Za’atar Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta

Za’atar roasted carrots with whipped feta is a ridiculously simple recipe that is perfect to combine roasted veggies and creamy cheese, all together in a plate. Whether you serve it as a main with a side of pita bread, or as an entertaining appetizer platter, it is sure to hit the spot among your guests!

If you’ve never tried whipped feta before, this is your time! Super simple to make, this delicious creamy spread makes an easy dip recipe you can use in may different recipes. I love it with pita bread, and even more with roasted veggies – here with rainbow carrots.

In this recipe, I simply roasted carrots with a za’atar seasoning and served them on a bed of whipped feta together with pita bread. Add mixed fresh herbs (I used mint and cilantro) to top it off, and you’ve got it all. A delicious, super simple dish everyone loves!

The recipe ingredients

• Carrots. I used rainbow carrots for this recipe as I like the pretty rainbow color effect, but you could very well use regular carrots too.
• Za’atar seasoning. Read more about it below.
• Olive oil. To roast the carrots and add to the whipped feta. Use extra virgin olive oil if possible.
• Feta cheese. You could either go for cow or goat cheese feta cheese, depending on your personal preferences.
• Plain yogurt. I used Greek yogurt, but regular yogurt works too. Make sure you use it plain and ideally full-fat for a creamier texture.
• Honey. Together with feta and yogurt, it adds a touch of sweetness to the whipped feta that makes it incredibly delicious.

What is za’atar?

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend consisting of different dry herbs, such as oregano or thyme, cumin, coriander, sesame seeds, and most importantly… sumac! Sumac is the key ingredient of the za’atar seasoning, bringing a tangy touch to the earthy herbs.

You can purchase za’atar seasoning directly or make your own, mixing together 1 Tablespoon each of thyme (or oregano), freshly ground cumin, coriander, sesame seeds, and sumac. Add ½ teaspoon salt and a pinch of chili flakes if desired, blend and it’s ready!

Za’atar substitutions in this recipe. If you don’t feel like using za’atar in this roasted carrot recipe, you can replace with dried thyme or oregano, or with Herbes de Provence. The result will be very different in terms of flavor but it will still be delicious and will go perfectly with the whipped feta.

A 2-step recipe (Yes, it’s that easy!)

What I love about this za’atar roasted carrots with whipped feta – except the incredible sweet and savory flavors – is that it is super simple to make. It’s this kind of recipe you can easily whip up on a whim with no specific equipment except for a food processor to whip the feta.

Step 1. First, you need to roast the carrots. I like to cut the carrots in a way they’re easy to eat. You could either cut them in half and then cut once or twice, lengthwise, or you could slice them. Rub with the za’atar seasoning and olive oil, and roast onto a baking sheet until tender.

Step 2. Meanwhile, prepare the whipped feta. All you need to do is mix all the ingredients (feta, yogurt, olive oil, honey) together in a food processor until perfectly blended and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, and adjust seasoning as needed.

How to serve za’atar roasted carrots with whipped feta?

As a main or a shareable appetizer. You could serve whipped feta and roasted carrots separately and let the guests build their dream bowl, adding whipped feta, roasted carrots and pita. Or you can spread some whipped feta directly to individual plates or in a platter and top it off with the roasted carrots, fresh herbs, and pita on the side.

For a more nutritious meal, add a side of cooked quinoa or other grain of choice (bulgur also works great). It makes a delicious lunch bowl, loaded with good-for-you ingredients!

Other roasted vegetable recipe ideas:

• Caramelized Carrots and Chickpeas with Bulgur (my favorite!)
• Maple Roasted Root Vegetables with Parsnip Puree
• Roasted Root Vegetables with Feta and Honey

What about carrots for dessert?

Yes, you can have dessert and eat your veggies too! Carrot cake recipes count among my very favorite desserts. They create a super moist texture and add sweetness, just as much as you need. Make sure you try one of the following recipes:

• Best Ever Carrot Cake. I’m not kidding when I say it’s the very best. Perfect for any special occasion since it’s perfect to feed a crowd. I love it for Easter but also during the fall season.
• Easy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This is an quicker and smaller version than the previous one. You can bake it anytime!
• Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies. Yes, you can have your carrot cake and the cream cheese frosting that comes with it, all in the shape of a cookie!
• Skinny Carrot Cake Muffins with Coconut Cream. The healthier version of them all, and they still taste delicious!