Easy Pickled Carrots Recipe - Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

Fresh carrot slices are marinated in a vinegar brine that is perfectly sweetened with coconut palm sugar, then stored in a glass jar until the carrots have soaked in all the delicious flavor from the brine. Pickled carrot sticks are the ideal refreshing afternoon snack, side dish, or appetizer for summer.

Do you like carrots? I sure do! In fact, I love all kinds of vegetables, but carrots may be my favorite. They're sweet, crunchy, and so good for you. Plus, they're pretty versatile - you can eat them raw or cooked in salads or soups. Carrots can even be pickled! With all the ways to enjoy carrots, what's not to love about them?

If you've been looking for an easy pickled carrot recipe, look no further! These pickled carrots are sweet, tangy, and absolutely delicious. This is a great way to preserve some of the harvests from your garden or just get more veggies in your diet, and they are really easy to make. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience while they soak up all that yummy pickling goodness.

What Are Pickled Carrots?

Pickled carrots are carrots that have been marinated in vinegar brine with seasonings, herbs, and spices. The brine is usually a mix of vinegar and sugar (in this case, coconut palm sugar) to give it just the right amount of sweet and tangy flavors.

Why You'll Love This Pickled Carrots Recipe

Quick- Pickled carrots are a great way to use up extra carrots, and they couldn't be easier to make. In just a few short minutes, you'll have delicious pickled carrots that will last for weeks in the fridge.

Sweet and Tangy- Pickled carrots have the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. They are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Pretty- These pickled carrots are delicious, but the bright orange colors also make them beautiful to look at. Use them to top off your next party platter or charcuterie board.

Easy to Make- Pickling carrots is easy to do! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these pickled carrots are easy to make. So if you're looking for a quick and delicious recipe, this is it!

Long Shelf Life- These pickled carrots will last for weeks in the refrigerator and yield a large batch size so you can enjoy them all month long!

Equipment Needed To Make Pickled Carrot Sticks

• Vegetable Peeler
• Medium Sized Saucepan
• Colander
• Glass Jar with Lid
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients For This Pickled Carrots Recipe

• Carrots- Firm, sweet carrots such as Imperator or Nantes for the best flavor and texture.
• Water- To cook the carrot slices in and to create the hot brine.
• Apple Cider Vinegar- Used in helping the pickling process.
• Coconut Palm Sugar- This helps to balance out the tartness of the vinegar and gives the carrots a hint of sweetness.
• Sea Salt- Brings out the flavor of the carrots and also helps preserve them.

How to Make Quick Pickled Carrots

1. Clean and peel. Rinse the carrots under cool running water, using a vegetable scrubber to remove any stubborn dirt. Peel the carrots and trim the ends if necessary.
2. Slice. Cut the carrots into chunky 4” to 6” long strips.
3. Cook the carrots. In a medium sized saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups water to a boil over high heat. Add the cut carrots and cook briefly for about 2 minutes. The idea here is to soften the carrots just a bit, as it helps them to take on more of a “pickled” texture and not be so crunchy. Drain them and set aside while you prepare the pickling liquid.
4. Make the pickling brine. In a medium saucepan--you can reuse the same pan you cooked the carrots in if you like--combine the apple cider vinegar, water, coconut palm sugar, and salt and stir until mixed. Place the pot over high heat, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-high, and cook for just 30 seconds.
5. Add the carrots. Remove the pan from the heat and add the carrots, taking care to ensure that all of the carrots are well submerged in the brine. Allow the carrots to rest until they are cool enough to handle.
6. Transfer the carrots. Stack the carrots in a lidded glass jar. I like to place them vertically as this makes it nice and easy to reach in and grab one later!
7. Add the pickling liquid. Pour the pickling brine over the carrots in the jar, filling it all the way to the top. If you don’t use all of the liquid that’s ok!
8. Seal and refrigerate. Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid and place the pickled carrots in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. At this point they should be nice and pickly, but the longer they sit, the more they will soften up.
9. Serve! I always have all kinds of ideas for using these pickled carrots in recipes but honestly, they frequently don’t even make it that far! They’re so fun and delicious to enjoy straight from the jar, or, use them on a sandwich or wrap.

What to Serve With Pickled Carrot Slices?

Pickled carrots are a fantastic snack just as they are, but they are also the perfect addition to any dish! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Thinly slice the carrots and use them on top of a fresh salad
• As a side dish to your favorite summer BBQ recipes
• In a veggie wrap or sandwich
• With hummus and crackers
• As an appetizer with dipping sauce

Popular Substitutions & Additions

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are a few ways you can change it up to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Add 1-2 whole black peppercorns or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the brine for a spicier pickled carrot.
• If you prefer a sweeter carrot, increase the amount of coconut palm sugar in the recipe.
• For an extra zesty carrot, add the juice of ½ a lemon to the vinegar brine.
• Add herbs like fresh dill, dill seeds, or parsley to the jar to boost flavor.
• Try other veggies like cucumbers, green beans, or jalapeños!

How To Store Pickled Carrots

Allow the carrots and brine to cool completely before transferring them into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. As long as the jar has an airtight seal, it will keep your pickles fresh and flavorful for up to 3 weeks.

Quick Pickled Carrots Recipe FAQs

Are pickled carrots and marinated carrots the same thing?

No. Pickled carrots are cooked in a vinegar mixture, while marinated carrots are soaked in a vinegar-based dressing. Marinated carrots will have a softer texture, while pickled carrots will be crisp and crunchy.

Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes, you can use white vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different using white vinegar. We recommend using apple cider vinegar for the best flavor.

Are pickled carrots good for you?

Yes, pickled carrots are a healthy, nutritious, and flavorful snack! They are low in calories and fat and are a great source of fiber and vitamins A and C.

What do you eat with pickled carrots?

Pickled carrots can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or served as a side dish to your favorite summer recipes. They are also delicious in wraps, sandwiches, and salads.

What type of carrot is best for pickling?

The best type of carrot to use for pickling is a firm, sweet variety such as Imperator or Nantes. These carrots are crunchy and hold up better when cooked in vinegar. Avoid using baby carrots, as they tend to be too soft for pickling.

Do you have to refrigerate pickled carrots?

Yes, You must store pickled carrots in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3 weeks when stored properly.

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