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!
MY LATEST VIDEOSHow 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!
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!
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!
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
- 4 Large Whole Carrots
- Marinade:
- ½ Cup Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼ Cup Coconut Aminos
- 3 Tsp Liquid Smoke (I used hickoy flavor)
- 2 Tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 TB Chili Powder
- 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salsa Verde:
- ½ Cup Mild Diced Roasted Green Chiles
- 3 Large Tomatillos (chopped)
- 1 Chayote Squash (chopped)
- 1 Small Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 1 Large Shallot (chopped)
- 2 TB Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
- Extras:
- 4 Gluten-Free Hot Dog Buns
- Romaine Lettuce
- Ketchup
- 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.
- In a large plastic bag, combine all the marinade ingredients. Then place the boiled carrots in and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
- Meanwhile, prep the salsa but roughly chopping all ingredients and then pulsing it all together in a food processor. Keep it chunky!
- 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.
- Serve the grilled carrots on a gluten-free hot dog bun and top with salsa, lettuce, ketchup, anything else you'd like!
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!
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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This is a hilarious idea! A great way to get the kids to eat their veggies 😀
They are very delicious.
Such a fun spin on a summer classic!
Totally veggie packed!
These are so cute! I love the idea! And the pictures are very pretty
Thanks!
I love this healthy version of a traditional corn dog.
Lol, what? This is a “hot” dog.
Oh, right ! I meant a hot dog)))
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
O I hope you enjoy this! You’ll be surprised by how flavorful and delicious it is! Let me know how you enjoy it!
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.
I’m surprised you never had a carrot dog!
I have never heard of the “trendy carrot dog” but I do love carrots, and would absolutely eat this!
Haha, well this is a “hidden trend” to jump on!
My hubby loves to snack on hot dogs despite my objections so I can’t wait to serve him these healthier Mexican Carrot Dogs With Chunky Salsa Verde!
Now you can all feel good!
Would never have thought of this but they look really good and so healthy!
They are delish!
I love carrots so I will definitely try this Rebecca!
Awesome! Enjoy!
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!
You’ve got to make these Nikki!
This is definitely unique, but it would be a good way to get the kids to eat their veggies!
That they are!
So creative!
Thank you!
Wow! I never even thought to use a carrot instead of a hot dog!
Gotta give it a try!
Oh yum x
I know!
This is definitely a twist on the hot dog.
The best twist!
I would have to say I’m a burger kind of girl. But that relish looks good enough to put on a number of things!
Then these are for you!
I’ve never seen carrot dogs before. Thank you for introducing this to me. I’m a veggie and this is totally my cup of tea. I can’t wait to try this one! xx
Perfect! Something fun and new to try!
Loving this healthy version. I bet it’s really good.
Of course!
Interesting! I do love roasted carrots – so why not!? Yum!!
You bet that marinated and grilled will be even better 😉
I LOVE this idea! I have been out of the loop, I guess, because this is the first time I have seen a “carrot dog” recipe & it sounds FAbulous!! Pinned & Yummed & looking forward to trying this one ASAP 🙂
Hahaha, well now there is no time to delay! Must make!
I’ve been wanting to try carrot dogs for a while, this looks really good!
Go for it!!! This is the perfect time 😉
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!
Hot dogs are in the category of toxic…man-made scariness! Hahaha!
These are 1000000x better and yummier!
My local restaurants are going Cinco de Mayo crazy but none of them offer this yummy vegan twist on a hot dog. This is my kind of hot dog!
I bet not!
Haha! Great idea! Pinning and stumbling!
Thank you!
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
They are 100% delicious!
Very interesting! I’ve never heard of such a thing but it’d be fun for kids, to sneak in some veggies. Glad I have a carrot-lover at home!
It;s your time to try these for sure!
Wow, what a great idea! I love that there are so many different veggies in the salsa verde.
Right? Packing in the veggies every way we can!
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!
Hahaha! Veggies are just so CREATIVE! You can turn them all in to just about anything 😉
This is a great summer hot dog substitution! I love roasted carrots – I’m going to try roasting them and doctoring them up. Thanks for the inspiration!
Haha, yes! The best way to do the dog!
How creative! I love this option!
The only option!
OMG! What a fun idea! Way better than those fake dogs. Love it!
Haha, right? These WIN!
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!
Bahahahahaha! Well if you can grab some carrots…make these 😉
have to say your recipe intrigues me, I think we are going to give it a try!
I hope you do Debra!
LOL how did I never hear of this?? So clever! I bet kids would think this is awesome 🙂
Hahaha, yes! And by kids, it’s for kids of ALL ages 😉
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! 🙂
Yes! Do it!!! You’ll love these “hot dogs” are you’re kids will be getting a healthy dose of goodness with this version!
Such a great idea! I’ve never had carrot dogs but would definitely try them soon.
You should!!! You’ll be surprised!
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!
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!
This is genius! I have seen other people make carrot dogs, but this salsa is so perfect! I really need to try this!
Yes do it!! They are so fun and really are delicious!
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!
Hahahahaha! That’s exactly what they are…so nasty!!!
Thank you, thank you, Brandi!
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.
Awesome!!! I know these will be the star of the show! Everyone will want to go meatless!
You’re yummy Mexican carrot dogs and my pulled BBQ carrots would make the ultimate party food. Love these!
I think so 😉 Yay for carrots!
I love carrots but have yet to try carrot dogs. They sound awesome and that salsa verde sounds amazing!
You would love them!
These are so fricken creative!!! This is the only way that ill eat a hot dog!
Same here Rachel, same here 😉
What a fun idea for a cookout! That salsa verde sounds fantastic over the top.
It is! Thanks Joanie!
Hi Rebecca,
Looks delicious and has such healthy ingredients. Pinned & tweeted!
Thank you Marla!
These really do look fab- love the salsa verde on top too!!!
Thank you! The salsa goes so well with it all!
i think liquid smoke makes a hugeee difference!
Not sure about that one.
This made me giggle a little but its an awesome idea!! thanks!
It’s so delicious!
oh I love this! I am a vegetarian and I don’t find the veggie tofu dogs to be very tasty! This, however, sounds like a winner!
These are for sure winners!
So this looks WAY healthier than the two Sonic hot dogs I had today for Dollar Day. AHHHH. I need to try these, love the healthier option!
Bahahahaha! Well, you can make up for it this weekend 😉
Rebecca, this is such a brilliant take on hot dogs – I’m so loving this carrot dog and ooh so tasty paired with salsa verde! I cannot wait to try making me a carrot dog!
Make some asap!!! So good and so fun to eat 😉
This is such a fun idea, haha! I loveeeee carrots so I feel like I would like this so much more than an actual hot dog!
Yes you will! Haha!
Looks fantastic! Fun to cook these carrot. Very creative Rebecca!
Very fun!
This is such a creative and fun idea. Love it! Now we know a vegetarian hot dog is possible with a little imagination. 🙂
Haha, always, right 😉
Mexican ANYTHING I will devour right up! I have tried the carrot dog thing and they definitely are good, but I was never a hot dog fan before. But I like the carrots dogs much better, weird right? Look delish!
Haha now not weird, same as me!
These are too fun!
Thank you!
I tried carrot hotdogs a few month ago and since that we make it almost every week! So simple and so delicious. Love the addition of salsa verde, have to try it 🙂
Aren’t they so good??? I can’t wait to make more this summer!
Rebecca, this is so clever! I would have NEVER thought to do this, and what a super idea it is! I love that I now have a great vegetarian option for my non-meat-eating friends! Yay!
Haha, right? Such a nifty (and deceivingly) delicious fun version!
Hahaa, a carrot dog!! How good is that 😀
Love the idea, Rebecca!
Thank you Hauke 😉
Genius! Salsa Verde > Salsa roja. always.
Haha, in this case, YES!
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!
Hahaha, they are one scary…food creation…Thank goodness for carrot dogs instead!
This recipe looks great and easy!
Yes! Thank you!
Holy guacamole! This hot diggity dog is awesome!! Can’t get over what a great idea this is! Hoping to turn my carrot-hating husband (crazy, right?) into a Mexican Carrot Dog lover!
You’re husband won’t know what hit him! 😉
To be honest, I’m a burger type of person! But I’ve seen these carrot dogs pop up and your version sounds great! I think i need to try it at some point =)
Haha I do think burgers always win 😉
But yes! You must try them!
This is a great idea! What a great veggie option and it looks so appetizing! So creative!
Thank you Tiffany!
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!
Time to give them a try! They are fun to cook and eat!
This is such an awesome idea! 😀 I can’t wait to try it out!
Haha, thank you Farrah!
I love this idea. I’ve been wanting to try it for a while. Guess this is a sign!
Yes it is!
OH my GOSH this is such a cool idea. Carrot dogs?!?! I want to do this for my son. Kids love hot dogs, right?!
Yes! And now they’ll LOVE carrots!
So fun! I feel like this would be a great way to get kids to eat their veggies 🙂
You bet!! Who could say no? It’s too interesting not to try!
These carrot dogs look so amazing Rebecca! So healthy and flavoursome. Loooove the sound of the salsa verde! Yum!
Thank you Harriet! The salsa is the perfect complement!
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! 😉
Haha, it totally does! My mom was skeptical, but she loved it! It’s all in the marinade 😉
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! 😉
This is going to be your new “hot dog” then!
Haha yes! I’m in!
Love this idea for cooking carrots! The marinade sounds smoky and delicious – I’m on board!
You bet!! Haha, they are so fun!
Such a creative idea! I’ve never seen anything like this before.
Haha, then you must make some!
What a fun, healthy idea!
Thank you!
Healthiest hot dog ever!! I love it! I’m such a carrot lover, so this is perfect for me!!
xoxo Cailee!
Yes!! Haha, these will increase your love even more!
Ha! A carrot dog- I love it! Such a heathy and genius idea!!
They are so good!
seriously, clever way to eat a healthy “hot dog”.
Agreed 😉
I’ve never tried a carrot dog before! Sounds amazing, especially paired with salsa verde!
Haha, yes! They are so fun! (And taste so good!)
This is such a fun recipe!! I have yet to try carrot dogs, but I’m obsessed with carrots in any form so I know I’d love it. Can’t wait to go through all those cinco de mayo recipes too! So fun.
Ooo make some carrot dogs!!! They are a great way to do something a little different for the carrot obsession!
I’ll have to go with a burger, but I love hot dogs nonetheless!
Haha, I feel yea 😉 Well these hot dogs at least!
Oh my golly, this is such a good idea and so easy! Perfect the summertime BBQs coming up:)
Yes!!! I see many of these being grilled up this summer!
I love carrot dogs! They continue to be the most popular recipe on my blog almost daily! This Mexican version sounds delish!
Good! Maybe they will take over the world!!!
Rebecca, this is beyond creative. I absolutely love it and think my kids would get a kick out of carrot hot dogs!
Hahaha, thank you Kristen!!! I think they would too! Forget hiding the veggies, just give it to them all out!
You always come out with such a creative idea that suit to your diet Rebecca.. Admire it!
Aw, haha, thank you so much my foodie friend!
What a creative idea to boil the carrots and then marinate them like that!
Haha, so you’ve never seen carrot dogs before?
I wanna try this! Wishing I had some for lunch right now…
Just grab a carrot!