Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe: How To Make It At Home

I prepared one of my favorite Carrot Raisin Salad recipes using fresh shredded carrots, plump raisins, and a smooth blend of mayonnaise and tangy lemon juice. A dash of sugar, salt, and pepper completes this simple yet intriguing mix that offers a delightful burst of sweet and savory notes at any gathering.

I recently discovered a fun twist on a classic side dish that I just had to share – my Carrot Raisin Salad recipe is a refreshing, tangy, and sweet treat, perfect for BBQs or potlucks. I start off by mixing 4 cups of shredded carrots with 1/2 cup raisins to give the dish a burst of sweetness and texture.

Then, I stir in 1/2 cup mayonnaise, along with 2 tablespoons each of lemon juice and sugar. A pinch of salt and a bit of freshly ground black pepper seal the deal by balancing all the flavors.

I’ve been experimenting with different versions of carrot salad recipes and found that this version really stands out amongst other cold side dishes. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that makes it one of the best salad recipes I’ve tried in a while.

I hope you give it a whirl and discover its delightful mix of sweet and tangy yourself.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this carrot raisin salad for a few reasons. First, I like how super simple it is to make. I just shred some carrots, toss in raisins, mix up a mayo, lemon juice, and sugar dressing, and chill it all together. Second, its flavor is a perfect mix of sweet and tangy which always makes my tastebuds happy. Third, I appreciate that it’s a healthy side dish that still feels like a treat, especially when I’m getting ready for a BBQ or potluck with my friends. Lastly, every time I make it, it reminds me of family gatherings and fun times, which always puts a smile on my face.

Ingredients

• Carrots are high in fibre and vitamins, add crunch and plenty of color.
• Raisins are rich in natural sugars and fibre, adding a sweet chewy twist.
• Mayonnaise brings creaminess and smooth texture, but can be heavy in fats.
• Lemon juice adds tang and balances sweetness, im loving its citrus kick.
• Sugar provides extra sweetness, but use less if you prefer a healthier twist.
• Salt and pepper elevate the flavor, enhancing all the other tastes in dish.
• The salad is a healthy blend of textures and tastes great with any meal.
• Enjoy this dish as a side, snack, or light main meal.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups shredded carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Peel and shred enough carrots so you end up with about 4 cups in a big mixing bowl.

2. Add the 1/2 cup raisins to the bowl with the carrots.

3. In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons sugar.

4. Sprinkle in some salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste in the dressing.

5. Pour the dressing over the carrots and raisins.

6. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well coated.

7. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.

8. Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld together.

9. Give it a final stir before serving, and enjoy your Carrot Raisin Salad at your next BBQ or potluck!

Equipment Needed

1. Vegetable peeler (to peel the carrots)
2. Grater (to shred the carrots)
3. Large mixing bowl (for combining the carrots and raisins)
4. Small bowl (for preparing the dressing)
5. Measuring cups (for the carrots, raisins, mayonnaise, juice and sugar)
6. Measuring spoons (for the lemon juice and sugar)
7. Whisk or fork (to mix the dressing)
8. Stirring spoon (to combine the salad)
9. Refrigerator (to chill the salad)

FAQ

Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe: How To Make It At Home Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have fresh grated carrots, you can use a bag of pre-shredded carrots or even cook fresh carrots a bit longer until tender and then shred em.
• If youre out of mayonnaise, you can swap it with plain greek yogurt or even some sour cream which gives a tangy twist.
• If lemon juice is missing, you can use a bit of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute but use a little less than the recipe calls for.
• If you dont have sugar, try drizzling some honey or maple syrup which adds a natural sweetness and a slight flavor change.
• If raisins aren’t available, dried cranberries or chopped dates work too and give a nice chewiness to the salad.

Pro Tips

1) Try using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled, its gonna make the dressing taste brighter and fresher even if it’s a bit more work.
2) When shredding the carrots, make sure you do it fine enough that they soak up the dressing, coarser carrots sometimes just don’t mix in as good.
3) If the salad is too sweet for you, consider reducing the sugar a bit or even adding extra lemon juice if you prefer a tangier kick.
4) Let the salad chill for at least an hour rather than just 30 minutes if you can – it really helps the flavors blend together and makes it extra refreshing.