Carrot Noodles

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This simple dish made with raw, spiralized carrot noodles is covered in a tasty goat cheese dressing with just a kick of hot honey. With crunchy veggies and fresh flavors, this is a perfect side the next time you need more veggies and color on the table.

If you haven’t had raw carrot noodles before, you are in for a treat.

This is my favorite way to serve fresh carrots on the dinner table. 

A large bowl of this is a beautiful bright orange that looks so inviting on the table.

And even though it looks like noodles, this carrot noodle recipe has a lot more nutrients than a bowl of traditional pasta.

And the flavors in this dish are amazing!

This is one of those very magical sauces that is sweet and spicy with a creamy goat cheese mixed in that gives a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

My favorite part about this dish is how fast it comes together.

It can be ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish, even if you start with whole carrots!

Whether you are trying this for the first time or just need a new dressing, this carrot noodles recipe is an easy dish to add to a healthy meal.

What is a Carrot Noodle?

Carrot noodles are thin ribbons created by spiralizing raw carrots.

They turn carrots into long ribbons of vegetable spaghetti, making them fun to eat.

This dish takes those fresh veggies and tosses them with a creamy and spicy vinaigrette.

And unlike regular noodles, these ribbons of carrots have a nice crunch even when tossed with a dressing. 

What Ingredients are in Carrot Noodles?

• Raw Carrots: The star of the dish, fresh carrots peeled and spiralized, give you a colorful and nutritious base.
• Goat Cheese: This adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to the dressing.
• Hot Honey: Brings a sweetness and just a hint of spice that coats every carrot.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: adds a great contrast of flavors to the dressing, bringing up its acidity.
• Fat-free Milk: gives the dressing a smooth consistency.
• Pepitas: Crunchy pumpkin seeds add texture and color.
• Fresh Thyme: fresh herbs elevate the dish by adding a finishing flavor on top.

Pro Tip: Adjust the amount of hot honey based on how spicy you like your dishes. If needed you can substitute all regular honey to remove the spicy flavor completely.

How to Make Carrot Noodles:

1. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
2. Distribute spiralized carrots on plates or in salad bowls.
3. Pour goat cheese dressing over carrot noodles and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle with pepitas and fresh thyme.

Pro Tip: Toss the noodles gently in the dressing for an even coat all around.

Can you make Carrot Noodles with a julienne peeler?

Yes you can make carrot noodles with a julienne peeler or vegetable peeler.

I do this when I am only making a little bit. 

But you need to know that it will take a very long time to make a single serving.

And your carrot noodles will probably be long and straight instead of curly like you get in a spiralizer.

I understand not everyone has a spiralizer and they take up space in the kitchen.

But if you are going to be making spiralized vegetables often, a spiralizer is one of the best options for you. Handhelds are small and cheap which is awesome, but they just take a very long time to do lots of veggies at once.

Can Carrot Noodles Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare carrot noodles ahead of time.

Spiralize the veggie noodles and prepare the dressing ahead of time.

Then just before serving, toss everything together and add the pepitas on top.

That will give you the freshest flavor and texture.

Can Carrot Noodles Be Frozen?

No, you should not freeze carrot noodles.

Since this is a raw carrot dish, the texture will completely change if you freeze and then thaw them.

However, if you have leftovers you aren’t going to use, you can either mix them into a stir fry dish or freeze them to use as a warm stir fry carrot noodle dish later. 

Pro Tips for using a Spiralizer on carrots:

Using a spiralizer on carrots can be tricky. Here are some pro tips to make sure you get perfect vegetable noodles from your carrots every time:

• Choose firm carrots for best results. Soft carrots will not cut well.
• Straight carrots work best. If you have crooked carrots, cut them so you have 2 smaller but straighter pieces to use.
• Use fat winter carrots. Large carrots will stay in place better to give you perfect spiral thin strips of carrots. The length of the carrots is not as important as the width; try to find ones as wide as an english cucumber. 

Are Carrot Noodles Gluten-Free?

Yes, this whole recipe for carrot noodles is gluten free.

All the ingredients are naturally without gluten.

That makes this a great way to serve guests with gluten sensitivities.

When to Serve Carrot Noodles:

Serve carrot noodles anytime you need a fresh and crisp side dish. I love it as a side for family dinner, summer gatherings, barbecues, or with a light lunch, but it is also great for brunch, dinner, and potlucks.

What to Serve with Carrot Noodles:

Serve carrot noodles with grilled chicken, grilled pork tenderloin rub, salmon, or any protein of your choice.

It also goes with a variety of salads for a wholesome full meal. 

Because we are making hot carrots that can be a little spicy, it goes great with grilled proteins as well as creamy crock pot meals that need a fresh crunch on the side.

Additional Carrot Dishes You’ll Love…

• Sunshine Carrots
• Roasted Winter Vegetables
• Old Fashioned Candied Carrots
• Bacon Fried Carrots
• Easy Baked Vegetables
• Creamy Pasta Salad
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Refrigerator Pickled Carrots
• Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies

This carrot noodle salad is fresh, delicious, and covered with a sweet and spicy dressing the whole family loves. Whether you need different ways to serve veggies or are just looking for a gluten free carrot salad, this is the perfect side dish any time of year!

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