Aperol-Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables
Colorful root vegetables caramelized in a bittersweet Aperol-balsamic glaze, perfect for a vibrant side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs Aperol, balsamic vinegar, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and cut into 1-inch sticks carrots
- 1 lb, peeled and cut into 1-inch sticks parsnips
- 3 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots and parsnips with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread vegetables in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until edges begin to char slightly, then flip and roast for 10 more minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 3: While vegetables roast, whisk Aperol, balsamic vinegar, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, and thyme in a small bowl until emulsified. After roasting, remove vegetables from oven, drizzle with the glaze, and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Return to oven for 5 minutes until glaze bubbles and caramelizes on the vegetables, then transfer to a serving dish and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol-Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Aperol-Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
