15 ways to make use of root vegetables that go beyond roasting

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Roasting root vegetables is fine, but it’s hardly the only option. If you’ve got carrots, beets, or turnips hanging around, there are so many better ways to use them. These recipes take those basic veggies and turn them into soups, fries, salads, and even burgers that feel fresh and new.

Creamy mashed yuca with melted ghee.
The Creamiest Mashed Yuca. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

BBQ Beef Beet Burgers

BBQ beef beet burger topped with avocado goat cheese, red onion, lettuce and tomato.
BBQ Beef Beet Burgers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These beef burgers are mixed with shredded beets and topped with avocado and goat cheese. They’re juicy, flavorful, and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Beef Beet Burgers

Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Crispy roasted turnips with chive butter sauce on a white plate.
Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted turnips get a crispy edge and are topped with a fresh chive butter sauce. It’s a simple yet perfect side dish when you want something that feels new but still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed rutabaga is a hearty, budget-friendly swap for mashed potatoes. Topped with garlic herb butter, it’s flavorful and a great way to add root vegetables to your table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Creamy Root Vegetable Soup

A bowl of creamy root vegetable soup with sprigs of thyme.
Creamy Root Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy soup is a perfect way to use up any root vegetables hanging around. It’s hearty, flavorful, and great for a comforting vegetarian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Root Vegetable Soup

Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Mediterranean carrot salad with white beans and raisins in a glass bowl.
Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Carrots meet chickpeas, feta, and raisins in a yogurt tahini dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired salad. It’s a great way to use carrots in a dish that’s light but still hearty enough for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Carrot Chips

Carrot Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Carrot chips are baked until crispy and come in two great flavors: spicy or sweet. They’re an easy way to enjoy vegetables in a crunchy, snackable form.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Chips

Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie

Wild blueberry beet smoothie in a mason jar topped with toasted coconut.
Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This bright smoothie made with blueberries and beets is as vibrant as it is packed with nutrients. It’s a fun and refreshing way to enjoy root vegetables in a whole new form.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie

Jicama Fries

Jicama fries on a plate with ketchup.
Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Jicama fries are baked to crispy perfection and taste surprisingly close to traditional fries. They’re a fun, lighter option that’s great for pairing with your favorite meals or enjoying as a snack.
Get the Recipe: Jicama Fries

Feta Beet Salad

Beet salad with crumbled feta, pistachios and fresh herbs on a plate with serving spoon.
Feta Beet Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cooked beets pair perfectly with crumbled feta, pistachios, and a lemon olive oil dressing for a salad that’s simple yet full of flavor. It’s great as a side or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Winter root vegetable salad on a plate with fresh rosemary and sage.
Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spiralized beets and parsnips mix with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and blue cheese for a salad that’s anything but boring. It’s a fun way to showcase root vegetables beyond the roasting pan.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Creamy carrot soup with fennel and white beans in a blue and white bowl.
Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy soup combines carrots and fennel with cannellini beans for a dish that’s hearty without feeling too heavy. It’s light enough for spring but perfect for cooler days, too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Creamy Mashed Yuca

Creamy mashed yuca with melted ghee.
Creamy Mashed Yuca. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you’re tired of potatoes, mashed yuca is a great alternative. Creamy, smooth, and full of flavor, it’s a comfort food that’s easy to make and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Yuca

Parsnip Puree

Parsnip Puree. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Parsnip puree is a great alternative to mashed potatoes, made creamy with roasted garlic and rosemary. It’s perfect for holidays, special dinners, or when you’re craving something comforting and different.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Puree

Jicama Salad

Julienned jicama, mango and pepper salad with a honey lime dressing in a metal bowl.
Jicama Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This crunchy jicama salad combines mango, red pepper, cucumber, and a honey lime dressing. It’s fresh, colorful, and great for serving alongside grilled dishes or tacos.
Get the Recipe: Jicama Salad

Air Fryer Crispy Parsnip Fries

Parsnip fries on a plate with dipping sauce on a blue kitchen towel.
Air Fryer Crispy Parsnip Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Parsnip fries are crispy, easy to make in the air fryer, and a great alternative to traditional fries. They’re perfect for snacking or as a fun side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Parsnip Fries

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