Do you have a plethora of carrots calling out to be used in your refrigerator, or ready to harvest from your garden? Or if you’re simply a fan of this easy-to-love, economical vegetable, you’ll enjoy this selection of carrot recipes that showcase it as their centerpiece.
Beta carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A, is what gives (orange) carrots their glorious color. And while orange carrots are by far the most commonplace, they come in a range of colors, including purple, white, and pale yellow.
In addition to beta carotene, carrots are a good source of fiber, as well as a wide range of vitamins and minerals. And it’s not just a myth that eating plenty of carrots is a way to support eye health! Get the full nutrition profile of carrots here.
Not only are carrots are a good-for-you food, and they’re quite versatile as a kitchen staple.
How long do carrots last in the refrigerator? Kept in a plastic produce bag in the crisper drawer, unpeeled carrots can last for several weeks. But the sooner you use them, the better, as they can lose flavor and even become bitter if kept too long. Baby carrots should be used up sooner; they tend to dry out and become less palatable.
There are tons of recipes of all kinds in which they have a supporting role, but here we’re highlighting recipes in which they’re the standout ingredient.
Carrots aren’t always orange! They come in an array of hues, including this dazzling reddish-purple. They’re also a rich source of antioxidants.
Are carrot tops edible?
They sure are! Just make sure you discard any yellowed leaves, and wash well before using. They have a fresh, herbal flavor. Use mostly the leafy parts, avoiding tough stems as much as possible. Here are a few ways to use them:
- Carrot Top Soup by Zest of France
- Carrot Top Pesto from Yup, it’s Vegan
- Carrot Top Chimichurri from Sun Kissed Kitchen
Thanks to the bloggers who have participated in this roundup for permission to reproduce their photos and link to their recipes.
Roasted and Sautéed Carrots
Seasoned Whole Roasted Carrots: Here’s a fantastic, super-easy recipe for oven roasted whole carrots, spiced with za’atar or all-purpose seasoning blend. A quick turn in a hot oven brings out their best flavor.
Maple-Roasted Baby Carrots is an easy roasted vegetable side dish that requires no chopping! Maple roasted baby carrots become even sweeter with a touch of cinnamon. Optional balsamic vinegar and/or garlic make them that much better.
Garlic and Maple Roasted Parsnips and Carrots: A simple side dish that’s perfect for fall and winter meals, this is one of the easiest and most delightful things you can make with this pairing of root vegetables.
Maple Dijon Mustard Roasted Carrots from Bite on the Side: Sweet, salty and tangy, these oven roasted carrots are glazed with a maple syrup and dijon mustard sauce for a side dish loaded with flavor. Simple to make, this easy recipe is an effortless way to elevate this everyday vegetable
Carrot and Green Bean Bundles from Bite on the Side: Matchstick carrots and green beans are tied together with chives to create these fancy (but easy!) elegant vegetable bundles. Perfect to serve up for an occasion dinner, this restaurant inspired side dish is a great way to add color and goodness to your plate.
Curry Spiced Roasted Carrots from Flavorful Eats: Warm spices with combine with naturally sweet carrots for a side dish that’s incredibly flavorful!
Moroccan Carrots: This recipe makes a generous portion to serve as a side dish for special occasions and holidays. An abundant dish of lightly cooked carrots, it’s flavored with garlic, lemon, parsley, and a subtle touch of cumin.
Carrots in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Carrot Fries from The Salt and Sweet: These carrot fries are crispy and delicious, a side dish that’s an easy alternative to French fries. Ready in 15 minutes!
Air Fryer Carrots from Watch Eat Learn: Air-fried carrots make a super easy side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course, from everyday dinners to holiday meals. And by using bagged baby carrots, there’s absolutely no peeling or chopping involved!
Carrot Soups
Carrot-Ginger Soup (with a parsip variation) is made easier by using baby carrots, eliminating the need for a lot of peeling and chopping. Naturally plant-based, this delicious pureed vegetable soup recipe can be enjoyed in the fall, winter, and spring.
Coconut Curry Carrot Chickpea Soup comes together easily with one of my favorite shortcuts — Indian simmer sauce. This naturally vegan soup combines comfort and spice in one satisfying bowlful.
Roasted Carrot Soup with Ginger from The Rustic Foodie: A soup that’s cozy and perfect for the fall and winter months, it’s made with roasted carrots, garlic and onions, along with vegetable broth, coconut milk, and fresh ginger.
Carrot Soup with Sage and Mint: Warm and nourishing in the chill of winter, or cold and refreshing in the heat of summer, this versatile carrot soup with sage and mint is welcome at the table year-round.
Carrot Salads
Moroccan Carrot Salad with Lemon Dressing from Beyond Mere Sustenance: Here’s a fresh and crunchy salad of matchstick carrots, toasted almonds, and sweet currants or dried cherries tossed with a sweet-tart lemon and olive oil dressing.
Marinated Carrot Salad from Salads for Lunch: This easy, old-fashioned salad is also known as Copper Pennies. It features carrots, onions and green pepper marinated in a sweet and sour tomato based marinade.
Classic Carrot and Raisin Salad with Apple: Adding an crisp apple to this well-loved salad duo makes it shine. It’s a simple companion to all kinds of meals, and is kid-friendly as well.
Festive Beet and Carrot Salad is made even tastier with chopped walnuts and parsley. It brightens everyday meals and dresses up holiday and other special occasion fare.
Ginger Sesame Carrot Ribbon Salad from Flavorful Eats: Crisp, fresh, and bright, this carrot salad is the perfect flavorful veggie side dish!
More carrot-y goodness
Japanese-Style Carrot-Ginger Salad Dressing: Here’s an easy recipe for the kind you enjoy on salads in Japanese restaurants. A simple leafy salad enveloped in this dressing is a good accompaniment to noodle and dishes, and vegetable sushi.
Ball’s Raw Pack Carrot Canning Recipe from Farmhouse Harvest: Do you want to preserve all those gorgeous carrots to last for 18 months? This simple pressure canning recipe takes you through the step-by-step process!
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