Northern-Inspired Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty salad featuring roasted root vegetables typical of northern climates, tossed in a warm maple vinaigrette and topped with toasted pecans. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 3 cups peeled and 1-inch chopped carrots, 2 cups peeled and chopped parsnips, and 2 cups peeled and diced beets with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Roast vegetables for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized on edges.
  3. Step 3: While vegetables roast, whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette.
  4. Step 4: Once vegetables are roasted, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm maple vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/2 cup toasted and roughly chopped pecans over the salad before serving for crunch and nutty flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Northern-Inspired Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Maple Vinaigrette 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 Northern-Inspired Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Northern-Inspired Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

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 Northern-Inspired Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Maple Vinaigrette 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.

What goes well with Northern-Inspired Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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