Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy vegan meal that’s as fun to eat as it is nutritious? Carrot noodles are the perfect solution!
These colorful, spiralized veggies make a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta, offering a light yet satisfying base for your favorite sauces and toppings. Whether you’re aiming to cut down on carbs, add more veggies to your diet, or simply want to try something new, carrot noodles deliver on all fronts.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare and pack a wonderful natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors.
This vegan carrot noodles recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressive meal prep. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe, how to make it, and some tips to make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carrot noodles are a fantastic way to enjoy a plant-based meal that’s both low-calorie and nutrient-rich. Unlike regular pasta, these noodles are gluten-free, grain-free, and bursting with vitamins like beta-carotene, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
The natural sweetness of carrots adds a delightful flavor while keeping things light.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite sauces and herbs.
Whether you’re new to spiralizing or a seasoned pro, carrot noodles are a fun way to switch up your meals and impress your friends with something fresh and vibrant.
Plus, this dish is entirely vegan and free from processed ingredients, so it aligns perfectly with clean eating and plant-based lifestyles.
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, peeled and spiralized
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional for heat)
Equipment
- Vegetable spiralizer (or a julienne peeler)
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the carrots: Peel the carrots and use your spiralizer to create long, noodle-like strands. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a julienne peeler works well too.
- Heat the skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—but be careful not to burn it.
- Cook the carrot noodles: Add the spiralized carrots to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with garlic and oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are just tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
- Add fresh ingredients: Toss in the chopped basil and halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and color.
- Optional cheesy flavor: Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the noodles and toss gently to combine for a savory, cheesy twist.
- Serve immediately: Plate your carrot noodles warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“To keep your carrot noodles from becoming soggy, avoid overcooking. A quick sauté is enough to soften them slightly while maintaining a nice bite.”
- Swap out the garlic: Try using shallots or green onions for a different flavor profile.
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes for a heartier meal.
- Change up the sauce: Mix your carrot noodles with a peanut sauce or tahini dressing for new taste adventures.
- Mix veggies: Spiralize zucchini or cucumber and combine with carrot noodles for a colorful veggie medley.
- Serve cold: Turn this into a refreshing salad by chilling the noodles and adding a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 213% DV |
| Vitamin C | 12% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Carrot noodles pair beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad or a refreshing cucumber and avocado salad for a complete meal.
They also work wonderfully as a base for vegan stir-fries or tossed with a zesty lemon ricotta pasta sauce for a creative twist — check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for inspiration.
For a heartier option, add roasted vegetables or your favorite vegan protein on top. These noodles also make a great side dish to more substantial meals like our delicious Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or a simple grilled tofu steak.
Conclusion
Carrot noodles are a fantastic, easy-to-make vegan dish that brings both flavor and nutrition to your table. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking method, you can whip up a bright and tasty meal in no time.
They’re perfect for anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet without sacrificing texture or taste. Plus, this recipe’s versatility means you can customize it endlessly to suit your cravings and pantry staples.
Whether you’re new to spiralized vegetables or a seasoned plant-based foodie, carrot noodles offer a fresh, fun way to enjoy your meals. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and sauces to keep things exciting.
Ready to try more creative vegan dishes? Check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes or the hearty and healthy Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for more inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Carrot Noodles Recipe Vegan
Description: A fresh and healthy vegan dish featuring spiralized carrot noodles tossed in a tangy sesame dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots, spiralized
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spiralize the carrots into noodles.
- In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger.
- Toss the carrot noodles with the dressing until well coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly sauté the noodles for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 20 g
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