15 ways to use root vegetables this season and move past squash and pumpkin

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Root veggies are finally getting their moment, and honestly, it’s about time. Why let pumpkin and squash hog the fall spotlight when you’ve got carrots, beets, and turnips waiting in the wings? These recipes take those humble, earthy roots and turn them into dishes that are anything but boring. From soups that warm you up to salads with a punch of flavor, these aren’t just sides—they’re the stars of your plate.

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

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 uses whatever root veggies you’ve got on hand. Packed with bold herbs and spices, it’s a great choice for a cozy vegetarian dinner that goes beyond the usual pumpkin lineup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Root Vegetable Soup

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 get a seasonal makeover with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and blue cheese crumbles. Finished with balsamic vinegar, this salad keeps it fresh and flavorful as a fall side dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

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.

Simple yet impressive, this beet and feta salad has a light lemon and olive oil dressing with a handful of pistachios. It’s a perfect way to highlight earthy beets as a side or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

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 wild blueberry and beet smoothie packs vitamin C and antioxidants in every sip. The color’s striking, the flavor’s fresh, and it’s a quick, wholesome snack or light breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie

Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney

Spiced orange beet apple chutney in a small sauce pot with a spoon.
Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beet and apple chutney meets orange and winter spices for a versatile spread that can top off crackers, pair with meat, or even be added to yogurt. A great way to make root veggies go further!
Get the Recipe: Spiced Orange Beet Apple Chutney

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 and beet burgers bring a bold BBQ flavor, topped with smashed avocado and goat cheese. A fun, hearty option for anyone looking to mix up their burger game this season.
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.

Crispy roasted turnips drizzled with a melted chive butter sauce. This easy side dish is a perfect swap for potatoes and brings a fresh, simple flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

A white bowl contains mashed potatoes topped with herbs and spices, placed on a cloth napkin.
Mashed rutabaga. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed rutabaga steps in as a great alternative to potatoes. Smooth and creamy with garlic herb butter, it’s a budget-friendly root veggie side that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Creamy Mashed Yuca

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

Smooth and creamy, mashed yuca is here to scratch that comfort food itch without potatoes. It’s got an ultra-silky texture, making it a fresh option for anyone ready to shake things up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Yuca

Air Fryer Carrots

Simply seasoned roasted air fryer carrots on a plate with coarse sea salt garnish.
Air Fryer Carrots. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Savory spiced carrots with crispy edges, straight from the air fryer in just 20 minutes. These make a quick side dish that doesn’t feel like an afterthought and works with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrots

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, royal raisins, feta, and parsley, all tossed in a creamy yogurt tahini dressing. This salad’s got cookout vibes but works just as well for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot 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.

A carrot and fennel combo that’s filling but still light, thanks to cannellini beans. This vegan soup gives spring meals a little extra flavor without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Carrot Chips

Slices of roasted sweet potatoes on parchment paper.
Baked carrot chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy baked carrot chips served up two ways—spicy or sweet. These crunchy bites give your veggie rotation some variety and a bit of attitude.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Chips

Roasted Curried Beet Soup

two glass bowls filled with healthy beet soup and topped with chickpeas. Two spoons beside the first bowl and a yellow napkin.
Roasted Curried Beet Soup. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

A velvety beet soup with roasted veggies and a swirl of coconut milk, topped off with crispy chickpeas. It’s a warming bowl with a little edge, perfect for the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Curried Beet Soup

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted in olive oil and herbs in just 35 minutes. These veggies come out tender, with a touch of caramelization that makes this dish earthy, flavorful, and versatile for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

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