Description
This Sweet & Creamy Carrot Raisin Salad is a nostalgic classic that strikes the perfect balance between crunchy and soft, sweet and savory. Featuring freshly shredded carrots and plump raisins tossed in a light honey-mayo dressing, it is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with just about anything. Whether you serve it at a summer picnic or alongside a cozy winter roast, this simple salad is a timeless favorite that takes just minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
The Salad Base
- 4 cups shredded carrots (approx. 1 lb or 4–5 medium carrots)
- 1 cup raisins (dark or golden)
The Honey-Mayo Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, water, lemon juice, and salt.
Whisk
Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Toss
Add the shredded carrots and raisins to the bowl with the dressing.
Coat
Toss well using tongs or a spoon until the carrots and raisins are evenly coated.
Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
Rest
Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before serving.
Notes
The “Chill” Factor: Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the salad sit allows the flavors to meld and the raisins to plump up as they absorb moisture from the dressing.
Carrot Choice: While convenient, pre-shredded bagged carrots are often dry and thick. For the best flavor and moisture, peel and shred whole carrots yourself using a box grater or food processor.
Raisin Rescue: If your pantry raisins are old and hard, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes (then drain and pat dry) before adding them to rehydrate them instantly.
Add-Ins: This salad is versatile! Stir in 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple for a tropical twist, or chopped walnuts/pecans for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: No-Cook / Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of Recipe
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: carrot salad recipe, carrot raisin salad, classic picnic side dishes, healthy vegetable sides, easy salad recipes, gluten free side dish, kid friendly vegetables