Easy Carrot Salad Recipe

I just whipped up this delightful carrot salad, and it’s really a game changer for a refreshing side or anytime snack. The blend of citrusy tang from the lemon juice with the subtle sweetness of honey and raisins, all balanced out by crunchy walnuts, makes it irresistible.

I adore this Easy Carrot Salad. It marries the earthy sweetness of fresh carrots with the chewy texture of raisins.

I love the way lemon juice balances all the flavors and brightens the salad. Mayonnaise adds a little richness, while walnuts give the salad a crunch and so much more.

If you’ve never had carrot salad, you might be surprised by how surprisingly sweet and delightful it is. Toss this together for a side salad that is a sneaky way to get a bunch of vitamins and minerals.

Easy Carrot Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Grated Carrots – Rich in beta-carotene, aids vision and immune system.
• Raisins – Natural sweetness, packed with iron and antioxidants.
• Fresh Parsley – Freshness and color, high in vitamins A, C, and K.
• Lemon Juice – Adds tangy flavor, rich in vitamin C.
• Honey – Natural sweetener, offers trace antioxidants.

Easy Carrot Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups grated carrots
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

How to Make this Easy Carrot Salad Recipe

1. Mix the grated carrots and raisins in a big bowl.

2. Toss in the freshly chopped parsley. This is now the final step before plating and is done gently so as not to disrupt the existing elements too much.

3. in a small bowl, mix together the mayo, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

4. Drizzle the dressing onto the carrot mixture.

5. Combine the ingredients thoroughly using a spatula or large spoon. Coat them evenly with the dressing.

6. If you use chopped walnuts, fold them in for added flavor and texture.

7. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Cover the salad before refrigerating.

8. Prior to serving, give the salad a rapid toss to reconstitute the ingredients.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary; you may need to add more salt or pepper.

10. Chill it well and then serve it up as a wonderful, cool, side dish, that, honestly, could work as a light snack at any time of the day.!

Easy Carrot Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Grater
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spatula or large spoon
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Plastic wrap or lid for covering
10. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Can I substitute the mayonnaise in this recipe?You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version, or sour cream for a tangier taste.
• How long will this carrot salad last in the fridge?You can keep this carrot salad in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
• Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?Indeed, you can use dried cranberries instead of raisins for a change in flavor.
• Is this carrot salad suitable for vegans?To make a vegan version, use plant-based mayonnaise and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Can I prepare this salad in advance?A day ahead of the time you plan to serve this salad, prepare everything except the walnuts. The walnuts, if added too far ahead, can make the salad soggy (though they are delicious when added right at the end!).
• Can I add other vegetables to this salad?Indeed, there is room to incorporate either shredded apple or chopped celery for an even more exciting texture and taste.

Easy Carrot Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Dried fruits: Trade out cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor.
You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of mayonnaise for a tangier taste.
Lime juice or apple cider vinegar could be used as an alternative acidic component in place of lemon juice.
Honey: Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet note.
Pecans or almonds can be substituted for walnuts to achieve a similar crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Toasting the Walnuts If you’re using walnuts, consider toasting them lightly before adding them to the salad. This enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch.

2. Plump the Raisins Before mixing them in, soak the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes. This will plump them up and make them juicier.

3. Customize the Dressing For a more complex flavor, add a small amount of Dijon mustard or a dash of apple cider vinegar to the mayonnaise mixture.

4. Ensure Freshness Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the dressing. It makes a significant difference in taste compared to bottled lemon juice.

5. Chill Thoroughly While the recommended refrigeration time is 30 minutes, letting the salad chill longer—up to an hour or more—can enhance the melding of flavors, making the salad taste even better.