Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets… caramelized, spiralized, smothered in herbs and spices, turned into hummus, casseroles, smoothie bowls, brownies, and more! Here are 60+ of the best root vegetable recipes, from oven-roasted sides dishes to Instant Pot soup!
The Most Common Root Vegetables
Root vegetables grow under the ground and absorb many of the nutrients that are in the soil. You can find most root vegetables available year-round, however their peak season is fall through spring, with the exception of a few root vegetables that peak during the summer.
Most people think of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots when it comes to popular root vegetables, but there’s a much longer list of root vegetables to enjoy…
- Yams
- Beets
- Parsnips
- Turnips
- Celery Root (also known as Celeriac)
- Rutabagas
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Kohlrabi (similar to the stalks of broccoli in texture and flavor)
- Daikon Radish
- Radishes
- Horseradish
- Jerusalem Artichokes
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Onions
- Garlic
The Best Way To Eat Root Vegetables
There are so many ways that you can serve and devour root vegetables!
One of the most popular ways is to make roasted root vegetables. Most people will say roasting root vegetables is by far the best way to eat them, however there are many other ways to enjoy these veggies too.
You can enjoy root vegetables in slaws, salads, as a mash or puree (like mashed potatoes or mashed parsnips), stuffed, roasted, pan-sauteed, cooked into soups, layered in casseroles, baked into gratins, or added into dips and hummus.
Plus, they’re delicious added into smoothies, warming drinks, cakes, cookies, quick breads and other baked goods, too!
What is the best way to roast vegetables?
For people who are not big fans of vegetables, roasting is one of the best ways to make vegetables taste better. When you roast vegetables, it helps bring out many layers of flavor that are not there when you use other methods like steaming, mashing, or eating raw.
When roasting root vegetables, the sugars caramelize. Basically, the dry heat of the oven ends up bringing out the natural sugars from the root vegetables giving them that perfect “browned” or toasted flavor.
Most recipes for roasted vegetables will call for two things in particular:
- a very hot oven (400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit)
- a fat (we prefer healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil and animal fats like grass-fed butter, ghee, lard, tallow, etc.)
While your oven is preheating, prep your baking pan or sheet pan and root veggies. Double check to see if your recipes call for greasing or lining the pan with parchment paper, and if you should peel your veggies or cut them into strips, chunks, etc.
After those basic steps are finished, most often you will coat the root vegetables in the healthy fat of choice and season with sea salt and pepper. Some recipes will call for adding in spices and dried or fresh herbs.
Then onto the prepared baking sheet they go and into the oven to cook, usually for 25 to 40 minutes.
Pro Tip: When roasting root vegetables, do not overcrowd them!
Leave plenty of space between the pieces in a single layer.
If your root vegetables are too close together and crowded on the pan, they will not only take longer to roast, but they will also end up “steaming” versus roasting… and you won’t end up with the delicious caramelized flavor that’s so common for roasted root vegetables.
The Best Root Veggies For Roasting
You can’t go wrong when it comes to roasting root vegetables!
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, radishes, beets, kohlrabi, carrots and parsnips all taste delicious roasted. Onions, garlic cloves, turmeric and even ginger can add another layer of flavor to the more common root vegetables listed above.
Whether you roast root vegetables or choose another method of cooking (or eat them raw!), we’ve got you covered with 60+ delicious root vegetable recipes!
All of the root vegetable recipes included are made with real food ingredients. Most are Paleo, grain-free, and gluten-free and many are Whole30, GAPS-friendly, Keto, Low Carb, and/or vegan.
Main Dish Root Vegetables
Image courtesy of Recipes to Nourish.
One Pan Citrus Beets Roasted Chicken (Paleo, Whole30 option) — Packed with beets and carrots, this humble chicken dinner cooks perfectly on one sheet pan in just one hour! You can make it Whole30 too if you use avocado oil instead of butter!
Homey Root Vegetable Tartiflette (Paleo option, Grain-free, Gluten-free) — Tartiflette is a French dish, traditionally made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, onions, white wine, and lardons (strips of pork fat). This version sticks with a few of the traditional ingredients, but adds a healthy dose of root vegetables, which are high in antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals. It is pure comfort food!
Root Vegetable Chicken Pot Pie (Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free) — Root vegetables shine in this creamy and comforting chicken pot pie! Free of gluten, dairy, and even grains if you need!
Thai Chicken Sweet Potato Noodle Bowls (Paleo) — These Thai Chicken & Sweet Potato Noodles Bowls are a delicious way to give into your Thai craving while staying low carb. Spiralized sweet potato “noodles” take the place of rice noodles, and are covered in a spicy satay-like sauce.
Stuffed Black Bean Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Grain-free, Gluten-free, Vegan) — These roasted sweet potatoes stuffed with cumin spiced beans make for a great meatless but very filling meal. To make these more of a traditional food, make sure to soak the beans first and cook them ahead of time, before you make this meal.
Side Dish Root Vegetables
White Potatoes
(Paleo, Whole30) — Just wait till you try these smashed baby potatoes, smothered in lemon oil, garlic, and tarragon… Don’t blame me if you’re tempted to eat them straight out of the oven, still piping hot!
4-Ingredient Rosemary Oven-Roasted Baby Potatoes (Paleo, Whole30) — Looking for an easy, no-fuss roasted potatoes recipe? These Crispy Rosemary Oven-Roasted Baby Potatoes are the most hassle-free, simple potatoes you’ll find.
Roasted Baby Potatoes with Pesto (Paleo, Whole30) — Roasted until crispy and tossed in fresh basil pesto, these baby potatoes are a delicious potato side dish!
Gluten Free Irish Colcannon (Grain-free, Gluten-free) — Gluten Free Irish Colcannon is pure comfort food! This Irish dish is full of creamy mashed potatoes, cabbage and crispy bacon instead of the traditional ham.
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes (Grain-free, Gluten-free) — These Loaded Scalloped Potatoes are always a crowd pleaser. You can’t go wrong with cheesy, buttery potatos topped with crispy bacon, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Pan Fried Potatoes 2 Ways (Paleo) — These pan fried potatoes are the perfect bestie for any main dish or breakfast menu! Plus, there’s no need to pre-cook, soak, or otherwise baby these taters. This simple method equals a mouthwatering result.
Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Purple Potatoes (Grain-free, Gluten-free) — Can you resist potatoes smothered in cheese? These Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Purple Potatoes are to-die-for! Rich in free radical-fighting anthocyanins, these potatoes are topped with a thick layer of cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic and then baked to perfection — a nourishing, comforting side dish for any meal!
Sweet Potatoes
The Best Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries (Paleo, Vegan) — Crispy, delicious Baked Sweet Potato Fries that really hold up! Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries can be tricky. After a WHOLE BUNCH of trial and error, these sweet potato fries come with baking tips for you.
Spicy Sweet Potato Fries (Grain-free, Gluten-free) — Your favorite restaurant-style sweet potato fries kicked up a notch and served with sweet cinnamon butter.
(Paleo, Whole30) — This Whole30 Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash is loaded with flavor and nutrition for an excellent, satisfying meal. Toss a fried egg on top for breakfast or serve it with a green salad for dinner… either way, it’s delicious!
Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet with Bacon (Paleo) — This Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet with Bacon isn’t just for breakfast. It’s my go-to recipe for a hearty evening meal. The sweet and salty combination of the sweet potatoes and bacon is absolutely addicting.
Sweet Potato Toast with Superfoods (Paleo, Grain-free) — Have you jumped on the sweet potato toast bandwagon? This recipe has 4 different flavorful options packed with superfoods for a yummy breakfast or snack!
Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Tahini Parsley Sauce (Paleo, Vegan) — You won’t believe how easy homemade gnocchi can be! With the stunning color of purple sweet potatoes and the taste of creamy tahini, this recipe will blow everyone’s mind!
Everything Seasoning Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan) — These roasted sweet potatoes will be the talk of your table! A simple and healthy side dish, these Everything But the Bagel Roasted Sweet Potatoes will be your go-to. Perfect with grilled meats, roasts, chicken, and even fish… plus meal prep, too!
Allergy-Friendly Sweet Potato Casserole (Paleo, Grain-free, Gluten-free) — This sweet potato casserole hasn’t won any awards or a blue ribbon at the State Fair. But I freely admit that we call it the Best Sweet Potato Casserole Ever.
Carrots & Beets
Image courtesy of Raia’s Recipes.
Carrot Fettuccini (Paleo, GAPS, Vegan) — Grain-free? Miss pasta? This Carrot Fettuccini is an easy, healthy alternative for those on a special diet. Or for those who just really like carrots!
Glazed Carrots with Honey (Paleo) — Tender glazed carrots with honey & balsamic vinegar pan-roasted along with fresh thyme. An easy one-pan side dish that takes only 20 minutes.
Golden Beet Hummus (Grain-free, Gluten-free, Vegan) — Level up your hummus snack with pretty, delicious and healthy golden beets and turmeric! To make this more of a traditional food, make sure to soak the beans prior to making the hummus.
Roasted Beetroot Hummus (Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free) — Some folks object to the earthy taste of beets… but when paired with other ingredients, it’s nutritious and delicious! Make sure to soak and cook the beans first if you’re wanting to keep this more of a traditional food.
Roasted Beets & Carrots (Paleo, Vegan, Nightshade-free) — Roasting brings out the best in root vegetables! This dish is simply tossed in oil, seasonings, and topped with tangy cashew yogurt.
Roasted Beets with Shallot Vinaigrette (Paleo) — Sweet and earthy, roasted beets go exceptionally well with a pungent, zesty vinaigrette made with finely diced shallots, whole grain mustard and red wine vinegar. Perfect as a side dish or by itself over leafy greens.
Raw Balsamic Tahini Beet Noodles (Gluten-free) — Too good not to share, this dish is a huge hit!
Turnips, Parsnips, Radishes, Rutabagas & Celeriac
Easy Roasted Turnips with Lemon (Paleo, Whole30) — Bet you’ve never had turnips this good before! These lemony roasted turnips are easy, incredibly healthy, and addictive!
Celeriac Carbonara Casserole (Paleo, Whole30) — This carbonara dish is made with spiralized celeriac root noodles and creamy cashew sauce, then baked in the oven for that crispy, golden crust finish. Hearty, delicious, and the perfect pasta alternative.
Parsnip Puree (Grain-free, Gluten-free) — Sweet and nutty with a creamy texture, parsnip pureé makes a terrific easy weeknight side to go with roast pork, beef, or turkey.
4 Best Ways to Cook Parsnips (Paleo, Vegan option) — Parsnips are a delicious, affordable and underrated veggie. Learn about all the tasty, simple ways you can use them: roasted, riced, mashed and noodles, kid-friendly guaranteed!
Spiced Roasted Parsnips (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan) — Beautifully seasoned and spiced, these roasted parsnips are perfect as a side dish with any main. Golden brown on the outside, soft on the inside!
Low Carb Roasted Radishes with Chives (Paleo, Whole30) — Can’t have potatoes? Try these instead! These easy, low carb roasted radishes with chives are a cinch. Plus, all the bitterness of raw radishes completely disappears during the roasting.
Creamy Mashed Rutabagas (Grain-free, Gluten-free) — This creamy mashed rutabagas recipe makes the perfect side dish for any meal!
Simple Spiralized Rutabaga (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan, FODMAP) — This simple spiralized rutabaga recipe is so easy to make and only has 4 ingredients! This simple rutabaga noodle recipe is lower in carbs than traditional pasta! And it’s ready in under 10 minutes!
Rutabaga Fries (Keto, Low Carb) — Rutabaga fries make the best keto french fries! You’ll love the crispy exterior. These low carb fries have just 6 g net carbs!
Mix & Match!
Balsamic Oven-Roasted Root Veggies (Paleo, Whole30) — An easy roasted root vegetable recipe with beets, parsnips, carrots & onions tossed in cooking oil, seasonings, and balsamic vinegar then cooked until tender and slightly caramelized. This method makes the vegetables taste amazing with hardly any work!
Roasted Root Vegetables (Paleo, Whole30) — This roasted root vegetables recipe is not your typical roasted root vegetable recipe. Yes, there are herbs and rustic knife cuts. But this method of seasoning jazzes up what is typically a one note dish! Each bite is like a confetti of flavors that marry perfectly together in your mouth!
Easy Roasted Veggies (Paleo, Vegan) — Roasted veggies are simple, delicious and the perfect option on a busy weeknight – make sure to use coconut aminos to make it Paleo!
Root Vegetable Gratin (Gluten-free option) — This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin recipe is an easy and delicious vegetable side dish. It is creamy, flavorful, and will become your go-to side dish recipe! It’s made with panko bread crumbs and has a gluten-free panko option, but if you’re wanting to keep this more of a traditional food, make sure to make your own bread crumbs out of sourdough, einkorn bread, or homemade bread of your choice.
Healthy Root Vegetable Bake (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan) — A simple way to get those nutritious root vegetables in your diet! Simply chop, roast, and garnish. The whole family will love them – no need to mention how healthy they are!
Easy Root Vegetable Pancakes (Paleo, GAPS) — Make these traditional style latkes with shredded potatoes, turnips, rutabaga, celery root, sweet potatoes or parsnips!
Root Vegetable Salads & Slaws
Images courtesy of Recipes to Nourish.
Real Food Homemade Potato Salad with No Mayo (Grain-free, Gluten-free) — Made the old-fashioned way with celery and pickles, this potato salad is based off of my grandma’s old family recipe. The perfect side dish for BBQs and potlucks!
Low Carb Keto Classic No-Potato Salad (Paleo, Whole30) — The zingy flavor of potato salad is all there but without the potatoes in this low carb/keto classic! Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks, nightshade-free, and high in fiber!
Tahini Celeraic Potato Salad (Paleo, Vegan) — Take that boring potato salad up a notch! With roasted tri-color potatoes, celeriac root, and a creamy tahini sauce, there’s nothing not to love!
Roasted Carrot and Brown Rice Salad (Gluten-free, Dairy-free) — Sweet roasted carrots, brown rice, and spicy pepitas all tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette!
Carrot Raisin Salad (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan) — This carrot raisin salad is lightly and naturally sweetened, creamy, and full of tender carrots and plump raisins. The perfect make-ahead side dish for easy lunches, picnics, or dinners!
Turnip Rutabaga Salad with Watercress (Paleo, GAPS, Vegan) — Not sure what to do with turnips? Try them in this delicious salad!
Raw Beet, Carrot & Apple Salad with Ginger Lime Dressing (Paleo, Vegan) — Light and refreshing, this raw beet salad will even make the beet-haters want a second helping!
Beet Blood Orange Slaw (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan) — This all-weather, all-season, real food slaw works for dinner tonight or next weekend’s picnic or cookout!
Beet Carrot Raw Slaw (Paleo, Vegan) — This beautiful simple salad is filled with light tangy flavor, deliciously crunchy texture, and gorgeous presentation. Plus – you can’t “beet” its nutrition!
Root Vegetable Soups
Image courtesy of Just Beet It.
Beet, Apple, Carrot & Ginger Soup (Paleo, Vegan) — This soup is high in vitamins and antioxidants to boost immunity and provide other healing properties.
Jerusalem Artichoke Carrot Soup (Paleo, Whole30) — A marvelous fusion of two nutritious root vegetables – Jerusalem artichokes and carrots. It’s the more sophisticated sibling of the pumpkin soup – nutty and savory with a more complex flavor. Great in summer and winter, this soup is a perfect light meal in itself. Or, serve it as a dish in a two-course dinner.
Carrot Ginger Soup (Grain-free, Gluten-free) — Did you know that carrots are sweeter after the first frost? This makes them a perfect addition to your soups during the winter months! Not only is this soup tasty, but it’s full of ingredients to boost your immune system!
Creamy Root Vegetable Soup (Paleo, Whole30) — A warming, creamy Paleo and Whole30 root vegetable soup! With no dairy, this cozy soup will warm anyone up on the coldest winter’s day!
Warming Root Vegetable Soup (Paleo, Vegan) — This Warming Root Vegetable + Turmeric Soup is packed with winter vegetables and flavor.
Chunky Root Vegetable Stew (Grain-free, Gluten-free) — This easy and tasty vegetarian stew is full of root vegetables!
Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Gluten-free & Dairy-free options) This soup made on the stove top, in the Instant Pot, or in the Crock Pot will be your new family favorite! It’s creamy dreamy with less work and no crust.
Root Vegetables Recipes In The Instant Pot
Image courtesy of Yang’s Nourishing Kitchen.
Creamy Fall Harvest Soup (Paleo) — This dairy-free yet creamy Fall Harvest soup is quick and easy to make in your Instant Pot. With nourishing bone broth for protein (or substitute vegetable broth) and veggies for their antioxidants and minerals, it’s a THM:E recipe.
Instant Pot Beet Salad (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan) — Instant Pot Beets Salad is easy, fast and yummy. It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!
Instant Pot Beef Brisket Stew with Daikon Radish (Paleo, Gluten-free) — This instant pot beef brisket stew with daikon radish is an authentic Chinese comfort food dish made easy in the pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes (Paleo, Vegan) — Silky, smooth, and ready in a fraction of the time to roast them. Quick and easy pressure cooker recipe. Use them as a perfect side or meal prep them for a casserole or mashed potatoes. You won’t be disappointed at all.
Root Vegetable Smoothies, Immune Shots & Warming Drinks
Image courtesy of Recipes to Nourish.
Beet Berry Smoothie Bowl (Paleo, GAPS) — Bursting with color, flavor, and nutrition, this gorgeous smoothie bowl is the perfect breakfast or midday pick-me-up.
(Grain-free, Gluten-free) — Easy and full of protein, this smoothie bowl is everyone’s favorite breakfast-snack-dessert-treat!
Ginger Orange Pickled Daikon Immune Shot (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan) — Pickled with fresh orange juice, along with ginger and orange peels, this recipe is the healing version of store-bought, sugar-pickled daikon radish.
Creamy Turmeric Ginger Tea (Paleo, Dairy-free option) — If you’re looking for a delicious, nourishing, warming drink, this is it! This perfectly spiced drink is packed with antioxidant and immune-supporting goodness.
Healthy Sweet Beet Hot Chocolate (Paleo, Dairy-free option) — A delicious twist on traditional hot chocolate, this recipe is pretty, creamy, chocolate-y, and sweet with subtle earthy notes.
Root Vegetable Desserts
Image courtesy of Recipes to Nourish.
Healthy Berry Beet Milkshake (Paleo, Dairy-free option) — This bold and beautiful milkshake, packed with beets, is full of sweet berry flavor with subtle earthy notes and hints of vanilla. It’s delicious and refreshing!
Carrot Cinnamon Frozen Yogurt (AIP, Paleo, Dairy-free option) — The best spring-flavor frozen treat! This delicious frozen yogurt is super creamy and packed with a sweet carrot-vanilla flavor.
Keto Carrot Cake (Keto, Low Carb, Sugar-free) — Enjoy a healthy low carb carrot cake made with coconut flour and other simple everyday ingredients.
Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies (Gluten-free) — Better than chocolate lava cake, these sweet potato brownies are chewy, fudgy and made from scratch!
What’s your favorite way to cook root vegetables? Which root vegetable recipe would you like to try first?
Main images courtesy of Irena Macri, Recipes to Nourish, Food by Jonister, and Allergy Free Alaska.
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