Cool Carrots
Cool Carrots is a refreshing, tangy salad featuring tender cooked carrots, colorful peppers, and onions, all coated in a savory tomato-based dressing. Perfect for picnics or light summer meals, its vibrant flavors and crisp textures make it a delightful side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. carrots, sliced, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 small peppers, cut in slivers ⓘ
- 3 small onions, cut in rings ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- pinch of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart glass container with a tight lid, layer the sliced, cooked and drained carrots, slivered peppers, and onion rings.
- Set the layered vegetables aside.
- In a saucepan, combine tomato soup, vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, dry mustard, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the hot tomato mixture over the layered vegetables in the container.
- Allow to cool, then put the lid on the container and refrigerate.
- Use within 2 weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the tomato mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, diced jalapeños can be substituted for the slivered peppers. Experimenting with different types of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, can also enhance the dish. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cool Carrots as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a light salad, like Delicious Stay Crisp Salad, or as part of a buffet spread. They also make a great addition to sandwich platters.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Cool Carrots in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They can be kept for up to two weeks, allowing the flavors to meld. If you find the mixture getting too thick, add a splash of vinegar to loosen it up before serving. These make a great side dish straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Carrots contains roughly 391 calories, with 7g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (154% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 593mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly before layering. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still absorb the flavors well.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Cool Carrots vegan, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain anchovies. This dish is already free of meat and dairy, making it a great option for vegan recipes.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like celery or radishes for added crunch and flavor. Just ensure that whatever you add is cut into similar sizes to maintain even marinating and flavor absorption.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).