Carrots make a delicious and nutrient-packed addition to lots of meals, from cozy soups to muffins, salads, noodle dishes, and more. They’re super versatile, and can be roasted, grated, or pureed. Whether you’re looking for breakfast or dinner, here are some tasty and healthy carrot recipes to try!
The Best Healthy Carrot Recipes
Why cook with carrots?
There are lots of reasons why carrots are an awesome root vegetable to include in your diet! Not only are they inexpensive, but they’re also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
They can also be used in numerous dishes – both sweet and savory – with a variety of cooking methods (either raw or cooked).
Raw carrots also last a long time if stored in the refrigerator (usually a few weeks), so you can buy a big bag and enjoy them with multiple meals. My kids love eating them raw, but it’s fun to mix it up and include them in recipes, too – here are some ideas!
Soup Recipes with Carrots
One of my favorite ways to cook with carrots is to add them in soups! Roasted carrots and even carrot puree are both delicious in cozy and comforting soup recipes.
Instant Pot Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup
This super creamy butternut squash soup is quick and easy to make in an Instant Pot! The flavor is elevated with carrots, apples, apple cider, and sage.
It’s a perfect starter soup for fall, winter, or the holidays, and you can add delicious toppings like crunchy pumpkin seeds, sour cream, and/or crispy bacon.
Turkey Rice Soup
If you’re looking for a nutritious, versatile soup to make for a quick weeknight meal, this turkey rice soup is perfect!
It’s super flavorful, packed with vegetables (like carrots and spinach), and you can easily swap out the turkey for shredded chicken. Plus, the prep time is minimal – most of the cook time is the soup just simmering on the stove. Easy peasy!
This cozy soup will warm you up on chilly nights. Make a big pot and enjoy it all week long. 🙂
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Carrot Soup
Pumpkin soup is iconic during the fall (and winter) months, and this slow cooker version makes it super simple to throw together! It’s oh-so-creamy, packed with herby flavor, and makes a perfect starter soup or cozy lunch.
I love topping mine with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, crispy sage, and/or pepitas (pumpkin seeds), but it’s delicious on its own, too! Plus, it’s super simple to make in the slow cooker.
Instant Pot Beef & Barley Soup
Chewy barley and savory, tender beef make an unbelievable combination on this elevated version of classic beef and barley soup!
It’s packed with tons of veggies (including carrots, of course!), and comes together quickly thanks to the Instant Pot.
This is the perfect comforting and nutritious soup to keep you warm all winter long.
Vegetarian Tortellini Soup
Pasta lovers: this one’s for you! Pillowy, cheesy tortellini pairs so well with veggies, herbs, and a flavorful tomato broth. This is especially perfect if you have some extra vegetables in your veggie drawer that you need to use up.
You can make this tortellini soup either on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot – it’s up to you! Serve with grated parmesan and crusty bread (if desired) for a super cozy meal. 🙂
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Did you know you can make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker? This homemade, feel-good soup is made even more delicious with bright lemon zest and fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.
This soup is incredibly comforting, and will warm you right up on a cold evening. Hot tip: I love topping chicken noodle soup with some fresh dill – so good!
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew
Feeling a little adventurous or want to try something new? This Moroccan chicken stew is so yummy and full of unique flavors! In addition to lots of veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes, this soup is also packed with juicy chicken, olives, and lightly sweet apricots!
This easy stew is made in the slow cooker, and can easily be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken for lentils (see post for instructions).
Curried Carrot Ginger Soup
Simple carrot soup is elevated with lightly spicy ginger and flavorful curry powder! It’s such a tasty flavor combination, and the addition of coconut milk makes it super creamy (while also keeping it dairy free).
Enjoy this easy carrot soup any time of year!
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
Here’s another nutritious soup that’s perfect for clearing out your vegetable drawer! You can add pretty much any veggie here, from green beans to bell peppers, carrots, leafy greens, and lots more. With a savory, herby broth, you’ll want to make this veggie soup again and again!
Plus, it’s made in a pressure cooker (Instant Pot) for an even quicker process. Make a big batch and enjoy it all week long for a satisfying lunch!
More Delicious Carrot Recipes
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
I’ll let you in on a little secret: overnight oats made with coconut milk are even creamier and more delicious! Plus, it makes the meal dairy free.
This particular recipe features grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, and warm spices for an easy make ahead breakfast that tastes like carrot cake (but is more nutrititious and lower in sugar).
Vegan Lentil Bolognese
If you’re looking for a savory, veggie-packed meal, you need to try this lentil bolognese with spaghetti squash! It happens to be vegan and gluten free, but don’t worry: it’s super filling and satisfying.
It’s all cooked in an Instant Pot (including the spaghetti squash) for a quick and easy meal everyone can enjoy. Just shred the roasted squash, top with the vegan bolognese sauce, and dig in.
(Feel free to add freshly-grated parmesan on top if you’re not vegan or dairy free!)
Whole Wheat Carrot Cake Muffins
These healthier, whole wheat muffins taste like carrot cake, but with amped-up nutrients, more staying power, and less sugar.
They’re soft and moist without the need for oil or butter, thanks to a special ingredient: applesauce! Enjoy these wholesome carrot muffins on their own, or with a smear of Greek yogurt or nut butter. Yum!
This is one of the oldest recipes on my blog and it’s still a big favorite.
Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Grated carrots add a delicious crunch to lettuce wraps, like these easy chicken lettuce wraps with peanut sauce! Creamy peanut sauce is drizzled over shredded chicken and fresh herbs on a bed of butter lettuce.
This is a super quick and easy meal idea, especially if you buy pre-cooked chicken and pre-grated carrots.
Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles
These creamy peanut noodles are one of my favorite healthier comfort meals! The sauce is so flavorful and easy to make, and veggies like broccoli, carrots, edamame, and bell peppers amp up the nutrition factor.
This noodle dish is tasty on its own, or you can toss in some bbq tofu or chicken for added protein.
Watermelon Rind Coleslaw
Got some leftover watermelon rind to use up? This is a perfect dish to make! It’s crunchy and refreshing, with grated watermelon rind, carrots, bell peppers, and more, all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
This healthier coleslaw is perfect for potlucks, and pairs so well with grilled mains!
Sriracha Tofu Stir Fry
Pan-seared tofu, stir-fried vegetables, and rice noodles are tossed in a sweet and spicy honey sriracha sauce you won’t be able to get enough of.
This dinner recipe is super versatile (you can easily swap out any of the veggies or use a different protein), and comes together quickly.
I hope I’ve inspired you to try one (or more) of these delicious recipes with carrots! Enjoy. 🙂 Do you have a favorite healthy carrot recipe? Let me know in the comments!
