Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carrot Raisin Salad is not only refreshing and easy to make, but it’s also bursting with sweet flavors and textures. The crunchiness of the fresh grated carrots pairs beautifully with the plump raisins and juicy pineapple tidbits, all coated in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. The recipe is simple, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that works well as a side dish or a light, refreshing salad to complement any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 cup warm water (or leftover pineapple juice – just make sure it’s warm)
- 1 pound carrots
- 1 small can of pineapple tidbits, drained very well
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Directions
Step 1: Plump the Raisins (Optional)
If you want your raisins to be extra soft and plump, soak them in 1 cup of warm water (or warmed-up pineapple juice). Allow them to soak for about 5 minutes before draining off the excess liquid.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Peel and grate the carrots. You can use a box grater or a food processor to make this quicker.
Step 3: Make the Salad
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the grated carrots, mayonnaise, and sugar. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated.
Step 4: Add the Raisins and Pineapple
Add the soaked raisins and the drained pineapple tidbits to the carrot mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Give it a good stir before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Variations
- Dried Fruit Mix: Try adding dried cranberries or golden raisins instead of regular raisins for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Add Nuts: For added crunch, mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Vegan Version: Use a vegan mayonnaise alternative to make this salad vegan-friendly.
- Fresh Pineapple: For a fresher option, use freshly cut pineapple instead of canned pineapple tidbits.
- Low-Sugar Option: Reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia to cut down on sweetness.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon or orange juice for a citrusy zing.
storage/reheating
Store any leftover Carrot Raisin Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and can be eaten cold right from the fridge. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits.
Refrigeration will help maintain the crispness of the carrots and the creaminess of the dressing. However, it’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the carrots and pineapple may change after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use regular carrots instead of pre-grated ones?
Yes, it’s always best to grate fresh carrots yourself to ensure a better texture, and they’ll absorb the dressing more effectively.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. In fact, letting it chill in the refrigerator overnight will allow the flavors to blend even more.
Can I substitute the raisins?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries, golden raisins, or even chopped dates if you prefer a different dried fruit.
Is it okay to use crushed pineapple?
It’s best to stick with tidbits rather than crushed pineapple because crushed pineapple can release too much liquid, affecting the texture of the salad.
Can I use a different type of dressing?
If you prefer, you can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a lighter dressing for a healthier version.
Can I add other vegetables?
While traditional Carrot Raisin Salad focuses on carrots, you could experiment by adding finely chopped celery or apple for added crunch and flavor.
How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?
This salad will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, although it’s freshest when eaten within 2 days.
Can I use a different kind of juice for soaking the raisins?
Pineapple juice is ideal, but you can use any fruit juice, like orange juice, if you don’t have pineapple juice on hand.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double all of the ingredients, and it will work just as well. A food processor can help with grating the carrots more quickly.
Can I use store-bought mayonnaise?
Yes, store-bought mayonnaise works perfectly in this recipe, but feel free to use homemade if you prefer.
Conclusion
This Carrot Raisin Salad is a light, refreshing side dish that perfectly combines the sweetness of raisins, pineapple, and carrots with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s an easy, versatile recipe that can be customized with various fruits and nuts, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just as a quick weeknight side, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Carrot Raisin Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Carrot Raisin Salad recipe is a fresh and creamy side dish, reminiscent of the popular one at Chick-fil-A. It features a blend of grated carrots, sweet raisins, pineapple tidbits, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect for any gathering or as a side to a main dish.
Ingredients
½ cup raisins
1 cup warm water (or leftover pineapple juice – just make sure it’s warm)
1 pound carrots
1 small can of pineapple tidbits, drained very well
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Plump the Raisins (Optional): Soak raisins in warm water or pineapple juice for 5 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel and grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor.
- Make the Salad: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the grated carrots, mayonnaise, and sugar. Toss until well combined.
- Add the Raisins and Pineapple: Add the soaked raisins and drained pineapple tidbits. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir before serving.
Notes
For a dried fruit mix, try adding cranberries or golden raisins.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
For a vegan version, swap the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative.
For a fresher taste, use fresh pineapple instead of canned.
For a lighter version, reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
For extra zest, add lemon or orange juice to the dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
