What To Do With Carrot Tops (+13 Carrot Top Recipes)

If you grow your own veggies, you’ve probably wondered what to do with carrot tops.

Luckily, I have 13 easy and delicious carrot top recipes right here!

Like broccoli stalks and onion skins, many people think carrot tops are just garbage. But they’re actually edible and pretty nutritious!

They’re a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. And they’re super bright, making them terrific in recipes like pesto and chimichurri.

So, don’t throw out those carrot tops next time you make a stew. Instead, put them to good use with one of these delicious carrot top recipes.

What Do Carrot Tops Taste Like? 

Carrot tops have a mildly sweet flavor with a bit of a grassy aftertaste. Many people say their taste is like a cross between parsley and cilantro, with a slightly bitter edge. They’re also quite crisp and refreshing, making them a great addition to salads or smoothies. 

How to Wash Carrot Tops 

Because carrots grow in the ground, they are usually dirty and need thorough washing before use. And the tops are no exception.

However, the process is straightforward and takes less than five minutes:

• Cut off the green tops, leaving about an inch or two of the carrot core attached.
• If you have a salad spinner, rinse them in cold water and then spin it a couple of times.
• If you don’t have a salad spinner, just submerge them in cold water and swish them around until the dirt settles at the bottom.

How to Store Carrot Tops 

My favorite way of storing carrot tops is to put them in a glass of cold water (half-full) and then refrigerate them. 

If you want to store them for longer, wrap them in damp paper towels and place them in a freezer bag.

This method works both for freezing and regular chilled storing.

Carrot tops and leaves are very fragile, so it’s best not to refrigerate them for more than two days.

And if you plan on freezing them, be sure to use them within a month.

Carrot Top Pesto and More Easy Carrot Top Recipes

1. Carrot Top Pesto

Carrot top pesto is a wonderfully flavorful and unique twist on the classic basil-heavy condiment. 

It has a bright, earthy flavor that’s absolutely delicious.

The slightly bitter taste of the greens is offset by the sweetness of the carrots, creating a complex and well-rounded flavor.

It’s incredibly versatile too. Serve it on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and even salads. 

2. Carrot Top Soup

If you’re looking for a soup recipe that’s delicious and visually appealing, try this carrot top soup!

The key to unlocking the flavor is to roast the carrots before adding them to the pot. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds a touch of smokiness. 

When combined with the other ingredients, the result is a delicately balanced soup with complex flavors. 

3. Carrot Top Chimichurri

Carrot top chimichurri is a flavorful and unique way to make your steak sing.

It’s a fun take on the traditional Argentinean sauce, and it’s so good, you’ll want it on everything. 

Adding carrot greens gives the sauce a beautiful color and a slightly sweet flavor. 

The herbs and spices in the chimichurri balance out the sweetness of the carrots, and the vinegar gives it a nice zip. 

4. No-Waste Carrot Greens Soup

Here’s another yummy soup; only this one features a flavorful vegetable broth loaded with nutrient-rich vegetables like celery, carrots, and onion. 

You’ll add earthy spices like bay leaves and red pepper flakes to give the soup a better depth of flavor.

If you want to take it over the top, garnish it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese – it makes a world of difference.

5. Roasted Carrots with Pistachio Carrot Top Pesto

The next time you’re hosting dinner, make these stunning carrots.

They’re bright, sweet, and brimming with incredible flavor, thanks to the pistachio and carrot top pesto (which you’ll want to make extra of).

They pair well with pretty much any protein and are a breeze to whip up.

The pesto is bright and earthy, and it really brings out the flavor of the carrots. I promise you’ll be a carrot top convert after you try this recipe. 

6. Carrot Top Salad with Chickpeas

This wonderfully flavorful and healthy salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. 

The combination of crisp carrots, creamy chickpeas, and zesty carrot top dressing is truly delicious.

And best of all, it’s easy to make! 

I like to serve it on a bed of greens, but it’s extra special with some crusty bread. 

7. Sautéed Carrot Greens

Sautéed carrot greens are a simple side dish that’ll be ready in a matter of minutes.

The greens are cooked in a hot pan with oil and spices, infusing them with incredible flavor. 

This combination of flavors is both fresh and savory, making them the perfect side dish for a weeknight meal. 

They’re also very healthy and flavorful and go well with almost any main course.

8. Carrot Top Tabbouleh Salad

In the mood for a refreshing and zesty twist on traditional tabbouleh salad? Give this recipe a spin! 

Adding carrot tops, chopped fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing makes it such a terrific summertime meal. 

It’s amazing with grilled chicken or fish but will complement a hearty burger or hot dog just as well.

9. Curried Carrot Fritters

Curried fritters have a stunning blend of savory and sweet flavors, with a slight kick from the curry powder. 

The carrots add a natural sweetness and pop of color you’ll love. Meanwhile, the fritters are slightly crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. 

I recommend serving them with a spicy aioli dipping sauce or chutney and some raita or yogurt to cool things down.

10. Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Pistachio Herb Relish

Roasted rainbow carrots are healthy, incredibly flavorful, and totally Insta-worthy.

The carrots are roasted with a mix of herbs and spices, then topped with a yummy relish. 

The result is a dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. 

Serve as a side dish or as a main course. Either way, you’re sure to want seconds.

11. Carrot Top Herb Cornbread

If you haven’t picked a cornbread recipe for the holidays yet, can I suggest this one?

It’s super rich and moist with plenty of sweet corn flavor.

It’s also fabulously herbaceous, thanks to the carrot tops, rosemary, and scallions.

Oh, and did I mention it’s vegan? Everyone will want to try this one, and since it’s dairy-free, they all can!

12. Carrot Top Pesto Hummus

Carrot top pesto hummus is a flavorful and healthy dip that’s perfect for any occasion. 

Made with freshly-picked carrots, zesty lemon, and fragrant basil, this pesto is blended into creamy hummus for a perfect balance of flavors. 

Serve it with fresh vegetables or pita chips, or use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. 

13. Orecchiette with Creamy Carrot Miso Sauce 

How stunning does this dish look? It’s so creamy, you’d never guess it’s vegan!

This one features two incredibly delicious recipes, both of which I highly recommend.

The carrot miso sauce is an umami-rich dream that makes any pasta dish a million times more addictive.

But it’s the carrot top gremolata that’ll keep you coming back for more!