7 Ways to Cook Carrots (That Don’t Involve Roasting)

Yes, roasted carrots are amazing. But there are so many other ways to cook carrots that are just as delicious: Use them in soups or smoothies, bake them into cakes, bar or cookies, or spiralize them for a fresh take on salad. Here are 7 carrot recipes to get you started.

1. Ribbon Carrot Salad and Peanut Sauce from The Toasted Pine Nut

This delicious shaved heirloom carrot salad skips the lettuce and we promise you won’t miss it. It has a wonderful Thai flavor from the peanut butter dressing and a bit of natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Add extra peanuts on top for extra crunch.

Photo Credit: A Saucy Kitchen

2. Vegan Carrot Cake Bars from A Saucy Kitchen

These soft and moist carrot cake bars are loaded with spices, including ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and topped with cashew-cream frosting and shredded coconut. The results are so OMG-good, you might not believe they’re vegan and paleo, too.

Photo Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

3. Carrot Cake Smoothie from Ambitious Kitchen

This carrot cake smoothie is almost as delicious as a real slice of carrot cake — and it’s got plenty of antioxidants, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Feel free to improvise and add in other ingredients, like flax, hemp seeds, or protein powder.

Photo Credit: The Movement Menu

4. Keto Chicken Stir-Fry from The Movement Menu

The beauty of a stir-fry is that you can really throw in whatever veggies or proteins you like. This keto version calls for carrots, peppers, broccoli, and snap peas but feel free to use anything you have on hand.

Photo Credit: Wholesomelicious

5. Creamy Carrot and Ginger Soup (Dairy-Free) from Wholesomelicious

This silky, smooth carrot and ginger soup has a super velvety texture and no dairy. It’s done in 35 minutes, too!

Photo Credit: Cotter Crunch

6. Carrot Celeriac Spiralized Salad from Cotter Crunch

Carrots and celeriac make for a great Whole30 approved and paleo salad base. Add on some toppings and protein boosters, like shrimp, canned fish, chicken, and more.

Photo Credit: 40 Aprons

7. Cauliflower Fried Rice with Chicken from 40 Aprons

This cauliflower fried rice is low in carbs, high in protein. Carrots and peas are traditional, but why not mix it up? And if you’re hoping to keep sodium in check, use low sodium soy sauce.