Can I prepare the whipped feta ahead of time?
Yes. Whip the feta with Greek yogurt and lemon juice up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Assemble with roasted carrots, pecans, and honey just before serving.
What size should I cut the carrots?
Cut carrots into 3–4 inch spears or halve them lengthwise for even cooking and charring. Aim for roughly uniform thickness so they roast evenly in 25–30 minutes at 425°F.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Goat cheese or ricotta work as alternatives, though they'll shift the flavor profile. Feta's saltiness and tang are key to the dish's Mediterranean character.
Can I make this vegan?
Replace feta with cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with lemon juice and garlic) and use maple syrup instead of honey. The result will be milder but still delicious.
How do I know when the carrots are done?
Roast until the edges are deeply caramelized and the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork, about 25–30 minutes. Some charring on the tips is desirable.