Do you have a big bag of carrots hanging out in your fridge? These 25 healthy carrot recipes will help you use it up in easy and delicious ways!
Carrots are probably one of my staple veggies to always have on hand. No only are they readily available to most people year round, but they can also be pretty inexpensive to add to your shopping cart. In fact, many grocery stores carry big bags of carrots in their produce aisle that (organic or conventional) very reasonably priced. Not only are carrots budget friendly, but they are also loaded with many vitamins and nutrients, making them a awesome food to work into your family’s meals.
What vitamins and minerals are in carrots?
Carrots are not just pretty to look at and great to munch on, but they are also a great source of several vitamins and minerals. Such as….
- beta-carotene (which is converted into vitamin A in the body)
- Biotin
- Vitamin K1
- Calcium
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Vitamin B6
While I totally adore carrots and everything they give the body, I will be the first to say that one can only eat so many carrot sticks or green salads with shredded carrots sprinkled on top before they start to lose their appeal.
So how does one use up a big bag of carrots without losing their love of this beautiful and easy root veggie? By getting creative and thinking beyond the carrot stick!
You see, carrots are delicious raw, cooked, grated, sliced roasted…but they are also amazing when added to a baked good or a meatball! They have an incredibly diverse flavor that can easily go sweet or savory, making them the perfect veggie to add to breakfast, dinners, desserts and everything in between.
FAQ about carrots
Q: Do I have to peel carrots before cooking with them or eating them?
A: No….as long as you wash them well, to remove dirt and debris, you can leave the skin on if you want (or just want to skip the extra prep step). Some people dislike the flavor of the peel of a carrot and find it is bitter. Others don’t like the way it looks. So it ultimately comes down to what your personal preference is rather than nutritional.
Q: I have a bag of rainbow carrots. Do the different colors of carrot taste different from one another.
A: While the difference is mild, some people find the white and golden carrots to have a milder, less earthy flavor than the other color of carrots.
Q: Can I use rainbow carrot in cooking just like traditional orange carrots?
A: Yes. Again, difference in flavors between the different colors of carrot is minimal and any color can be used in these recipes. However, the color carrot you opt to use may change the visual appearance of a recipe. For example, a purple carrot is a lovely sight when roasted. However, it might turn a carrot cake recipe an interesting color. In turn, using a golden or white carrot in a recipe is wonderful if you are looking to minimize the appearance of carrots in a recipe (I’m looking at you parents with selective kiddos!).
Q: When are carrots in season?
A: While you can easily find carrots at supermarkets year round, they have two official times of year they are harvested: late spring and fall. Which is when you can expect to pick your own fro the garden or find them at your local farmers market.
Here are 25 Ways To Use a Bag of Carrots….all of them easy, delicious and family-friendly. Some recipes showcase carrots in all their glory and in some, carrots are a lovely supporting role! Either way, they will help you work through that giant bag of carrots you snagged at Costco before it goes bad!
Healthy carrot recipes for breakfast
Muffins. I love ’em. You guys love ’em. We all love ’em….so I keep baking them. With veggies (and this time fruit!)…because that’s how I roll.
This Carrot Banana Protein Oatmeal is full of nothing but the good stuff and is super easy to make! The perfect healthy breakfast for those busy weekday mornings, you are going to love how these oats fill you up and fuel you on until lunch!
Healthy Apple Carrot Pancakes are made with only a few ingredients and are a wonderful way to start your day. Mixed entirely in your blender, breakfast has never been easier or more delicious!
Instant Pot Morning Glory Oatmeal
Crank up your morning oatmeal a few notches by making it Morning Glory style! Naturally sweetened, full of real food ingredients that will fuel you on and even a dose of veggie goodness when start your day with this recipe! Made with ease in your Instant Pot, this the perfect breakfast for those busy back-to-school mornings!
One-Bowl Paleo Carrot Chocolate Chip Muffins
A delicious, veggie-loaded treat, these One-Bowl Paleo Carrot Chocolate Chip Muffins are going to dazzle your tastebuds! They are not only loaded up with with nutrient dense carrots, almonds and other squeaky clean ingredients, but these surprisingly fluffy and soft muffins are naturally gluten free and dairy-free!
Easy Peasy Veggie-Loaded Applesauce
Carrots, butternut squash and apples…oh my! Applesauce is a classic childhood treat and a super simple recipe to whip up in your kitchen. However, I took applesauce to the next level but loading it up with naturally sweet, nutrient dense and delicious veggies! Deliciously kid-approved, full of warm fall flavors and easy peasy, Easy Peasy Veggie-Loaded Applesauce is going to change the snacking game in your house.
These healthy lunch box muffins are super easy to make and add so much goodness to any meal or snack! Naturally gluten free, packed with vegetables and naturally sweetened, they can easily be made nut free, dairy-free and egg-free.
Morning Glory Breakfast Cookies
Now these Morning Glory Breakfast Cookies are how to start a day right! The perfect taste and texture, healthy and loaded with amazing ingredients! Gluten free, vegan, and naturally sweetened. These are a morning must-make!
Healthy carrot recipes for sides
You guys know how I looooovvveeee to roast veggies. Well, now I’ve brought turmeric into the mix.
Germ-Kicking Carrot Ginger Soup
This Germ-Kicking Carrot Ginger Soup is the perfect easy dinner. Ready in a little over 30 minutes, so delicious, and healthy. Whole30, Paleo, gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian.
These veggie-loaded chicken bites aren’t just easy to make, but they are super delicious and a healthy start to dinner! Family-friendly, gluten free, Paleo and Whole30
Healthy carrot recipes for main dishes
These Healthy & Easy Turkey Burgers are easy to make and are packed with so many vegetables! The perfect blend of sweet and savory, these burgers are loaded with flavor. Naturally Paleo, Whole30 when enjoyed bunless and something everyone will enjoy!
Veggie-Loaded Lentil & Quinoa “Meatballs”
A vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, these delicious little bites are packed with carrots and other good-for-you veggies
Veggie-Loaded Avocado Tuna Salad
Veggies veggies everywhere! That’s kind of my motto for cooking and eating…in case you guys hadn’t caught onto that. If I can add a veggie to something (or two or three veggies), in going to do it! So it was only a matter of time before tuna salad felt my veggifying wrath! The result is this delicious veggie-filled avocado tuna salad that is the perfect no-cook meal for a hot summer night (aka every night as of late).
Veggie-Loaded Smashed Chickpea Salad
A vegetarian-twist on a tuna salad and loaded with plant goodness, Veggie-Loaded Smashed Chickpea Salad is a protein-packed lunch staple that is easy-peasy to make and delicious to enjoy.
The sun is setting sooner. The air is crisp and cold. And the wool sock and big fuzzy sweaters have come out from the back of the closet. It is officially soup season and this One-Pot Curry Lentil Soup might be the coziest thing I can think to curl up with! Made with just the right amount of warming spice, this soup is full of flavor while still staying family friendly. Made in one pot in about 30 minutes, it is the perfect end to your winter day.
30-Minute Carrot Ginger Tuna Bites
Jazz up dinnertime in an easy and veggie-loaded way with 30-Minute Carrot Ginger Tuna Bites! Perfect as a finger food for little and big eaters alike or served over greens, baked sweet potatoes, cauliflower rice or your favorite pasta or spiraled veggie, these nuggets pack a punch of flavor and protein in perfectly portioned out bites.
These meatballs are a reader favorite and super family-friendly! Loaded with protein, carrots and other veggies…they are going to change dinner time!
You know that “Egg Roll in a Bowl” train everyone is jumping on? You know what I’m talking about, right? All of the deliciousness of an egg roll, but deconstructed (and minus the deep frying) into an easy peasy stir fry! If you haven’t heard of it, totally check it out…or just make these Egg Roll Meatballs.
Are you looking for an easy (and maybe slightly sneaky) way to get more veggies into your family’s diet? Try this super easy, kid-approved Hidden Vegetable Sauce! Loaded with lots of different colorful veggies, it comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect to make ahead for a quick, healthy dinner or whip up in the moment. Vegan, Whole30, Paleo too.
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Hamburger Soup
Curling up with a warm bowl of this Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Hamburger Soup might be one of my favorite things to do on a chilly winter night. Creamy, comforting, made from squeaky clean ingredients and veggie-loaded, this soup is a complete meal that your family is going to devour…and you are going to adore since you can make it in minutes in your handy dandy Instant Pot.
Healthy carrot recipes for dessert
Flourless Peanut Butter Carrot Zucchini Cookies
These healthy flourless peanut butter carrot zucchini cookies are soft, perfectly sweet and so easy to make! Made with only 7 ingredient and in one bowl, these cookies are vegan, gluten free and can easily be made Paleo.
Looking for a veggie-packed bread that’s gluten-free & dairy-free? Carrot Chocolate Chip Bread is loaded with sweet potatoes, carrots and bananas and a handful of chocolate chips for a little chocolatey goodness.
One-Bowl Peanut Butter Carrot Blondies
These One-Bowl Peanut Butter Carrot Blondies are rich, super fudgy, and seriously delicious! Made with just 8 real food ingredients and in one bowl, too boot! Egg free, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, but a total crowd pleasing treat for all eating styles!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Carrot Balls
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Carrot Balls are easy, delicious, and veggie-loaded! Gluten free, dairy free, naturally sweetened and super easy to throw together. Bite-sized and made from healthy real food ingredients, this is a treat everyone will love!
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