Carrot Raisin Salad: the tasty recipe for a crunchy, sweet, tangy appetizer 

Homemade carrot raisin salad is always a hit. Perfectly crunchy, wonderfully sweet with a hint of tanginess, it's a great salad to serve up at picnics, potlucks, or any time you need to feed a crowd.

Carrot raisin salad is a delicious side that's often served at Chick-fil-A. It's a fantastic side dish to serve with everything from pulled pork burger to sandwiches, fried chicken, and more. You can even add it to your favorite sandwiches to add an extra crunch and sweet flavor!

Carrot raisin salad only takes about 15 minutes to make, so it's ideal as a last-minute dish you can serve your guests, no matter the occasion!

Carrot Raisin Salad Ingredients

Carrot raisin salad only calls for a few ingredients.

Carrots form the bulk of the salad and give the salad its crunchy texture.

You'll also need raisins, which you'll rehydrate in water or juice.

Mayo gives the salad its creaminess, while sugar and pineapple add extra sweetness.

How to Make Carrot Raisin Salad

It couldn't be easier to make this sweet, creamy carrot raisin salad. Start by rehydrating the raisins in water. Once they've plumped up, drain them.

Put the grated carrots in a bowl with mayonnaise and sugar. Toss to combine. Mix in the raisins and pineapple pieces. Cover and place the salad in the fridge to chill. Once chilled, stir, and serve.

Carrot Raisin Salad Variations

There are some great ways to mix up your carrot raisin salad. Sultanas, dried cranberries, or dried currants work instead of raisins.

For more tanginess, use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Try adding some shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground cloves – this is especially delicious in the fall.

Cumin, cayenne, and paprika are delicious additions for a more savory flair.

Add Dijon mustard for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for the Best Carrot Raisin Salad

Instead of water, you can use warmed apple juice or pineapple juice to rehydrate your raisins for a sweeter, fruitier flavor.

When using canned pineapple, be sure to drain it really well.

Use fresh carrots rather than pre-cut ones.

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier, more protein-rich salad. You can also use your favorite dressing. Tangy dressings like vinaigrettes would be especially good to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.

For more color, try using heirloom carrots.

You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned.

How to Store Carrot Raisin Salad

Cover and keep your carrot raisin salad in the fridge for up to 3 days.

More Recipes You'll Like

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Roquefort pear salad

Strawberry spinach salad

Instructions

Place raisins in a bowl.

Add water and leave until the raisins have plumped up. Drain.

Place grated carrots in a bowl.

Add mayonnaise and sugar. Toss to combine.

Stir in raisins and pineapple. Cover and place in the fridge to chill.

Once chilled, stir, and serve.

Notes

Use regular or low-fat mayonnaise for this recipe.