Tahini-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Lemon Zest

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

Crisp-tender carrots coated in a nutty tahini glaze and brightened with fresh lemon, perfect as a side for weeknight dinners. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs carrots, tahini, lemon 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Trim carrot ends and cut into 1-inch thick diagonal slices. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Roast for 20 minutes until edges are caramelized and tender, flipping halfway through.
  3. Step 3: Whisk tahini, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Stir in remaining 1 tsp maple syrup and 1/4 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle glaze over roasted carrots and toss gently. Sprinkle with 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tahini-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Tahini-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Lemon Zest?

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 carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tahini-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Lemon Zest?

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 Tahini-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Lemon Zest 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 Tahini-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Lemon Zest 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.

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