Roasted Spring Vegetables over Polenta

A medley of roasted spring vegetables like radishes and sugar snap peas served over bed of creamy, cheesy polenta is a delicious way to welcome the change of seasons. 

Roasted spring vegetables over a plate of soft polenta.

I love the longer days that come along with the arrival of Spring. I was so excited that I didn’t have to turn my headlights on when I drove home from work the other night! It finally feels like winter is almost over. 

My cravings have definitely shifted, too. I’m suddenly in the mood for meals that are a little lighter– and a lot greener. My diet has been sorely lacking vegetables lately.

This cheesy polenta topped with roasted spring vegetables is exactly the kind of meal I like eating this time of year.

The polenta is warm, creamy, and super cozy.

The vegetables are fresh and seem new and exciting after weeks of eating hearty winter vegetables.

And it’s so easy to make.

You’re going to love it!

Cheesy Polenta with Roast Spring Vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need

Asparagus. Look for long, thin spears with a bright green color. Nothing says Spring quite like them!

Radishes. If you’ve never roasted radishes before, you’re in for a treat! The have a creamy, potato-like texture with a subtle peppery flavor.

Zucchini.

Snow Peas.

Red Onion.

Vegetable broth.

Instant polenta or grits.

Shredded mozzarella cheese. I used lactose-free cheese here, but any mozzarella will work just fine!

Fresh basil. Because nothing brightens up a meal quite like a sprinkle of fresh herbs over the top.

Variations

  • Top this polenta with whatever roasted spring vegetables are your favorite. This recipe is a great way to clean out your fridge. I also love just walking around the produce section and grabbing whatever looks good.
  • Try another cheese. Monterrey Jack, Parmesan, and Gruyere are all really great choices.
  • Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, pistachio pesto, or a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese to give your leftovers new life.

How to make cheesy polenta

Polenta might look fancy, but it’s one of the easiest side dishes to make.

I like mine to be super creamy, so I always use more liquid than the package calls for, especially since I also add a ton of mozzarella.

A ratio of about 6 cups of liquid to every cup of cornmeal is perfect. I also stir in a big pat of butter or a good glug of olive oil at the end to help prevent it from setting up too quickly. 

To make the polenta, start by bringing a combination of vegetable broth (there’s a GREAT recipe for homemade garden vegetable broth in my book) and of water to a boil.

Turn down the heat and slowly whisk in 1 cup of instant polenta a little bit at a time. Cook for 1 minute until the polenta is creamy and smooth. 

Finally, stir in the cheese, butter and olive oil.

If the polenta seems too stiff, you can stir in another cup of water or broth.

Cheesy Polenta with Roast Spring Vegetables
Cheesy Polenta with Roast Spring Vegetables

Roasted Spring Vegetables Over Creamy Polenta

Spring is in the air and what better way to celebrate the season than with delicious and colorful roasted spring vegetables? Serve them over creamy polenta for a healthy vegetarian dinner that's perfect for the changing seasons.
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Course: Healthy Weeknight Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: creamy polenta, roasted spring vegetables
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 314kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus cut into 2-inch segments
  • 1 bunch radishes quartered
  • 1 small zucchini cut into big chunks
  • ¼ cup snow peas
  • ¼ red onion chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup polenta instant
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 Tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  • Heat your oven to 350°F.
  • Toss the asparagus, radishes, zucchini, snow peas, and onion with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Spread onto a sheet pan in a single layer and roast until tender and beginning to char, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine the vegetable broth and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Slowly whisk in the polenta and cook for 1 minute, until smooth and creamy.
  • Stir in the mozzarella and butter. If the polenta is too thick, stir in a little more broth or water to loosen. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Spoon the polenta in a serving dish; top with roast vegetables and fresh basil.
  • Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Roasted Spring Vegetables Over Creamy Polenta
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 314 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 30mg10%
Sodium 1149mg50%
Potassium 237mg7%
Carbohydrates 38g13%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 1057IU21%
Vitamin C 13mg16%
Calcium 160mg16%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @HealthyDelish or tag #HealthyDelish!

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