What happens when you try to “sneak” veggies into your meals?
Sure, they become more nutritious, but they also become blander. And downgrading the enjoyment you get from your diet in the name of “clean eating” isn’t exactly a win.
It doesn’t have to be like that, though.
If you know what you’re doing, you can add vegetables to your meal plans and actually make everything taste better.
And carrots are perfect for just this.
Thanks to their unique flavor, natural sweetness, and chewy, starchy texture, they can upgrade all kinds of meals ranging from soup to pie and bacon.
The trick is preparing them correctly and choosing the right ingredients to pair them with, which is why you need to try these recipes.
Enjoy!
Carbs might make you avoid muffins for breakfast and snacks. But what if your breakfast pastry had almost as much protein as carbs – and tasted like dessert?
These muffins may seem like carrot cake, but they’re gluten-free with a mix of coconut flour and vanilla whey protein powder. And they have just over 100 calories per serving.
117
Calories10 g
Protein11 g
Carbs4 g
Fat1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. coconut flour
2 scoops WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. coconut oil (or butter), melted
2 egg whites, room temp.
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla crème stevia
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cashew milk
1 cup freshly grated carrots, peeled first
Get the RecipeRather than just drink carrot juice, you can get the same flavor with more nutrition when you process those carrots in the blender. And with a smoothie bowl, you can add your favorite dessert mix-ins on top because you won’t be sipping them through a straw.
For this carrot cake smoothie, boosted with whey protein powder, you can add shredded coconut, raisins, and pineapple chunks. To enjoy this whole recipe as a single serving, you may want to use just one date, plus stevia to taste.
307
Calories18 g
Protein44 g
Carbs8 g
FatSmoothie:
1/4 cup diced carrot
1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1/2 cup frozen peaches
1 Tbsp. hemp seeds
1 scoop WHEY+ vanilla protein isolate
2 pitted dates
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Toppings:
1 Tbsp. shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 Tbsp. hemp seeds
1/2 Tbsp. raisins
1 Tbsp. shredded carrot
Few chunks of pineapple
Get the RecipeCarrot salad can sound plain, but this one will seem exciting no matter what you dress it with. That’s because the carrots are spiralized along with zucchini for a base of vegetable noodles.
And If you don’t have a spiralizer to make the noodles, you can also use a julienne peeler, or try out some precision knife skills to julienne them the old-school way.
161
Calories4 g
Protein13 g
Carbs11 g
Fat6 large carrots, spiralized
1 zucchini, spiralized
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. feta cheese, crumbled
10 walnuts
Get the RecipeTrying to increase your protein? Add bacon to your vegetable side dish, and you’ll get more protein plus one of your favorite flavors. This carrot recipe is impressive, but it’s also as simple as it gets.
You just need whole carrots, strips of bacon, maple syrup, and a hot grill. They’re good enough to eat three or four as a whole meal – like reflected in these servings – but also impressive for a side dish at a backyard cookout buffet.
577
Calories34 g
Protein30 g
Carbs36 g
Fat3 lbs. whole carrots
1 1/2 lbs. bacon
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Get the RecipeCarrots don’t only show up in cake. They’re also used as a main ingredient in some South Asian desserts. Halwa is a slow-cooked carrot dessert, which is stirred on the stove until all of the liquid is absorbed.
For a creamy dessert, try this carrot kheer recipe. While kheer is often made as a rice pudding, here the base is grated carrots. Both styles of dessert have similar ingredients and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
347
Calories10 g
Protein43 g
Carbs16 g
Fat1 1/4 cups grated carrots (about 3–4)
1 liter whole milk
1/4 cup low-fat cream (or sweetened condensed milk)
1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
2 tsp. ghee
10 almonds
8 cashews
Pinch of saffron
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
Get the RecipeSometimes coating fresh carrots in honey or maple syrup isn’t enough to ensure they’re a great side dish.
These Crock Pot glazed carrots solve the problem of crunchy, undercooked carrots, so you can set it and forget it. And you can use this slow cooker recipe for either baby carrots or the full-sized veggie.
160
Calories1 g
Protein39 g
Carbs0 g
Fat2 lbs. carrots, peeled and sliced
2 cups pineapple tidbits with juice, unsweetened
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
3/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
Get the RecipeCarrots go well with so many spices, including ginger and turmeric, which makes a great base for a sweet and savory soup.
This recipe uses coconut yogurt for a vegan carrot recipe, but you can also use dairy if it fits into your meal plan. Either way, you can prepare this quick vegetable soup in about a half hour.
234
Calories4 g
Protein39 g
Carbs9 g
Fat2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 large apple, preferably tart, peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 lbs. carrots, chopped into 1/2” pieces
4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
1 bundle thyme, tied with string
1/2 cup unsweetened cultured coconut yogurt
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Get the RecipeA cross between carrot cake and sweet potato pie, this is one dessert you won’t want to miss. The filling contains carrots and eggs, and the crust isn’t your typical pastry.
Instead it’s made with mostly walnuts and a little oat flour. And both crust and filling are sweetened with a touch of pure maple syrup.
340
Calories9 g
Protein32 g
Carbs21 g
FatCrust:
2 cups walnuts
1 cup gluten-free oat flour
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 Tbsp. coconut oil, solid
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
Filling:
2 cups peeled and diced carrots
3/4 cup coconut sugar, packed
1 Tbsp. tapioca starch
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of cloves
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
3 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Get the RecipeCraving cake, but trying to avoid dessert? You’ll want to make this sweet quinoa salad, which can be served hot or cold. And this simple recipe doesn’t require much to put together.
Start with quinoa and carrots, of course, and mix in coconut milk and vanilla for flavor. Pumpkin puree adds even more natural sweetness, along with chopped dates. Then finish with your favorite cake spices: ginger and cinnamon.
456
Calories14 g
Protein74 g
Carbs13 g
Fat1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 Tbsp. canned coconut milk
1 Tbsp. chopped dates (or raisins)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
Get the RecipeFor a carrot side dish similar to baked mashed potatoes, try this soufflé. And don’t worry – it’s not the delicate kind that might fall before you get it to the table.
This easy baked side dish has whipped carrots, eggs, and sour cream for a light, silky texture. And it’ll make a large portion, perfect for a family dinner or holiday gathering.
187
Calories4 g
Protein32 g
Carbs5 g
Fat7 cups chopped carrots (about 2 lbs.)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
1/4 tsp. salt
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
Get the RecipeWho knew quarantine cooking could be so tasty?
Use this weight loss calculator to learn how many calories you should eat to lose fat in less than 60 seconds.
If you’re looking for easy, fast, and delicious high-protein meals, then you’re going to love t...
What is a "skinny fat" physique, what causes it, and how do you get rid of it? Find out here.
Take our 60-second quiz now to learn which supplements can help you achieve your fitness goals faster.
Take the Quiz No thanks, I don't want help choosing supplements."I never thought getting in shape would be this simple! Everything just WORKS when you follow this plan." And if he can do it, why not you?
Take the Quiz No thanks, I don't want to lose weight or build muscle.If you don’t like something of ours, guess what happens next?
No, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon. Nor do we ask you to fill a cursed inkwell with orc’s blood and demon saliva and then use it to complete reams of return forms written in ancient Cyrillic script.
We just . . . wait for it . . . give you every penny of your money back. Holy moo cows. And that means you can say "yes" now and decide later.
Why the $80 minimum purchase amount for free shipping?
To quench our piggish lust for grubby profits in the eternal service of the dread lord Mammon?
Kind of. But not really. Because here's the truth:
Single-item orders are so blasted expensive to ship that we make very little profit on them. And no profits make the bean counters lose their marbles.
But when you order just one more item, it only costs us a few dollars more to ship both of them to you. Add a third item, and it's just a few more shekels to ship.
And that allows us to make a profit. Which keeps the bean counters happier than a hammer in a nail factory.
So, if it pleases your Grace, we humbly request your mercy and patronage notwithstanding the vexing free shipping minimum.
Why the $199 minimum purchase amount for free shipping?
To quench our piggish lust for grubby profits in the eternal service of the dread lord Mammon?
Kind of. But not really. Because here's the truth:
Single-item orders are so blasted expensive to ship that we make very little profit on them. And no profits make the bean counters lose their marbles.
But when you order just one more item, it only costs us a few dollars more to ship both of them to you. Add a third item, and it's just a few more shekels to ship.
And that allows us to make a profit. Which keeps the bean counters happier than a hammer in a nail factory.
So, if it pleases your Grace, we humbly request your mercy and patronage notwithstanding the vexing free shipping minimum.
Why the $299 minimum purchase amount for free shipping?
To quench our piggish lust for grubby profits in the eternal service of the dread lord Mammon?
Kind of. But not really. Because here's the truth:
Single-item orders are so blasted expensive to ship that we make very little profit on them. And no profits make the bean counters lose their marbles.
But when you order just one more item, it only costs us a few dollars more to ship both of them to you. Add a third item, and it's just a few more shekels to ship.
And that allows us to make a profit. Which keeps the bean counters happier than a hammer in a nail factory.
So, if it pleases your Grace, we humbly request your mercy and patronage notwithstanding the vexing free shipping minimum.
Split your entire online purchase into 4 interest-free payments, over 6 weeks with no impact to your credit.
25%
today
25%
2 weeks
25%
4 weeks
25%
6 weeks
Shop and add items to your cart as normal!
Choose Sezzle at Checkout! You’ll be redirected to Sezzle to Sign Up or Log In to complete your order.
Your order will be shipped out right away* and your payments will be split up over 6 weeks.
*shipping times subject to merchant shipping policy
Shop directory. Reschedule payments. Plus more!
In consideration of the services and/or products offered by Legion Athletics, Inc. (“Legion”) including, but not limited to, nutrition plans, exercise routines and coaching, and in addition to the payment of any fee or charge:
I knowingly and voluntarily enter into this waiver and release of liability and hereby waive any and all rights, claims or causes of action of any kind whatsoever arising out of my use of Legion’s services and/or products, and I hereby release and hold harmless Legion and its consultants, officers, contractors, agents, owners and employees from any and all responsibility, liability, cost and expenses, including for injuries, damages or disorders (physical, metabolic, or otherwise), resulting from my use of Legion’s services and/or products.
I understand that fitness activities including, but not limited to, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise, with or without the use of equipment, are potentially hazardous activities that involve a risk of injury and even death, and I am voluntarily participating in these activities and using equipment and machinery with knowledge of the risks involved. I hereby agree to assume and accept any and all risks of injury or death related to said fitness activities.
I understand Legion’s services and products are not meant to treat or manage any health conditions or circumstances, and I acknowledge that Legion has recommended I obtain a healthcare provider’s approval for my use of Legion’s services and/or products, through regular physical examination(s) and/or consultation. I acknowledge that I have obtained my healthcare provider’s approval or have decided to use Legion’s services and/or products without such approval and hereby assume all responsibility for my use of said services and/or products.
I understand that results from using Legion’s products and/or services are not guaranteed, and I agree to not hold Legion liable for any outcomes or lack thereof.
Please click the checkbox below. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Legion's content is fact-checked and reviewed by a team of scientific, medical and subject-matter experts to ensure everything we publish is evidence based, trustworthy, and current.
Meet our Scientific Review Board Review our Editorial ProcessOur scientific review board of nutritionists, dietitians, molecular biologists, doctors, and other accredited experts is responsible for reviewing every article, podcast, and video we produce to ensure they’re evidence based, accurate, trustworthy, and current.
Thanks to their connections, credentials, and academic experience, this team of MDs, PhDs, and other professionals has access to a wealth of research published in the largest and most prestigious journals in the world.
This allows them to not only review individual studies but also analyze the overall weight of the evidence on any and all topics related to diet, exercise, supplementation, and more.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, misleading, out-of-date, or anything less than factual, please let us know in the comments section of the article in question.
We follow a detailed, rigorous, multi-step process to create content that meets the highest standards of clarity, practicality, and scientific integrity.
First, our research associates provide our editorial team with accurate, up-to-date, proven scientific evidence.
Then, our editorial team uses this research to draft articles and outlines for podcasts and videos.
Finally, our scientific review board reviews the content to ensure all key information and claims are backed by high-quality scientific research and explained simply and precisely.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, misleading, out-of-date, or anything less than factual, please let us know in the comments section of the article in question.