From fries and hot dogs to sauces and noodles, we’re sharing 31 of our favorite ways to use carrots that highlight the vibrant color and flavor!

Carrots are often dubbed a snacking vegetable. And while yes, they are delicious with dips (hi ranch), they can be used in so many more ways! I mean, carrots don’t want to be just known for one thing; they want you to know that they can hang with the other versatile vegetables like zucchini and sweet potatoes.
One of my favorite things to tell people is that carrots can be used to make a whole pasta dish (noodles, sauce, and all). The carrots make the noodles and the carrot tops make the pesto. That’s what I call ‘nose to tail’ cooking.
Are carrots healthy?
Yes, carrots are packed with nutrients like vitamin A and potassium. They boast a good amount of fiber which helps you feel full longer. And that bright orange color – it’s often indicative of a vegetable or fruit high in antioxidants (which carrots are).
Carrot Varieties & How to prepare them
Preparing your carrots to make dishes out of will vary by the type of carrot and the dish. In general, there are 3 styles of carrots you will find.
- Long, full size carrots: These are just your standard orange carrots. They are fibrous and are the best choice for most of these recipes.
- Short, stout, and rounded carrots: These carrots are nearly identical to the standard long carrots but they are a bit sweeter. They are also easier to grow at home but may not be the best for some of the following recipes due to their odd shape and small stature.
- Baby carrots: Baby carrots make up most of the carrot sales in the U.S. but they are simply large carrots cut into small, bite-sized pieces. They can be used to make some of the recipes below, but not all of them due to their small size.
To peel or not to peel: While you don’t need to peel these carrots, I find that the skin has a slightly bitter taste. I almost always peel my carrots to prevent this flavor from affecting and juice or meal. But, if you are not using the carrots right away, you do not need to peel them yet and can just wash and store the carrots in the fridge without the greens.
31 Ways To Cook With Carrots
Carrot Hot Dogs
Surprise and delight your taste buds with this unique twist on a classic favorite. Carrots are marinated and grilled to perfection, providing a satisfyingly smoky flavor and a fun alternative for hot dog enthusiasts.
How To Make Carrot Lox (Vegan Smoked Salmon!)
Carrots are expertly marinated to mimic the smoky, savory flavor of traditional lox. This vegan alternative offers a unique and delightful way to enjoy the essence of smoked salmon.
60-Minute Vegetable Broth (From Scraps or Fresh Veggies)
Transform leftover carrot peels and ends into a flavorful broth in just an hour. This sustainable recipe not only minimizes waste but also provides a versatile base for soups and stews.
Carrot Greens Pesto (Pesto Without Basil)
Utilize the often overlooked carrot greens in this vibrant pesto. Their earthy, herbaceous flavor complements the bright, sweet notes of the carrots, resulting in a unique and flavorful sauce for pasta or as a dip.
How to Make Kimchi (No Fish Sauce!)
Carrots add a delightful crunch to this vegan kimchi recipe. Their natural sweetness balances the tangy and spicy flavors, making this a must-try for anyone looking to explore homemade fermented foods.
Healthier Sauerkraut Salad Recipe (15 Minutes)
Carrots bring a vibrant color and a dose of beta-carotene to this speedy sauerkraut salad. With its tangy, probiotic-rich profile, it’s a nutritious side dish that’s ready in a flash.
Easy Vegetarian Chickpea Pot Pie Recipe
Carrots, along with other vegetables, create a hearty filling for this comforting pot pie. Their natural sweetness complements the creamy sauce, making this a satisfying and flavorful dish for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Vegetable Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Julienned carrots play a crucial role in adding both color and crunch to these refreshing spring rolls. They’re a perfect way to introduce more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a delightful, hand-held meal.
Easy Carrot Noodles (No Spiralizer Required!)
Carrot noodles offer a vibrant and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta. Their mild sweetness pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces, making this a versatile and healthy dish.
How To Make Carrot Hummus (Super Creamy!)
Carrots add a silky smooth texture and a touch of natural sweetness to this creamy hummus. Their flavor complements the nutty notes of the tahini, resulting in a uniquely delicious dip.
Crispy Air Fryer Carrot Fries (No Cornstarch!)
Carrots take on a delightful crunch when cooked in the air fryer. Their natural sweetness intensifies, creating a satisfying and nutritious alternative to traditional fries without the need for cornstarch.
Healthy Oven Baked Carrot Chips
Transform carrots into a crispy, guilt-free snack with this simple recipe. Their natural sweetness intensifies when baked, providing a satisfying crunch that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Crispy Chickpea Bowls with Carrot Ginger Dressing
Carrots take center stage in the zesty dressing, lending a bright and invigorating flavor to this protein-packed chickpea bowl. It’s a delightful blend of textures and tastes that’s perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.
Easy Homemade Larabars Recipe (4 Favorite Flavors!)
If you're not sure what flavor to pick, try 4 kinds of homemade Larabars! Carrots add a natural sweetness and moisture to my favorite flavor of these homemade energy bars.
Roasted Vegetable Grain Bowls
Roasted carrots, with their caramelized edges and tender centers, are a star in these nourishing grain bowls. They bring a natural sweetness that balances the earthy flavors of the other vegetables, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Easy Buddha's Delight (Vegetarian Lo Han Jai)
Carrots add a vibrant touch to this traditional vegetarian dish. Their mild sweetness complements the medley of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms, creating a harmonious and nutritious one-pot wonder.
Easy Carrot Juice Recipe (No Juicer Required!)
This carrot juice recipe allows you to enjoy the goodness of carrots without the need for a fancy juicer. Carrots provide a naturally sweet and earthy flavor, making this drink not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants—a refreshing way to boost your daily veggie intake.
30-Minute Vegan Beef Stew Recipe
Carrots provide a hearty texture and natural sweetness to this vegan twist on a classic stew. With their robust flavor, they enhance the overall richness and depth of this comforting dish.
Vegetarian Wedge Salad (with Carrot "Bacon" Bits"!)
Carrots are transformed into crispy, smoky “bacon” bits, adding a unique twist to this classic salad. They provide a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness, making this vegetarian wedge salad a true crowd-pleaser.
Buffalo Chickpea Collard Wraps
Carrots add a refreshing crunch to these spicy buffalo chickpea wraps. Their natural sweetness balances the heat, creating a harmonious and satisfying flavor profile that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
How To Make Vegan Bao Buns (Pulled Mushroom Filling)
Shredded carrots add color and texture to these fluffy vegan bao buns. Their mild sweetness complements the savory pulled mushroom filling, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
30-Minute Mulligatawny Soup Recipe
Carrots lend a natural sweetness and vibrant color to this quick and flavorful soup. Their tender texture complements the hearty lentils and aromatic spices, making this a satisfying and nourishing dish.
Loaded Vegetarian Bibimbap Recipe
Carrots are a key component in this colorful and flavorful bibimbap. Their crunchy texture and mild sweetness balance the spicy gochujang sauce, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
Thai Cabbage Salad Recipe | Easy Asian Slaw
Shredded carrots add a pop of color and a crunchy texture to this refreshing Thai cabbage salad. Their natural sweetness complements the tangy lime dressing, resulting in a vibrant and zesty side dish.
Vegan Tofu Banh Mi Sandwich (Step-By-Step Guide)
Pickled carrots are a star ingredient in this vegan banh mi sandwich. Their tangy, crunchy goodness pairs perfectly with the savory tofu and creamy vegan mayo, creating a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.
Mixed Veggie Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie (No Lentils!)
Carrots, along with a medley of other vegetables, create a hearty filling for this comforting shepherd’s pie. Their natural sweetness and robust flavor make them a standout element in this satisfying dish.
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables (With Dill Yogurt Sauce)
Roasted carrots, with their caramelized edges and tender centers, are a highlight in this Mediterranean-inspired dish. Their natural sweetness is beautifully complemented by the tangy dill yogurt sauce, resulting in a flavorful and wholesome side.
Gouda Cheese Crisps with Carrots
Shredded carrots add color and a subtle sweetness to these cheesy crisps. Their crunchy texture complements the rich, nutty flavor of the gouda, creating a delightful snack that’s perfect for entertaining.
Zucchini Cheddar Bites (Hidden Veggies Snack!)
Grated carrots blend seamlessly into these savory cheddar bites, providing both moisture and a boost of nutrition. They’re a clever way to sneak in extra vegetables for a tasty and kid-friendly snack.
Slow Cooker Carrots with Garlic Glaze
Carrots are slow-cooked to perfection in a garlic-infused glaze, intensifying their natural sweetness. This simple yet flavorful side dish is a convenient way to enjoy the full potential of this versatile root vegetable.
Easy Carrot Smoothie with Ginger
Start your day right with this zesty carrot smoothie featuring the delightful combination of carrots and ginger. The carrots offer a vibrant color and subtle sweetness, while the ginger adds a refreshing kick.
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