Pickled Rainbow Carrots: A Tangy, Vibrant Delight!

Let’s talk about pickles! Not the classic cucumber kind, though—they’re great, no doubt—but have you ever tried pickled rainbow carrots? These little beauties not only bring colour to your plate but they’re also packed with flavour. Tangy, crisp, and just the right amount of zing, pickled rainbow carrots are a must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of colour and excitement to their meals.

Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make at home, and once you have a jar of these in your fridge, you’ll be finding all kinds of excuses to use them. Let’s get into it!

Why Pickled Rainbow Carrots?

Rainbow carrots (the colorful ones in shades of purple, yellow, and orange) are not only gorgeous to look at, but they also bring a sweet, earthy flavor that’s perfect for pickling. When you pickle them, you add an extra layer of tanginess that elevates the carrots and enhances their natural sweetness.

And let’s be real—those colors? They’ll make any dish look like a celebration. Plus, it’s a fun way to eat more veggies, and the pickling process keeps them crisp and fresh for weeks.

Ready to get pickling? Here’s how you can make your own jar of pickled rainbow carrots with fresh dill.

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Pickled Rainbow Carrots with Fresh Dill

Author: Jennifer Cartier

Prep time: 10 MinInactive time: 24 HourTotal time: 24 H & 10 M

Rainbow carrots (the colourful ones in shades of purple, yellow, and orange) are not only gorgeous to look at, but they also bring a sweet, earthy flavour that’s perfect for pickling.

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Ingredients

• 6-8 rainbow carrots (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into sticks or rounds (whatever you prefer!)
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or a few sprigs for a fragrant touch)
• 1 bay leaf (optional, for extra flavour)
• 1 small dried chilli (optional, for a touch of heat)

Instructions

1. Prep the carrots: Start by peeling your rainbow carrots (the fun part, right?) and cutting them into sticks, rounds, or diagonal slices—whatever suits your style! You want them to fit nicely into your jars, so choose a shape that’ll work for your containers.
2. Make the brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Once that’s done, add the smashed garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaf, and chilli (if using). Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the brine with all those wonderful flavours.
3. Pack the jar: While the brine is simmering, pack your carrot sticks tightly into a clean jar (or jars, depending on the size). Add the fresh dill into the jar too—dill and carrots go together like peanut butter and jelly!
4. Pour the brine: Once the brine is ready, carefully pour it over the carrots in the jar, making sure they’re completely submerged. If needed, you can gently tap the jar on the counter to remove any air bubbles and make sure everything settles.
5. Cool and store: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature, then seal the lid and pop it into the fridge. Let the carrots pickle for at least 24 hours, but for the best flavour, I recommend waiting 3-4 days before you dive in. The longer they sit, the more the flavours develop.

Recommended Products

16 oz Mason Jars with Regular Lids,12 Pack

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How to Enjoy Your Pickled Rainbow Carrots

Once you have a jar of these pickled rainbow carrots ready to go, you'll find yourself reaching for them in all kinds of dishes. Here are some fun and tasty ways to use them:

1. As a snack: Just pop open the jar and enjoy them straight from the fridge! They’re crisp, tangy, and totally addictive.

2. In salads: Add a few pickled carrots to your favourite green salad for a pop of colour and crunch. They pair especially well with leafy greens, goat cheese, and toasted nuts.

3. On sandwiches and wraps: Pickled carrots make an awesome topping for sandwiches and wraps. They add a nice zing to veggie sandwiches, turkey wraps, or even a classic BLT.

4. In tacos: Throw a few slices of pickled rainbow carrots into tacos—especially with fish, pork, or grilled veggies. The tanginess is the perfect counterpoint to richer fillings.

5. As a side dish: Serve them alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a hearty grain bowl. They’re a fantastic way to balance out savoury, meaty dishes.

6. Charcuterie boards: Impress your guests by adding some pickled carrots to your next cheese or charcuterie board. They bring a fresh crunch and a beautiful burst of colour.

7. With hummus: Pair these pickled carrots with your favourite hummus for an easy, addictive snack. The creamy hummus and the tangy carrots are the perfect match.

8. In a Bloody Caesar:  Instead of boring celery, these pickled carrots are a fantastic addition.

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Tips for Perfect Pickled Carrots 

• Customize the brine: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can tweak the brine. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste or swap in other spices like coriander or dill seeds.

• Make it spicy: Add a bit more heat with extra chilli peppers or a dash of hot sauce. Pickled carrots are excellent when they’ve got a little kick!

• Jar size: You can make this recipe in any size jar. If you have smaller jars, you can make individual servings for gifts or meal prep. Just be sure the carrots are fully submerged in the brine to avoid spoilage.

• Storage: These pickled rainbow carrots will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks, though they’re usually gone long before that. 

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Why You’ll Love These Pickled Carrots

• Easy: Seriously, there’s almost no effort involved. Just chop, simmer, and refrigerate!

• Vibrant: The rainbow carrots are beautiful on their own, and they’ll make any dish look gourmet.

• Flavorful: The tangy, garlicky brine with fresh dill is the perfect combination to elevate the humble carrot to something extraordinary.

• Versatile: From snacks to sides, salads to sandwiches, pickled rainbow carrots are perfect for almost anything.

So, what are you waiting for? These pickled rainbow carrots are the perfect way to add some colour and flavour to your meals, and they make a great homemade gift too. Whip up a batch, store it in your fridge, and let the tangy goodness brighten your day for weeks to come. 

Let me know—what’s your favourite way to enjoy pickled carrots? Drop a comment below!