Looking for a side dish that’s quick, tasty, and brings back cozy memories? This creamy carrot and raisin salad recipe is just the thing. It’s sweet, a little tangy, super crunchy, and comes together in no time at all, just 10 minutes, start to finish.
This is the kind of recipe that stays loved year after year, simple, timeless, and always welcome at the table. Whether it’s on a holiday table, packed into a lunchbox, or part of a simple weeknight dinner, this salad always fits right in. Plus, it’s flexible! Want to skip the mayo? Add pineapple? Make it dairy-free? No problem, we’ve got all the variations covered.
Let’s jump into how to make this easy, wholesome salad that’s full of flavor and guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Carrot and Raisin Salad
This salad is a hidden gem, sweet, creamy, and just crunchy enough to keep things interesting. Here’s why it’s worth making:
Easy to Customize – Make it your way with simple swaps and add-ins.
Quick & Easy – No cooking, just a few minutes of prep.
Simple Ingredients – Most of them you already have in your kitchen.
Full of Texture & Flavor – Crisp carrots, chewy raisins, creamy dressing.
Great for Any Occasion – Picnics, potlucks, or just a weekday meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this salad to life:
(Optional) Crushed pineapple, chopped apples, or walnuts for extra taste and texture.
Carrots – Freshly grated for the best crunch and flavor.
Raisins – Classic dark or golden raisins work great.
Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the dressing (Greek yogurt works too).
Honey or Sugar – Just a touch for a bit of added sweetness.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice – Adds a subtle tang.
Salt & Pepper – To bring out the flavor.
Optional Add-Ins (if you want to level it up):
- Chopped apples or celery (for crunch)
- Toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds
- A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
How to Make Carrot and Raisin Salad Recipe (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is seriously easy, you can throw it together in one bowl with no cooking at all. Here’s how to do it:
🥄 Step 1: Soak the Raisins (Optional but recommended)
If your raisins are a little dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes. This makes them soft, plump, and extra tasty. Just drain and pat them dry before adding to the salad.
🥕 Step 2: Shred the Carrots
Wash and peel your carrots, then grate them using a box grater or food processor. You want about 2 to 3 cups of shredded carrots. Freshly grated carrots give the salad better flavor and texture, but bagged shredded carrots work if you’re short on time.
🥣 Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, stir together:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt, or a combo of both)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of either apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to give the dressing a light, tangy kick.
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy.
🧺 Step 4: Mix It All Together
Add the shredded carrots and raisins to the bowl with the dressing. If you’re using pineapple, apples, or any extras, toss them in now too. Stir until everything is well coated.
❄️ Step 5: Chill (Optional, but worth it)
Pop the salad in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend and the salad to cool down, it tastes even better that way!
Pro Tips for the Best Carrot and Raisin Salad
Use Fresh Carrots – They’re more flavorful and have a better crunch.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time – It helps the salad taste even better.
Soak Your Raisins – This softens them and gives a nice texture contrast.
Adjust to Taste – Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for extra zing.
Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about this salad? It’s super flexible. Whether you’re looking for a healthier twist, a vegan option, or just want to switch things up, there’s a version for you. Here are some easy ways to customize your carrot and raisin salad:
🥗 No Mayo? No Problem
Not a fan of mayo? You’re not alone. Try one of these:
- Plain Greek yogurt – still creamy, with a little tang
- Sour cream – rich and smooth
- Vegan mayo – perfect for a dairy-free version
🍍 Add Some Fruit
Want more sweetness or a little tropical flair? Add:
- Crushed pineapple (classic!)
- Chopped apples for a fresh crunch
- Diced oranges or mandarin slices for a citrusy kick
These are great for building flavor and keeping things juicy and refreshing.
🌱 Make It Vegan or Dairy-Free
Use a plant-based mayo or dairy-free yogurt for a fully vegan version. Most other ingredients are naturally vegan!
🥜 Add Some Crunch
Mix in:
- Chopped walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Toasted pecans or almonds
This adds great texture and makes the salad more satisfying, especially if you’re serving it as a light lunch.
🍂 Spice It Up (Gently)
If you like a little warmth, try adding:
- A pinch of cinnamon
- A dash of nutmeg
- Even a tiny bit of ginger for a zesty kick
Just go easy, these spices are strong, and a little goes a long way.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This carrot and raisin salad isn’t just easy to make, it’s also easy to store, which makes it a great meal prep or make-ahead option. Whether you’re whipping it up for a potluck or just prepping lunches for the week, here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:
🧺 How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
- Pro tip: Give it a good stir before serving again, the dressing might separate a bit as it sits.
❄️ Can You Freeze Carrot and Raisin Salad?
Not really. This salad doesn’t freeze well, the mayo (or yogurt) can separate, and the carrots lose their crunch. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge short-term.
🕒 Make-Ahead Tips
- You can make the salad a day in advance, just keep it chilled, and it’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors blend.
- If you’re making it ahead for an event, store the dressing separately and mix it in right before serving for the best texture.
The Best Carrot and Raisin Salad Recipe (Creamy & Crunchy)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Grater
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups Carrots Freshly grated for best texture
- ½ cup Raisins Dark or golden
- ½ cup Mayonnaise Or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- 1 tbsp Honey Or sugar to taste
- 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar Or lemon juice
- Pinch Salt To taste
- Pinch Black Pepper Optional to balance sweetness
- ¼ cup Crushed Pineapple Optional well-drained
Instructions
- Soak the Raisins (Optional): If your raisins are dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
- Grate the Carrots: Use a box grater or food processor to shred the carrots. You’ll need about 2 cups.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the shredded carrots, raisins, and optional pineapple to the bowl. Mix well until evenly coated.
- Chill: Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend.
Notes
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to make it lighter or dairy-free.
- Add chopped apples, celery, or toasted walnuts for extra crunch.
- This salad is best served chilled, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make carrot and raisin salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This salad actually tastes better after it’s had some time to chill in the fridge. Making it a few hours ahead or even the night before lets the flavors come together. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Do I need to soak the raisins before adding them?
You don’t have to, but it makes a difference, especially if your raisins are a little dry. Soaking them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes helps them plump up and become softer and juicier.
What’s a good substitute for mayo in this salad?
No mayo? No problem! You can use plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a plant-based mayo for a dairy-free or vegan version. It still turns out creamy and delicious.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Definitely. Pineapple and chopped apples are popular add-ins that add extra sweetness and texture. Just be sure to drain juicy fruits like pineapple so the salad doesn’t get watery.
How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
A couple of easy tips: drain any fruits really well (especially canned ones), and don’t overdo the dressing. If you’re storing leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container and give it a quick mix before serving again.
More Delicious Salad Recipes to Try
Loved this carrot and raisin salad? You’re going to want to check out these other fresh and flavorful salads too! Whether you’re looking for something creamy, crunchy, or packed with veggies, there’s something here for every craving:
- 🥒 Craving something crisp and refreshing? Try this cool and tasty Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad -it’s simple, zesty, and perfect as a side dish.
- 🍗 Want something heartier? You’ll love the Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe, a comforting, protein-packed classic.
- 🧂 Keep it gluten-free with this flavorful list of Gluten-Free Salads that don’t skimp on taste.
- 🥚 If you’re into creamy classics, this Egg Salad with Pickles is tangy, satisfying, and perfect for sandwiches or wraps.
- 🥬 Want a no-fuss, plant-based option? Check out this light and vibrant Salad with Cranberries, Nuts & Garbanzo Beans, it’s colorful, healthy, and super easy to make.
- 🥔 Don’t miss this nostalgic Ozette Potato Salad Recipe, especially if you love old-school picnic favorites.
🧡 There’s a whole world of salad goodness waiting for you. Browse, bookmark, and build your go-to list of fresh favorites!