This dish features chunky roasted squash and carrots, topped with a vibrant, addictive peanut dressing and fresh herbs. The peanut sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the zingy herby dressing with lime adds a refreshing touch. Finished with toasted sesame seed gomashio for a delightful crunch and cooling cucumber, this dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. It’s great as a side or a light meal.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• For the Vegetables

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped

  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

  • Olive oil, for drizzling

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Peanut Dressing

  • 3 tbsp peanut butter

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

  • 2-3 tbsp warm water (to thin out the dressing)

• For the Zingy Herb Dressing

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

• For Topping

  • 1/4 cucumber, shaved thinly

  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seed gomashio (optional)

Directions

1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Toss the chopped squash and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking tray and roast for 30-40 minutes, until tender and caramelized, turning halfway through.

2. Make the Peanut Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Gradually add warm water until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.

3. Prepare the Zingy Herb Dressing: In a small bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, mint, and coriander.

4. Assemble the Dish: Once the vegetables are roasted, arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the peanut dressing generously over the veggies, followed by the zingy herb dressing.

5. Top the Dish: Garnish with shaved cucumber, toasted sesame seed gomashio (optional), and serve immediately.

Nutrients
This recipe serves 4. A single serving contains:

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 17g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 29g

  • Fiber: 6g

  • Sugar: 10g

• Sodium: 400mg

• Calcium: 50mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Appeal of Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables, especially root vegetables like squash and carrots, brings out their natural sweetness and creates a tender, caramelized exterior. The roasting process enhances the flavors of the vegetables, intensifying their richness while keeping them soft and easy to enjoy. The butternut squash, with its creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor, pairs perfectly with the carrots, which add a natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness to the dish.

The caramelization that occurs during roasting adds a depth of flavor that makes these vegetables the perfect base for a dish like this. As the vegetables roast, they develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining tender on the inside. This contrasts beautifully with the creamy and tangy peanut dressing, making each bite a satisfying combination of textures. The slight charring that occurs at the edges of the vegetables also adds a smoky element, which deepens the overall flavor and complements the fresh herbs and dressing.

The Richness of Peanut Dressing

The peanut dressing is one of the key elements of this dish, enhancing the roasted vegetables with its creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. Made from peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and fresh ginger, this dressing offers a perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and acidity. The richness of the peanut butter adds a smooth, creamy texture that coats the vegetables beautifully, while the soy sauce provides a savory depth of flavor that pairs well with the natural sweetness of the squash and carrots.

Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish without overwhelming the other ingredients. The rice vinegar introduces a mild acidity that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter, balancing the flavors and providing a refreshing contrast. Sesame oil and ginger further elevate the dressing with their aromatic, earthy flavors, giving it a depth that complements the roasted vegetables.

This peanut dressing not only enhances the vegetables but also acts as a unifying element in the dish. It brings all the components together, allowing the flavors to meld and creating a cohesive, well-rounded experience.

The Zingy Herb Dressing: A Refreshing Twist

While the peanut dressing provides richness and depth, the zingy herb dressing brings a burst of freshness that lightens the dish and adds complexity. Made with lime juice, olive oil, fresh mint, and coriander, this dressing adds a tangy, aromatic lift to the roasted vegetables. The lime juice offers a burst of acidity, brightening up the dish and balancing the richness of the peanut dressing.

Mint and coriander are both fresh, fragrant herbs that contribute vibrant flavors to the salad. Mint adds a cool, refreshing note, while coriander (also known as cilantro) brings a slightly citrusy, herbal quality that enhances the overall flavor profile. Together, these herbs bring a level of freshness that cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce and adds a lively contrast to the warm, roasted vegetables.

This herb dressing is an essential element of the dish, offering a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the roasted squash and carrots. It adds an aromatic and flavorful punch that ties the entire dish together, making it feel balanced and complete.

The Crunch of Sesame Seed Gomashio

To finish off the dish, toasted sesame seed gomashio is added as a topping, providing a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Gomashio is a traditional Japanese condiment made from toasted sesame seeds and salt, and in this dish, it serves to add a savory, nutty element that complements the sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the peanut dressing.

The toasted sesame seeds bring a warm, slightly smoky flavor that enhances the nuttiness of the peanut dressing, while the salt in the gomashio provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the vegetables and dressing. The crunchy texture of the sesame seeds also offers a satisfying contrast to the creamy peanut sauce and tender roasted vegetables, making each bite even more enjoyable.

For an added touch of freshness and color, thinly shaved cucumber is scattered on top of the dish. The cucumber’s cool, crisp texture adds a refreshing bite that balances the richness of the other elements, providing a perfect cooling contrast to the warming flavors of the roasted vegetables and peanut dressing.

The Versatility of the Dish

One of the great things about this dish is its versatility. It can be enjoyed in many different contexts, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. As a side dish, it pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or tofu, providing a refreshing counterpoint to heartier main courses. The roasted vegetables and peanut dressing make it a filling and flavorful addition to any meal, while the fresh herbs and sesame seeds add a touch of elegance.

This dish also works wonderfully as a light main course for vegetarians or vegans, offering a satisfying combination of vegetables, protein from the peanuts, and healthy fats from the sesame oil and olive oil. The flavors and textures are well-balanced, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal on its own.

The versatility of the dish extends beyond the main ingredients as well. The vegetables can be swapped for other root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or parsnips, depending on what’s in season or available. The dressing can also be customized to suit different tastes—adding a bit of chili for spice or adjusting the sweetness level to your liking. This makes the dish adaptable to a wide range of preferences and dietary needs.

A Light and Satisfying Meal

This dish is the perfect combination of lightness and satisfaction. The roasted squash and carrots provide a comforting, hearty base, while the peanut dressing adds a rich, creamy layer of flavor. The zingy herb dressing brings a refreshing lift, and the sesame seed gomashio adds crunch and complexity. Together, these elements create a dish that is balanced, vibrant, and full of contrasting textures and flavors.

Because the dish is light yet satisfying, it makes a great option for warm weather, where you want something refreshing but still substantial enough to feel like a meal. The flavors are bright and lively, making it an ideal choice for a summer gathering, picnic, or BBQ. Its balance of sweetness, richness, and freshness makes it suitable for a wide range of tastes and occasions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Roasted Squash and Carrots with Peanut Dressing is a delightful dish that brings together an incredible combination of flavors and textures. The roasted vegetables offer a tender, caramelized base, while the creamy peanut dressing and zingy herb dressing create a balance of richness and freshness. The toasted sesame seed gomashio and cooling cucumber add the perfect finishing touches, providing crunch and a refreshing contrast. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and easy to prepare. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables in a new and exciting way, and its vibrant flavors make it the perfect addition to any meal.