Winter Root Vegetable Bowl

Featured in: Seasonal Menu Inspiration

This hearty bowl combines caramelized root vegetables—carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and beets—roasted until tender and sweet. The vegetables are paired with massaged kale that's been softened with olive oil and salt.

A warm dressing made with shallot, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey ties everything together. Toasted pumpkin seeds add crunch, while crumbled feta offers a creamy, salty finish.

The dish comes together in under an hour and makes four satisfying servings. It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Updated on Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:16:14 GMT
A close-up of the Winter Root Vegetable Bowl, showcasing roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes over kale. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of the Winter Root Vegetable Bowl, showcasing roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes over kale. | abridkitchen.com

Embrace the season with this nourishing Winter Root Vegetable Bowl, a vibrant main dish that brings warmth to chilly days. Combining the earthy sweetness of roasted carrots, parsnips, and beets with the hearty texture of massaged kale, this Modern American creation is both satisfying and elegant. Each serving provides 340 calories, 21g of fat, 34g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein, making it a balanced vegetarian and gluten-free option for any table.

A close-up of the Winter Root Vegetable Bowl, showcasing roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes over kale. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of the Winter Root Vegetable Bowl, showcasing roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes over kale. | abridkitchen.com

This easy-to-prepare bowl is perfect for meal prepping or a cozy weeknight dinner. The process of roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, while the warm dressing ensures every bite of kale is infused with savory depth.

Ingredients

  • Root Vegetables: 2 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces), 2 parsnips (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces), 1 small sweet potato (peeled and cubed), 1 small beet (peeled and cut into wedges), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Greens: 4 cups curly kale (stemmed and torn), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pinch salt
  • Warm Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1 small shallot (minced), Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toppings: ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and beet with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3
Roast vegetables for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
Step 4
Meanwhile, massage kale with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt until slightly softened. Set aside.
Step 5
For the warm dressing, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallot and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Whisk until combined and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
Step 6
To assemble, divide massaged kale among four bowls. Top with roasted root vegetables. Drizzle with warm dressing.
Step 7
Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure the vegetables are cut into uniform 1-inch pieces so they finish cooking at the same time. Massaging the kale is a vital step; it breaks down the fibrous structure, making the greens tender and easier to digest.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily adapt this bowl to suit your preferences. Swap kale for baby spinach or chard if you prefer milder greens. To make the dish vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with your favorite plant-based alternative. For extra heartiness, serve the vegetables over a base of cooked quinoa or brown rice.

Serviervorschläge

This Winter Root Vegetable Bowl pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the acidity of the apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard in the dressing.

Overhead view of a Winter Root Vegetable Bowl topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta cheese. Save to Pinterest
Overhead view of a Winter Root Vegetable Bowl topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta cheese. | abridkitchen.com

Whether enjoyed as a healthy lunch or a comforting dinner, this bowl is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients prepared with care. Serve it immediately for the best experience of heat and texture.

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Recipe Help Center

What root vegetables work best in this bowl?

Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets roast beautifully together. They cook at similar rates and caramelize nicely. You can also add turnips or rutabaga if you enjoy their slightly sharper flavor.

Why massage the kale with oil?

Massaging kale with olive oil and salt breaks down the tough cell structure, making the leaves more tender and less bitter. This simple step transforms raw kale into a pleasant, chewy base that complements the roasted vegetables.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The roasted vegetables and dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. Reheat the vegetables gently and refresh the warm dressing before assembling. Add the kale and toppings just before serving.

What can I use instead of feta?

For a dairy-free version, try crumbled vegan feta, toasted walnuts, or avocado slices. You could also add a dollop of coconut yogurt or simply increase the pumpkin seeds for extra protein and crunch.

How do I know when the vegetables are done roasting?

The vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork and have golden-brown caramelized edges. This typically takes 30–35 minutes at 425°F. Stir halfway through cooking so they brown evenly.

Can I add protein to this bowl?

Absolutely. Roasted chickpeas, cooked quinoa, brown rice, or lentils would work well. You could also top with a poached egg or serve alongside grilled chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.

Winter Root Vegetable Bowl

Roasted seasonal vegetables with massaged kale and warm tangy dressing. A comforting, nourishing bowl for cold weather.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Time Needed
55 min
Created by Zoey Kendall


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Modern American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, Wheat-Free

What You'll Need

Root Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
02 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
04 1 small beet, peeled and cut into wedges
05 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 1 teaspoon kosher salt
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Greens

01 4 cups curly kale, stemmed and torn
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 pinch salt

Warm Dressing

01 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
03 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
05 1 small shallot, minced
06 Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

01 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
02 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

How to Prepare

Stage 01

Prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Stage 02

Season root vegetables: In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and beet with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Stage 03

Roast vegetables: Roast vegetables for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

Stage 04

Prepare kale: Massage kale with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt until slightly softened. Set aside.

Stage 05

Make warm dressing: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallot and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Whisk until combined and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Stage 06

Assemble bowls: Divide massaged kale among four bowls. Top with roasted root vegetables. Drizzle with warm dressing.

Stage 07

Garnish and serve: Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta. Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small skillet
  • Whisk

Allergy Details

Look over ingredient labels for allergens and chat with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy from feta cheese
  • Contains mustard in dressing
  • Pumpkin seeds may be produced in facilities that handle tree nuts

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These numbers are for reference and not intended as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 340
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 6 g