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Roasted Carrot, Brussels Sprout, and Cranberry Salad

This roasted carrot and brussels sprout salad is a vibrant celebration of seasonal produce, offering a sophisticated balance of smoky, sweet and tangy flavours. The earthy sweetness of carrots, roasted with a hint of smoked paprika and cayenne, pairs beautifully with the fresh crunch of raw sprout leaves. Using the vinegar soaking liquid from the cranberries as a base for the poppy seed dressing ensures every element is infused with a bright, zingy finish.

As a versatile vegan dish, this colourful salad works equally well as a light, nutritious lunch or a striking side dish for a Sunday roast. It is naturally gluten-free and packed with fibre, making it a healthy choice for seasonal entertaining. Serve it warm or at room temperature to allow the complex flavours to truly shine.

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Ingredients for Roasted Carrot, Brussels Sprout, and Cranberry Salad

  • 4 medium carrots (about 230g ), sliced on a diagonal 1/4" thick

  • 1/4 teaspoons smoked paprika

  • 1/8 teaspoons cayenne pepper

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 60ml dried cranberries

  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

  • 170g brussels sprouts, leaves separated

Preheat oven to 177°C. Toss carrots, paprika, cayenne, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoons salt on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until carrots are tender and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring vinegar and 2 tablespoons water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat (or microwave in a medium heatproof bowl). Remove from heat, add cranberries, and let sit 10 minutes. Strain cranberries through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl; set cranberries aside. Pour out all but 1 tablespoon soaking liquid from bowl and whisk in poppy seeds and remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoons salt. Add brussels sprout leaves, carrots, and reserved cranberries and toss to combine.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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