Spring means gardens and farmers’ markets are filled with fresh and vibrant carrots. But what can you make with them besides eating them as a snappy snack and adding them to your salads? Good news for your dinner rotation—we have tons of carrot recipes, including soup, roasted carrots, and mini pot pies. And we have a few new ones for you to enjoy this spring.
These recipes span all courses of the meal, from appetizer to dessert. We’ve developed twists to traditional and classic recipes, and we’ve added carrots to a few recipes that are a little unexpected. So if you happen to find yourself with a whole bundle of carrots from the market and need to use them up, or maybe you’re just looking for new ideas for your weeknight meals, try these fresh and flavorful recipes.
Roasted Carrot and Chorizo Tacos
When you’re trying to think of ways to use up the carrots you picked up at the farmers’ market, you may not immediately think of tacos. But we’re here to tell you that carrots can definitely go in tacos! When they’re seasoned and roasted, and then tossed with garlic and lime juice, carrots become a delicious addition to chorizo tacos with crispy shells. This is a new Taco Tuesday favorite you can enjoy all spring long.
Get the recipe for Roasted Carrot and Chorizo Tacos.
Creamy Carrot, Pea, and Tarragon Pasta
Carrots are a fun and vibrant addition to this flavorful seasonal pasta. Sweet carrots, bright peas, and fresh tarragon bring a little lift to a light and delicious main dish. Crispy bacon adds savory depth, while lemon zest keeps everything tasting fresh and bright. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but still vibrant, and it comes together in just 45 minutes. It also makes a nice pasta side dish alongside other mains.
Get the recipe for Creamy Carrot, Pea, and Tarragon Pasta.
Carrot Gimlet
There are so many great spring fruits and veggies that make healthy and delicious juices you can enjoy on their own or stir up into delightfully creative cocktails, like carrots, ginger, and cucumbers. If you have any of these in your own vegetable garden, give this refreshing spring drink a try. When combined with a bit of gin, Italian aperitivo, and fresh lime juice, our homemade carrot-ginger juice is transformed into a vibrant gimlet that’s a perfect match for your next spring brunch, garden party, or back porch happy hour.
Get the recipe for Carrot Gimlet.
Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies
We love carrot cake come Easter time, but it’s too delicious to limit it to just one holiday. It’s too delicious for that. So we’ll be enjoying carrot cake recipes all springtime long! Like these carrot cake sandwich cookies, which take all the wonderful flavors of our favorite springtime layer cake and put them together in a delicious brown sugar cookie dough. With cream cheese filling, these cookies are just as good—and maybe better!—than the original cake.
Get the recipe for Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies.
Carrot and Cucumber Slaw
This bright and beautiful slaw is a delightful side dish or topping that can go with a variety of spring dishes. A julienne peeler gives this salad gorgeous texture and serious crunch, but you don’t have to have special tools. Thinly slicing the carrots and cucumber works just fine, too. Serve this crunchy slaw with grilled chicken, atop cold soba noodles, or on the side of your favorite main dish.
Get the recipe for Carrot and Cucumber Slaw.
Smoky Carrot Hummus
This isn’t your usual hummus! But it’s delicious and a vibrant twist on the classic. It swaps in sweet roasted carrots for a dip that’s silky, smoky, and just a little unexpected. Smoked paprika deepens the flavor, while toasted almonds add richness and body. Finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil and parsley. This fun and flavorful hummus is a unique and delicious appetizer or precursor for any spring gathering, brunch, or occasion you have this season.
