You won’t have to beg the kids (or in my case, my husband) to eat their veggies! This gluten-free side’s colors alone are enough to capture your attention.

The caramelization of honey in the oven spotlights the natural sweetness of the vegetables, particularly the radishes — they have a reputation for being bitter, spicy notes when raw, but the roasted version is slightly sweet and otherwise very mild in flavor! I use carrots and radishes for this recipe, but turnips or Brussel sprouts would also work.

Served over a smooth, creamy cauliflower mash, this tasty, low-carb side makes up for our weekly pizza night!

Makes 4 servings

For the vegetables:

  • 1 bunch carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise (depending on thickness)
  • 1 handful radishes, halved lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Crumbled feta, to garnish (optional)

Pesto vinaigrette:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh pesto
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the cauliflower:

  • 1 package frozen cauliflower rice, thawed or 1 head cauliflower florets, steamed
  • 1/4 cup milk of choice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss carrots and radishes in olive oil, and spread in an even layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle honey evenly over vegetables, followed by a pinch of flaky sea salt. Roast, tossing halfway, for approximately 25 minutes. If desired, turn the oven to broil to caramelize the tops for a final 2-3 minutes (watch carefully).
  2. While the vegetables roast, place cauliflower, milk, salt, and parmesan in a food processor or large bowl with an emulsion blender. Pulse until smooth and combined. Taste and add additional salt, if needed.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk pesto and olive oil until vinaigrette is smooth.
  4. To plate, spread cauliflower mash on a serving dish. Layer with root vegetables. Spoon vinaigrette and crumbled feta over vegetables.

Cara Greenstein celebrates intentional and exceptional cuisine in her award-winning food and lifestyle blog, Caramelized, which offers recipes and restaurant reviews, food-focused travel itineraries, and endless tablescape tips. Follow @cara_melized on Instagram for daily inspiration and bookmark her recipes at Caramelizedblog.com.