Let’s take those frozen veggies to the next level! This roasted California Blend Veggies recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. A simple mix of garlic, olive oil, and seasonings turns everyday frozen veggies into something a little more special, and the zesty lemon juice and Parmesan cheese take it over the top.
If you want to up your frozen veggie game, we’ve got a whole series of frozen veggie hacks.
Why Our Recipe
- Skip the microwave and take your frozen veggies up a notch!
- Roasting the veggies is key to an easy nutritious side dish.
- Lemon juice and parmesan cheese add the finishing touches.
Whip this up for a weeknight side any day of the week. It’s easy! If you want, you could even use this recipe for fresh veggies instead of frozen. Listen, nothing beats the convenience of frozen and we know how to level things up for better taste and a much better texture. Say goodbye to boring, steamed vegetables and hello to a side dish everyone will actually want seconds of!
Ingredient Notes
- Frozen California Blend Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots found in the freezer aisle. No need to thaw—just use them straight from the bag.
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic in jars works too. It just has a more bitter flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor, but regular olive oil will still get the job done.
- Lemon: A medium-sized lemon works perfectly here. Just remember to zest your lemon before juicing it.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but pre-grated can also be used.
Switch up the Flavor
Lemon garlic with a bit of parmesan cheese is a classic flavor combination that goes with almost every meal. Easily switch things up so you never get bored!
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle on up to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or drizzle with a bit of hot sauce before serving.
Herb Lovers: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning before roasting.
Cheesy Options: Swap Parmesan for feta or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Garlicky Goodness: Double the garlic or use roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
Using Fresh Veggies
If you prefer using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, this recipe works just as well! Use an equal amount of fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. To prepare, wash and dry the vegetables thoroughly, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Roasting time will need to be adjusted since fresh vegetables take longer to roast. You’ll want to start checking at the 15-minute mark. It may take up to 20 minutes.
Zesting a Lemon
Zesting a lemon is simple and adds a fresh burst of flavor to your dish! Use a microplane or fine grater for best results—just wash the lemon, hold it at an angle, and gently scrape off the yellow outer layer of the peel. Be careful not to get the bitter white pith underneath.
If you don’t have a grater, a vegetable peeler or paring knife works too; just finely chop the strips afterward.
Always zest your lemon before juicing!
Other Ways to Use This Recipe
Frozen veggie blends are more than just a side dish. You can add them in to a whole meal! Sometimes it helps to just see a few ideas.
Grain Bowls: Toss the roasted veggies with cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice. Add a protein like grilled chicken and finish with a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
Pasta: Mix the roasted veggies with cooked pasta and a light olive oil or butter sauce. Top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for a simple meal.
Wraps and Sandwiches: Stuff the veggies into a tortilla or pita bread with hummus or tzatziki for a quick and healthy lunch.
Breakfast Add-In: Chop the roasted veggies into smaller pieces and stir them into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a flavorful start to your day.
Do we prepare the vegetables from frozen or thawed out.
This recipe is written for frozen vegetables!
This “roasted veggies recipe” is so very tasty and just what I needed for weekend dinner! Tks.
This sounds so good, however, a ? for you, do you defrost the frozen veggies first, or follow the recipe while the veggies are frozen? Thank you.
This recipe is written for the veggies being frozen! We like to keep it simple!
I love your recipes. As a senior, and a retired RN, I find your recipes, balanced, easy to follow using products and ingredients that are easy to find, and absolutely delicious. Thanks and God bless you and yours
Just wanted to thank you sooo much for all the delicious new recipes you offer. I discovered your website during COVID and have been cooking lots since lockdown!! The recipes are amazing and you have enough seasoning to make each dish!! Most other sites you have to double what they recommend or the dish is bland!! Thanks again for all the new recipes and the videos…learn something every time!! Keep up all your recipes because there are people like me that don’t post comments out there. You are teaching an old dog new tricks!!
I love all of your good side dishes !!!! Keep it up ladies !!!! ❤️❤️
I love y’all’s recipes!!
You have “umped my game”, my husband boasts, so much, about my meals now!! (My meals were ok, not horrible, some were perfect. You’ve changed my story!) Thank you Rachel, I’ve been following you & your recipes for several years now! More importantly , you’ve boosted my confidence!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻