Carrot Raisin Salad – The Cookie Rookie®

Carrot raisin salad is a kind of quirky, old style recipes that all the time appears to make a comeback. It’s cheerful, colourful, and ridiculously simple to toss collectively. Candy shredded carrots, plump raisins, and juicy pineapple mingle in a creamy dressing for a facet dish that someway manages to be each refreshing and nostalgic. It’s a no-cook recipe that feels proper at residence at picnics, potlucks, and vacation tables alike.

I attain for this one at any time when I would like one thing vivid and contemporary however nonetheless cozy sufficient to depend as consolation meals. There’s simply one thing about that crunchy carrot chunk paired with bursts of raisin sweetness and the tangy creaminess of the dressing that retains you going again for extra. It even jogs my memory of the model Chick-fil-A served for years, a easy, nostalgic favourite that individuals beloved. This salad can be endlessly customizable, so you possibly can follow the traditional or throw in your personal enjoyable twists.

Suggestions for Inexperienced persons

• Shred your personal carrots. You need to use pre-shredded carrots in a pinch, however for the most effective taste and texture, it’s value taking a number of further minutes to grate them your self. In a easy facet dish like this, the carrots actually shine, and freshly grated ones are sweeter, juicier, and have a softer crunch that blends fantastically with the creamy dressing.
• Drain crushed pineapple properly. I’ve realized the arduous manner that pineapple juice can sneak in and skinny out the dressing. You should definitely drain the crushed pineapple rather well. Typically I even press it gently with a spoon to get each final little bit of liquid out.

• In a big bowl, whisk collectively the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

• Add within the carrots, raisins, and crushed pineapple, and stir to mix.

• In case you like issues on the tangier facet, strive utilizing simply half the honey or skip the pineapple altogether. The carrots and raisins will nonetheless provide you with loads of pure sweetness.
• Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or bitter cream for a tangier twist, or use your favourite dairy-free mayo to make this salad utterly vegan.
• Regulate the sweetness to your liking by including roughly honey or maple syrup.

Serving: 1servingEnergy: 257kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFats: 14gSaturated Fats: 2gPolyunsaturated Fats: 8gMonounsaturated Fats: 3gTrans Fats: 0.03gLdl cholesterol: 8mgSodium: 168mgPotassium: 449mgFiber: 4gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 10222IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg

Diet data is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.

Easy methods to Make Carrot Raisin Salad Step by Step

Collect all of the substances collectively.

Make the dressing: In a big bowl, whisk collectively ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper till easy.

Add the mix-ins: Stir in 6 grated giant carrots, 1 cup raisins, and 1 (8-oz) can crushed pineapple till every thing is properly coated.

Chill and serve: Cowl and refrigerate for at the very least half-hour earlier than serving to let the flavors mix.

Easy methods to Retailer and Make Forward

This carrot raisin salad is a superb make-ahead choice as a result of the flavors solely get higher as they sit. You possibly can put together it as much as 24 hours prematurely. Maintain it lined within the fridge till you’re able to serve. 

Leftovers will keep contemporary for about 3 days in an hermetic container. If the dressing seems a bit looser after chilling, simply give it a fast stir earlier than serving. I don’t suggest freezing it, because the carrots lose their crunch as soon as thawed.

Carrot Raisin Salad Variations

• Dried fruit swaps: Attempt golden raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates, and even diced dried apricots for a distinct sort of sweetness.
• Further crunch: Past nuts and seeds, shredded coconut or chopped celery provides nice texture.
• Recent fruit: Apple slices, diced pears, or seedless grapes make it further contemporary and juicy.
• Heat spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can provide the salad a comfortable, sudden twist.
• Savory steadiness: Add a bit finely diced pink onion or chives to offset the sweetness.

Serving Ideas

I really like serving this alongside one other Chick-fil-A traditional, Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, or a comforting chicken-fried steak sandwich. In case you’re heading to a potluck, it’s the right contemporary, colourful facet to steadiness out a wealthy, comforting traditional casserole. Actually, it’s so versatile that it feels simply as at residence on an Easter brunch desk because it does at an enormous vacation buffet.