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Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde

by 179 Comments

The ultimate plant-based hot dog! Mexican carrot dogs with chunky salsa verde are a fun summer bbq must! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy meatless recipe will have your taste buds fooled and your body thanking you!

Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 The ultimate plant-based hot dog! Mexican carrot dogs with chunky salsa verde are a fun summer bbq must! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy meatless recipe will have your taste buds fooled and your body thanking you!

What? Yes, yes I did! The ever trendy carrot dog! For the longest time, longer than I can even remember, I’ve wanted to make the “carrot dog”.  Even when I still ate beef, back in the day, I never liked hot dogs (I mean really…what is a hot dog? Is it even cow in the first place? YUCK!) Now if you’re shaking you head thinking carrot dogs sound gross, just hold up. You are in for a very tasty surprise!

Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 The ultimate plant-based hot dog! Mexican carrot dogs with chunky salsa verde are a fun summer bbq must! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy meatless recipe will have your taste buds fooled and your body thanking you!

How could a carrot possibly pass for a hot dog? Well, just the same way as cauliflower rice can pass for rice. We all know it’s completely different, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a tasty fun alternative! I wholeheartedly believe carrot dogs are the definition of fun food! Carrot are one of those jack of all trades food. It can make mac and cheese, killer waffles, and of course take on the role of a hot diggidy dog!

Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 The ultimate plant-based hot dog! Mexican carrot dogs with chunky salsa verde are a fun summer bbq must! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy meatless recipe will have your taste buds fooled and your body thanking you!

Not only is this recipe prepping you for summer bbqs ans cook-outs, but I made it Mexican style for a little Cinco de Mayo fun! Forget the tacos and quesadillas, carrot dogs are where it’s at! I’ve paired these dogs with a refreshing, not so spicy, chunky salsa verde. This salsa included green chiles, tomatillos, chayote squash, green bell pepper and a few other extra spices. The salsa is so good I think I’ll be making it alone as is for topping on any dish!

Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 The ultimate plant-based hot dog! Mexican carrot dogs with chunky salsa verde are a fun summer bbq must! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy meatless recipe will have your taste buds fooled and your body thanking you!

Y’all do remember I love salsa verde, right? Well this was my first homemade version and new favorite. When this whole dish is assembled, it just looks and smells like summer. That salsa really does it! Plus, you grill the carrots after marinating and all is right in the world. I didn’t even have to worry about having gas in the big outdoor grill for these. I used my trusty dusty grill pan (in love! You should buy one!) They come in handy for those chilly winter months or, if you’re like me, and you grill runs out of gas or won;t light 7 out of 10 times!

Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 The ultimate plant-based hot dog! Mexican carrot dogs with chunky salsa verde are a fun summer bbq must! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy meatless recipe will have your taste buds fooled and your body thanking you!

Enough blabbing! Are you ready for some summer Mexican food fun? You think carrot dogs will ever surpass the almighty veggie burger? Probably not….but who know! I’ll never diss the dog (even though I just made a new freeze batch of veggie burgers over the weekend…opps!)

Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde

Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 The ultimate plant-based hot dog! Mexican carrot dogs with chunky salsa verde are a fun summer bbq must! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy meatless recipe will have your taste buds fooled and your body thanking you!

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Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde

The ultimate plant-based hot dog! Mexican carrot dogs with chunky salsa verde are a fun summer bbq must! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy meatless recipe will have your taste buds fooled and your body thanking you!

  • Author: Rebecca Pytell
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main, Condiment
  • Cuisine: Mexican
Scale

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Remove the green tops from your carrots and then boil them whole in a large pot, or saute pan with lid, of water for about 5-8 minutes until just fork tender. Remove and allow to cool.
  2. In a large plastic bag, combine all the marinade ingredients. Then place the boiled carrots in and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
  3. Meanwhile, prep the salsa but roughly chopping all ingredients and then pulsing it all together in a food processor. Keep it chunky!
  4. Once the carrots have marinated, heat a grill pan over medium high heat, on the stove. Grill your carrots for 10 minutes, rotating every few minutes to get grill marks on all sides as best you can.
  5. Serve the grilled carrots on a gluten-free hot dog bun and top with salsa, lettuce, ketchup, anything else you’d like!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1

 Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 The ultimate plant-based hot dog! Mexican carrot dogs with chunky salsa verde are a fun summer bbq must! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy meatless recipe will have your taste buds fooled and your body thanking you!

Still think I’m crazy? No no, these are delicious! They will turn carrot haters AND hot dog haters into total lovers! I was already a die-hard carrot lover, but now I’m a “hot dog” lover too 😉 And if you’re in need of a full on Cinco de Mayo menu, I’ve teamed up with some food blogger friends and we put together a HUGE 34 recipe idea collection for you to choose from! Happy Mexican eating!

34 of the best Cinco de Mayo inspired recipes! Everything from cocktail recipes, dessert recipes, salsa recipes and dinner ideas for Cinco de Mayo. Pin for later!

Margarita Granita by Feast + West – Cinco de Mayo Party Inspiration and Recipes by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen – Poblano & Mushroom Tosadas by The Mexitalian – Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Agua Fresca by Will Frolic for Food – Street Corn-style Roasted Potatoes by A Little Gathering – Pork & Black Bean Stew by think fruitful – Tequila Lime Tart by Love & Flour – Crispy Fish Tacos with Cajun Mayo by Winstead Wandering – Strawberry Watermelon Agua Fresca by A Savory Feast – Shredded Chicken Gorditas by Loves Food, Loves to Eat – Carne Asada Fries by Tornadough Alli – Mexican Carrot Dogs with Chunky Salsa Verde by Strength and Sunshine – Raspberry Lime Rickey Margaritas by Feed Me Phoebe – Slow Cooked Carnitas Style Chicken by Simple and Savory – Chicken Fajita Sandwich by Brunch-n-Bites – Cantaloupe Mint Margaritas by The Speckled Palate – Brussel Sprout, Wild Mushroom, Avocado and Feta Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa by Arthur Street Kitchen – Spiced Chocolate Ice Cream with Roasted Pepitas by Bethany Grow – Roasted Veggie Salsa by Living Well Kitchen – Seared Scallop Tacos with Spring Mango Salsa and Avocado Cream by Domesticate ME! – Blackberry Mint Agua Fresca by the Grant life – Nightshade Free Southwest Salad by I Say Nomato – Southwestern Orzo salad by Family Food on the Table – Watermelon Mint Margarita by Gold & Bloom – Mix-Your-Own Guac Bar by Hey There Sunshine – Blood Orange Margaritas by Glisten and Grace – Veggie Stuffed Chiles Rellenos with Avocado Cream by Hello Little Home – Traditional Homemade Flour Tortillas by Sustaining the Powers – Slow Cooker Red Chicken Enchiladas by Sustaining the Powers – Sizzling Texas Fajitas by Sustaining the Powers – Margerita Poke Cake by Pink Cake Plate – Cheesy Southwest Egg Rolls by Pink Cake Plate – Mojito Cupcakes by The Rustic Willow – Margarita Shrimp Tacos by Macheesmo – Pineapple Cilantro Salsa by Feast + West – One Pot Taco Soup by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen – Tequila Lime Cupcakes with Margarita Buttercream by Sugar Dish Me – Slow Cooker Chipotle Turkey Tacos by Two Places and Once – Margarita Bar by Mixplorology

So tell me:

+ Burgers or Dog? I think I still have to go with the burger. They are just such an easy freezer-stash lazy meal!

+ Do you actually plan to eat Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo? Never intentionally, no.

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Comments

  5. Jan Thomas says

    I am so glad you shared this! I am struggling with eating animal protein. I have never eaten it very well since childhood, but do eat it, but lately I really struggle, but I also have stomach issues since my gallbladder was removed so veggies can irritate my stomach so you can see my quandry. What to eat that isn’t a cheap carb??? I WILL be trying this one!!! THank you!!!!!
    Jan @ Tip Garden

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      O I hope you enjoy this! You’ll be surprised by how flavorful and delicious it is! Let me know how you enjoy it!

      Reply

  6. kimmythevegan says

    Sounds interesting! I love carrots – the idea of grilling them sounds really appealing.
    And the salsa – just in time for tomatoes coming in season. Perfect spring/summer recipe.

    Reply

  11. Nikki Frank-Hamilton says

    These crack me up! What a perfect hotdog. I have not been a fan of the real thing, are they really the real thing? LOL But this is right up my alley. I love marinated veggies and salsa verde! So this is perfect for me!

    Reply

  23. Tina says

    I’ve never heard of this idea, but think it’s genius! I don’t eat red meat (or hotdogs, if they are in that category!) so this is a great alternative! I love the toppings and spices you used! Thanks for sharing- i will be testing these out soon!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Hot dogs are in the category of toxic…man-made scariness! Hahaha!
      These are 1000000x better and yummier!

      Reply

  26. Savannah says

    Well, this is interesting-Carrot Dog, I’ve never heard of such a thing! I’m definitely going to be giving this a shot over the weekend when we grill out! Thanks for such an innovative idea <3

    Reply

  29. Cayanne Marcus @healthyezsweet says

    What a FUN idea. I seriously never would have thought that a carrot dog would be a thing but hey- like you said, cauliflower rice is all the rage right now so why not?! And this salsa verde looks sooo bursting with flavor. Awesome recipe!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Hahaha! Veggies are just so CREATIVE! You can turn them all in to just about anything 😉

      Reply

  33. Michelle @ Vitamin-Sunshine says

    I used to always go out for Mexican on Cinco de Mayo– any excuse for Tex Mex and Margs! In Malaysia, I used to try to make a Mexican meal– but its just not the same here. Can’t get the right ingredients. And no one else cares!

    Reply

  36. Mishael @ Witty Vittles says

    I came across this on Pinterest the other day and pinned it to save for later. I hate hot dogs so much, but my kids LOVE them. I might just have to try sneaking this one into the meal rotation. They do like carrots! 🙂

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Yes! Do it!!! You’ll love these “hot dogs” are you’re kids will be getting a healthy dose of goodness with this version!

      Reply

  38. The Future Mrs. Vines says

    I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like this. When I saw your post, I thought “what in the world?”, but after reading, it sounds like it could actually work!! I’m going to give it a try!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Hahahaha! When I texted my mom I made carrot dogs I left it as vague as possible to freak her out 😉 But she loved them when she actually ate one!
      They are winners!

      Reply

  40. The Vegan 8 says

    I love carrot dogs actually and I would sure prefer this over those nasty barf hot dogs that are made with leftover animal parts, gross! These look delicious and I love the salsa verde on top!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Hahahahaha! That’s exactly what they are…so nasty!!!
      Thank you, thank you, Brandi!

      Reply

  41. Pali says

    This is such a great idea! I’ve been vegetarian since I was very young and at BBQs I usually end up eating a salad, grilled veggies, or a veggie patty. This is a great alternative. Never heard of doing this before! I printed this recipe so that I can share with my vegetarian friends.

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Awesome!!! I know these will be the star of the show! Everyone will want to go meatless!

      Reply

  62. neil@neilshealthymeals.com says

    Rebecca, time and time again you surprise me with amazing recipes.

    And here you’ve done it again. 🙂

    This WILL feature this summer in our house. It’ll help to get Lynne off hot dogs for bbq’s! (I’ve never been a huge fan of hot dogs anyway myself. I mean, as you say, that’s in them anyway?).

    Have a fab weekend. And thanks again!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Hahaha, they are one scary…food creation…Thank goodness for carrot dogs instead!

      Reply

  67. Lucy says

    I’ve always been intrigued by carrot dogs. These look so fresh and yummy! I love the addition of salsa verde. Can’t wait to try these this summer!

    Reply

  73. Cristina says

    What a great idea…I’m so going to try this as it would be much healthier than a hot dog! At first glance, it actually does look like a hot dog too. Such a great alternative for the grilling days and some of my vegetarian family members! 😉

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Haha, it totally does! My mom was skeptical, but she loved it! It’s all in the marinade 😉

      Reply

  74. Sarah says

    Ok I love cooked carrots and not hot dogs so I think this is cute!
    You know we could have the perfect picnic with your grilled carrot dogs and my Roasted Banana Campfire S’mores! 😉

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Ooo make some carrot dogs!!! They are a great way to do something a little different for the carrot obsession!

      Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Hahaha, thank you Kristen!!! I think they would too! Forget hiding the veggies, just give it to them all out!

      Reply

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Meet Rebecca

Hey there, welcome to Strength and Sunshine! I’m Rebecca and I’m so glad you’re here! This is your go-to destination for delicious, fun, and (mostly) healthy gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, tips & tricks, advice, as well as celiac and food allergy coaching services!

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