowl.
Q: Can I use other grains besides quinoa or brown rice?
A: Absolutely — try farro, barley, or couscous for a twist in flavor and texture.
Q: What’s a good substitute for goat cheese?
A: Feta, ricotta, or vegan cashew cheese all work beautifully.
Q: How can I make this meal higher in protein?
A: Add lentils, grilled tofu, or chicken breast — all pair well with the sweet and earthy flavors.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked beets?
A: Yes, but skip the roasting for beets and only roast carrots for texture contrast.
Q: How do I make the veggies extra caramelized?
A: Roast them on high heat (425°F / 220°C) and don’t overcrowd the pan — give them space to crisp up.