Classic Carrot Raisin Salad

Close up of finished carrot raisin salad in a vintage white bowl with blue rim

If you're looking for a quick and easy, no-heat side dish, this Classic Carrot Raisin Salad is just the thing! You can use pineapple in this recipe, or omit it, and I'm also including 3 different options to make this recipe without mayo! Yields 8 finished cups.

Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Carrot Raisin Salad, Carrot Salad, Chick-fil-A carrot salad, Easy carrot Salad

Prep Time 5

Resting time (optional) 1

Total Time 5

Servings servings (1/2 cup per serving)

Calories 52kcal

Cost $7

Ingredients

1 pound carrots (shredded) 4 cups
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
1/4 cup mayo (Greek yogurt, sour cream, or vegan mayo can be used instead)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbps maple syrup
dash salt

Instructions

Start by peeling and grating fresh carrots. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment for quick and consistent results.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, maple syrup, lemon juice, and salt until you have a smooth and creamy dressing.
Add the grated carrots and raisins to the dressing. Gently fold them in until they are well coated with the dressing.
Cover the salad bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to achieve its full potential.
When you're ready to serve, give the salad a final toss and enjoy!

Notes

FAQs

Can I make this Carrot Raisin Salad in advance?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. In fact, it is actually recommended to make it the day before because it tastes even better after at least a few hours of chilling in the refrigerator. This resting time allows the flavors to meld!

Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits. Chopped apples, diced oranges, or even pomegranate arils can add a delightful twist to your salad!

Can I include pineapple in the Carrot Raisin Salad?

Certainly! If you want to make this salad more like the Chick-fil-A carrot salad, then adding pineapple chunks or tidbits would be a great addition. I love it both ways! If you do want to add pineapple, about a 1/2 cup of pineapple is plenty.

How long can I store Carrot Raisin Salad in the refrigerator?

Carrot Raisin Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Ensure it's tightly covered to maintain freshness.

Can I use pre-grated carrots for this salad?

While using pre-grated carrots is convenient, grating fresh carrots provides the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated carrots can sometimes be drier and less crunchy, so fresh is recommended.

Can I make Carrot Raisin Salad without mayonnaise? Can it be made as a vegan recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative to make this a delicious vegan recipe.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the salad to my liking?

Yes, you have control over the sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sweetener, such as maple syrup or honey, to suit your taste preferences.

Is there a low-fat version of Carrot Raisin Salad available?

To reduce the fat content, you can opt for low-fat or light mayonnaise and use less or no sweetener. Greek yogurt can also be a lower-fat alternative for the dressing.

Nutrition