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Roasted carrots and chickpeas with whipped feta

Roasted Carrots and Chickpeas with Whipped Yogurt-Feta

A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish with sweet roasted carrots, crispy chickpeas, warm spices, creamy yogurt-feta, fresh basil, crunchy walnuts, and sweet-tart dried apricots.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Course Appetizer, dinner, dip, Side Dish
Cuisine Gluten-free, Mediterranean, Vegetarian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 1 Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Carrots and Chickpeas

  • 1 lb carrots peeled and cut into ½-inch slices (about 3 large)
  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas (~1¾ cups cooked), drained, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 large or 2 medium cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp kosher salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Whipped Yogurt-Feta

  • ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 Heaping cup 120g plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess recommended)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt to taste

For Garnish

  • ¼ cup dried apricots diced or julienned (dried cranberries work too)
  • 3 tbsp pecans pistachios, walnuts, roughly chopped (lightly toasted highly recommended for crunch but optional)
  • 2-3 tbsp fresh basil leaves torn or thinly sliced (mint or cilantro work for a different flavor)
  • Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and/or 1-2 tsp honey
  • Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Prepare Roasted Carrots and Chickpeas: In a large bowl, toss carrots and chickpeas with 2 tbsp olive oil, turmeric, coriander, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring chickpeas aren’t overcrowded for crispiness. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway, until carrots are tender and caramelized and chickpeas are golden and crispy.
  • Make Whipped Yogurt-Feta: In a food processor or blender, combine feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes, scraping down sides as needed. Adjust with a pinch of salt or more lemon juice if desired.
  • Assemble the Dish: Spread whipped yogurt-feta evenly on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon roasted carrots and chickpeas over the base. Scatter diced apricots and chopped walnuts on top. Garnish with torn basil leaves.
  • Optional Finishing Touches: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or honey for richness. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Notes

Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or vegetarian main.
Pair with pita, flatbread, or grains like quinoa or couscous for a heartier meal.
For a vegan option, use plant-based yogurt blended with nutritional yeast and lemon instead of yogurt-feta.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat carrots and chickpeas gently; keep yogurt-feta and garnishes separate until serving.
Notes:
Basil: Add just before serving to preserve freshness.
Nuts: Use your favorite nuts, toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes for extra flavor.
Dried Apricots: Swap with dried cranberries or golden raisins for variety
Keyword Eat the Rainbow, Fall, Spring, Vegetarian