This carrot produce guide is an informative guide about all things carrots, along with 40 delicious carrot recipes, including roasted carrots, carrot soup and carrot cake!

40 carrot recipes collage pin

I shot the photos for this carrot produce guide and recipe round up over a month ago, which now seems like an eternity.  At that point it was well before Easter, and now Cinco de Mayo is over, and Mother’s Day is staring us all in the face.

Time is flying, people!

It’s still spring for now, so let’s celebrate carrots shall we??

Spring carrots are so sweet and flavorful, and I’ve been buying bunch after bunch.  I specifically seek out bunches of organic carrots with beautiful, lush green carrot tops.  

The flavor of these carrots are so much sweeter than the bagged carrots, and those carrot tops are downright delicious.

But we’ll get to that later. 🙂

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that doesn’t like carrots, have you?  They’re mainstream for a reason.  They’re great raw or cooked, and they’re so sweet that they appeal to the pickiest of eaters.

If you love produce, be sure to check out the following recipe round ups:

Carrots on a white marble board for carrot produce guide
What are carrots?

Carrots are root vegetables that consist of the taproot, which is the tapered part of the vegetable that is most commonly eaten, and the green carrot tops.

Origin of carrots

Carrots originated in Afghanistan as early as 3000 BC. Surprisingly, early varieties of carrots were not orange, but were black, white, red and purple. Orange, or carotene carrots, didn’t appear until the 17th century in the Netherlands.

Carrot varieties

Growing up, I’d never seen anything other than an orange carrot, but now beautiful rainbow varieties are available, including the colors white, yellow, red and purple. Each color of carrot has its own flavor and health benefits.

The main types of carrots are as follows: 

1. Chantenay carrots: this variety is short and stout, are light orange in color, and run about 4-5″ long and 2-2 1/2″ wide.  They’re some of the sweetest carrots, and are great for juicing, or eaten raw, frozen or canned.  They’re very popular among farmers for their high yield.

2. Danver carrots:  Danvers carrots are medium, or half-size carrots.  They were an early orange variety, and were once a choice carrot for their great flavor.

3. Imperator carrots:  this variety is the popular supermarket variety, and grow to be 6-7″ long.  Imperator carrots are deep orange with a thin skin or peel.  These carrots are generally used to produce the “baby carrots” that have been trimmed down and sold in bags for convenience.

4. Nantes carrots:  Nantes carrots were named after the French city where they originated.  This variety is about 7″ long and 1 – 1 1/2″ wide, and they’re very tender and sweet.

There are many boutique varieties of rainbow carrots as well.  If you want more info, click here.

What are carrots good for?

Carrots are so versatile, and may be juiced, eaten raw, roasted, or cooked in a variety of dishes.

Carrots are one of the main building blocks of cooking. You’ve probably heard the term mirepoix, which is French culinary term for diced carrots, celery, onion and garlic. 

These ingredients are aromatics that provide flavor for meat and vegetable broth, soups, stews and a multitude of dishes.

Do you have to peel carrots?

No, you don’t have to peel carrots as long as you wash them thoroughly under warm water before eating them. However, some people think carrot skin has a bitter taste so they prefer to remove it.

Are carrot tops edible?

Yes! When you buy a beautiful bunch of carrots with lush carrot tops, don’t throw those tops away! Carrot tops are delicate, herbaceous and flavorful, and contain more nutrition than the actual carrot.

What to do with carrot tops

Basically, carrot tops taste like carrot-flavored parsley.  They make the best pesto sauce (see my recipe for carrot top pesto), as well as any type of herb-based sauce like chimichurri or Italian salsa verde.  

Carrot tops are also a great addition to salads!

How to grow carrots


Carrots grow in raised beds, containers, and pretty much anywhere, as long as they’re planted in full sun.

Plant carrot seeds in early spring or mid summer, and enjoy the harvest from late spring to early winter, depending on which variety you plant.

You can even grow carrots from carrot tops!  Follow the instructions here.

Health benefits of carrots

Carrots are very nutritious, as they’re a good source of beta carotene (especially the orange varieties), potassium, fiber, Vitamin K1 and antioxidants.

There are many benefits to eating carrots, as they’re also linked to reducing cholesterol levels, improving eye sight, and possibly reducing the risk of cancer.

86-95% of carrots is composed of water, while the rest is carbohydrates. One serving of raw carrots contains 41 calories, 9.6 grams carbs, 4.7 grams sugar, and 2.8 grams fiber.

How long do carrots last in the fridge?

Carrots are incredibly hearty and will last up to four weeks in the fridge. Once you peel and slice them, they’ll stay fresh up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Can you freeze carrots?

Yes, here’s how to freeze carrots:

1. Peel and slice the carrots into your desired size and shape.
2. Place the prepared carrots into a pot of boiling water. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Immediately transfer the carrots to a bowl of ice water.
4. Pat dry, then seal inside a freezer bag and freeze for up to one year.

Rainbow carrots with carrot tops on a white marble board

40 delicious carrot recipes

Carrots are one of the most versatile vegetables. The carrot and the carrot tops are edible and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Check out the 40 carrot recipes below for recipe inspiration. This list includes carrot cake, carrot soup, and roasted carrots! For even more ideas, check out the carrot recipes on my site.

Carrot ginger soup topped with coconut milk and cilantro

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup is smooth, flavorful and so easy to make! This healthy vegan soup is perfect for Easter or for meal prep, and the recipe includes stove top and Instant Pot instructions!
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Overhead view of cumin chicken stir fry in a cast iron skillet.

Cumin Healthy Chicken Stir Fry with Carrot Noodles

This gluten free cumin healthy chicken stir fry has coconut, coriander and cardamom! Add broccoli and carrot noodles for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
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A peach mango carrot smoothie in a glass with two paper striped straws.

Peach Mango Smoothie

This peach mango smoothie is a customizable vegan smoothie that hides a sneaky vegetable! A splash of lime juice rounds out the flavor nicely.
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Two carrot cake waffles on a white plate.

Carrot Cake Waffles

Made with a blend of wholesome buckwheat and quinoa flours, these vegan waffles are packed full of satisfying protein and fiber.
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Carrot top pesto in a jar

Carrot Top Pesto

Carrot Top Pesto is a fresh, flavorful alternative to classic pesto sauce! It includes just 4 ingredients and it's gluten-free and vegan!
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Healthy carrot muffins on a wire rack

Healthy Carrot Muffins

Healthy Carrot Muffins are tender, fluffy and packed with wholesome whole grain oat flour! There's no refined sugar, they're dairy and gluten-free, and they're great for meal prep breakfast!
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Roasted carrots and parsnips in a white bowl with spoon

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips are tender, caramelized and roasted to perfection! This easy side dish is gluten free and vegan with minimal prep!
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A stack of three carrot cake breakfast cookies.

Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies

Thick, soft Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies are a healthy make ahead breakfast or snack. Whole grain, refined sugar free, freezer friendly, gluten free option. Great for meal prep!
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Two slices of dairy free carrot cake on white plates.

Dairy Free Carrot Cake

This dairy free carrot cake is soft, moist & packed with fresh carrots and pecans! Topped with a dairy free cream cheese icing that is absolutely delicious!
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Homemade vegetable broth in a jar surrounded by veggies

Homemade Vegetable Stock

Homemade Vegetable Stock is so fresh tasting and easy to make that you'll never buy it again! It's a great way to utilize those veggie scraps, it's freezer friendly, and recipe includes cooking methods for the stove top, slow cooker and Instant Pot!
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carrot cake baked oatmeal in white baking dish

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is a delicious baked oatmeal recipe that's packed with carrot cake flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze!
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Thai Carrot Cucumber Noodle Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing

Thai Carrot Cucumber Noodle Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing

Thai Carrot Cucumber Noodle Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing is a veggie noodle salad that’s crisp, refreshing, and bursting with Thai flavors!
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Two slices of glazed carrot apple zucchini bread stacked on each other.

Carrot Zucchini Apple Bread

This Carrot Zucchini Apple Bread is incredibly moist and flavorful! Vibrant colors from the carrot, zucchini, and apples makes this bread irresistible!
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A bowl of sweet potato carrot soup with hunks of bread.

Five Spice Sweet Potato And Carrot Soup

This creamy five spice sweet potato and carrot soup is beyond velvety! It is a great vegan, gluten free, Whole 30 and Paleo soup recipe. It comes together in just about 25 mins and uses a few simple ingredients you can find in your pantry and freezer.
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Overhead view of a jar of quick pickled carrots.

Quick Pickled Rainbow Carrots

These refrigerator pickles, or ‘quickles’, are ready in 24 hours. They make a colorful side dish, they perk up salads, and make the crunchiest, healthiest snack.
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A blue dish of carrot hummus.

Roasted Carrot and Garlic Hummus

Craving something new and healthy for snack or lunch time? This Roasted Carrot and Garlic Hummus is delicious with fresh, raw veggies or pita bread. It’s an easy appetizer to serve at your next party, too!
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Salmon fillets and carrots on a sheet pan.

Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon and Carrots

Quick and easy sheet pan salmon and carrots with homemade carrot top pesto is a goof-proof healthy weeknight meal.
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Tequila carrots with tahini sauce on a dark gray plate.

Tequila Carrots with Curry Tahini Sauce

Recipe for Tequila Carrots with Curry Tahini Sauce, carrots simmered with tequila and orange zest, with an easy tahini, lime juice and curry dressing.
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Homemade carrot raviloi on a countertop with a pasta cutter.

Roasted Carrot Ravioli with Mascarpone Thyme Filling

Mascarpone, roasted carrots, and ricotta are stuffed into homemade pasta dough to create the most amazing ravioli!
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A carrot souffle in a white baking dish.

Spring Carrot Soufflé Recipe

This fluffy carrot soufflé is made super quick and easy in the blender. Pair this colorful side dish with your Easter ham, or your favorite spring meal!
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Carrot muffins on a blue plate.

Bouchon Bakery Style Carrot Muffins

These Bouchon Bakery Style Carrot Muffins are flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and topped with an oat, wheat germ, and vanilla streusel.
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Overhead view of honey glazed carrots on a serving platter.

Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe with Ginger

Honey Glazed Carrots with Ginger are sweet, aromatic, and absolutely tasty. This easy carrot side dish goes well with chicken, pork, or any holiday meal.
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Overhead view of a roasted carrot spinach salad.

Roasted Carrot Spinach Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing

Roasted carrots, spinach, feta, and roasted pumpkin seeds make for a hearty salad that can be enjoyed as a light main dish or side dish.
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A slice of pineapple carrot cake on a white plate.

Moist Carrot Cake with Pineapple

A moist carrot cake with pineapple, chopped walnuts, and topped with an easy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Easter or Mother’s Day!
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Cheesy carrot casserole being spooned from a baking dish.

Cheesy Carrot Casserole with Bread Crumb Topping

This Cheesy Carrot Casserole with Bread Crumb Topping is an delicious side dish. The cheese sauce is from our favorite mac and cheese recipe!
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A spoonful of roasted root vegetables being held aloft.

Balsamic Dijon Roasted Root Vegetables

Balsamic Dijon Roasted Root Vegetables is an easy and healthy side dish with tangy balsamic flavor and loaded with sweet potatoes, carrots & onions.
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A gray dish of shredded carrots with bacon.

Shredded Carrots with Bacon

Shredded Carrots with Bacon is the perfect side dish to serve anytime of day, even breakfast! It’s super delicious and easy to make.
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A white cake stand topped with carrot cake cupcakes.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

These spiced Carrot Cake Cupcakes are soft, moist, and topped with an easy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Easter or any time of year!
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Overhead view of roasted carrots on a white platter.

Za’atar Roasted Carrots

Za’atar Roasted Carrots are a nice change from traditional roasted carrots. The earthy za’atar mixed with the fresh parsley adds a nice flavor to the natural sweetness that roasting carrots brings out.
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Overhead view of a bowl of carrot cake overnight oats.

Healthy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Loaded with grated carrots, raisins and cinnamon flavor these carrot cake overnight oats are a healthy way to eat cake for breakfast!
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Overhead view of a bowl of cabbage salad.

Healthy Cabbage Salad

Crunchy, colorful cabbage, along with carrots, cashews and pepper, gets all dressed up in a zippy, creamy dressing.
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A carrot cake whoopie pie on a white plate.

Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies

Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies are created by filling two soft carrot cookies with a generous swirl of cream cheese icing!
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A stack of broccoli carrot fritters.

Fluffy Carrot Broccoli Fritters Recipe

Vegetarian Carrot Broccoli fritters recipe. If you are looking for meat-free alternatives or want to include more veggies in your diet these vegetable patties are for you.
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Overhead view of two bowls of carrot cake granola next to fresh carrots and a dish of pecans.

Easy Carrot Cake Granola Recipe

This easy carrot cake granola recipe is a perfect healthy breakfast. It’s refined sugar free, gluten free & made with carrots and spices to satisfy cravings!
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Overhead view of a glass of carrot ginger juice.

Carrot Orange Ginger Juice

A bright and refreshing way to start your day, this Carrot Orange Ginger Juice packs a nutritional punch.
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Potatoes and carrots in a white serving dish.

Instant Pot Potato Carrot Medley

Instant Pot Potato Carrot Medley has flavor to spare and all in under 30 minutes. So simple you can have your favorite vegetables anytime you want.
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A frosted carrot cake on a white cake stand.

Classic Carrot Cake Recipe with Ginger Cream Cheese Frosting

A Classic Carrot Cake Recipe that is extremely moist, perfectly spiced with hints of orange flavor. Topped with a ginger cream cheese frosting.
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Overhead view of three rows of carrot cake donuts on a wire rack.

Carrot Cake Donuts (Gluten-Free)

Carrot Cake Donuts are soft and cakey with a warming mix of spices, coconut and carrot. They’re also gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free.
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Maple glazed carrots on a platter with fresh parsley

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots are tender and sweet, with a flavorful orange maple glaze and chopped fresh parsley. This is a show stopping, easy side dish that comes together quickly and the whole family will love it!
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Guinness beef stew in a bowl

Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew

Instant Pot Guinness Beef Stew includes tender chunks of beef, chunky vegetables and a rich, flavorful sauce spiked with Guinness stout! It cooks up in about 1 hour and it makes a great meal prep dinner!
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