Classic Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe, Just like Grandma’s
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Carrot raisin salad is a classic side dish that’s a fun mix of creamy and crunchy. Made with shredded carrots, sweet raisins, and a smooth, velvety dressing, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This easy salad is a vibrant addition to your party spread and a delicious pair to your favorite main dishes!
They say that food evokes feelings and that can’t be more true whenever I eat this dish. It transports me back to the family gatherings and sunny picnics in my childhood where I always looked forward to having my grandma’s famous carrot raisin salad. The only difference was that she put canned pineapple chunks in her version, but my kids personally like it without, so I keep the recipe simple.
Like my other favorite party sides, Popeyes coleslaw and broccoli rice casserole, carrot raisin salad is quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for all occasions, whether it’s a weeknight family meal, a potluck, a backyard BBQ, and even a romantic picnic. It’s a childhood favorite of mine, and every bite reminds me of the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, making it not just a dish, but a warm memory I hold dear.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Make this no-cook side dish in just 10 minutes. Just mix, chill, and serve!
- Simple ingredients: This recipe requires just a few pantry staples – carrots, raisins, mayonnaise, and seasonings – no special grocery runs needed!
- Amazing flavor: The natural sweetness of carrots and raisins, combined with the creamy, slightly tangy dressing makes each bite refreshing and satisfying.
- A comforting classic: This salad brings nostalgic comfort while still feeling light and fresh, making it perfect for any season.
- All-around side dish: This salad is a bright, flavorful dish that pairs well with almost anything, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after a little time in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prep or making in advance for a stress-free meal.
How to Make Carrot Raisin Salad
Carrot raisin salad is a fun and delicious way to bring some color to your plate. The eye-catching vibrant orange is always a stunning addition to any home or party table that’s why it’s hard to believe that you can make it in just 10 minutes!
The necessary chill time afterwards is the hardest part, but it’s what makes the salad even more delicious as the flavors meld together. I love that the raisins become especially tasty after soaking in the dressing because they get all plump and juicy.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Carrots: Shred the carrots yourself for the best results. Store-bought pre-shredded carrots also work but they can be too dry and may not soak up the dressing as well.
- Raisins: For that delicious bursts of sweetness with every bite. I use regular raisins, but golden raisins work great, too.
- Mayonnaise: Hellman’s or Duke’s mayonnaise are my go-tos, but you can use any brand available. You can also opt for homemade mayonnaise – just blend egg yolks with a neutral-tasting oil.
- Sugar
- Lemon juice: Provides a tangy kick that balances the sweetness and creaminess of the salad.
- Salt
Step-By-Step Instructions
Just 3 simple steps to make this cold, creamy, and crunchy perfection! Simply add the carrots and raisins to a bowl, make the dressing with the remaining ingredients, mix, and serve.
Follow the instructions below to make the best carrot raisin salad every time!
Step 1: Combine carrots and raisins
Mix the carrots and raisins in a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the dressing
Whisk the remaining ingredients together to form a smooth dressing. Pour over carrot mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Substitutions
- Carrots: For a colorful twist, try using rainbow carrots instead of the orange variety. While there are no substitutions for carrots in this recipe, you can try a variation of this dish with broccoli slaw.
- Raisins: Switch things up with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots for a variety in flavor. If you’re using plum raisins, soak them in warm water for half an hour beforehand to make them plumper, juicier, and more flavorful.
- Mayonnaise: Don’t like mayo? Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Sugar: Replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon juice: If you don’t have lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or lime juice can be used as alternatives to bring the same tangy brightness to the dish.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste the salad as you go and adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the carrots and raisins. If the carrots are naturally sweet, you may need less sugar.
- Customize your add-Ins: Add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, pineapple chunks, shredded or toasted coconut for extra flavor and texture.
- Avoid overdressing: Start with less dressing, mix, and add more if needed to avoid an overly creamy salad.
- Don’t skip the chill time: Chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to meld together. A minimum of 30 minutes is ideal, but the longer it sits in the fridge, the better!
- Serve cold: This salad is best served cold, making it refreshing and perfect for warm weather or as a cool, crisp side dish.
How to Store This Recipe
Place any leftover or pre-made carrot raisin salad into an airtight container and refrigerate for 4 to 5 days, depending on how fresh your ingredients are. Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish. It’s best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge!
What to Serve with Carrot Raisin Salad
Carrot raisin salad is a delicious stand-alone snack, but it makes a delicious side dish to a wide variety of dishes. We especially love it with air fryer pork chops, blackened chicken tenders, and cheese-stuffed meatloaf.
Enjoy it with roasted turkey for special occasions. If you want a lighter pairing, pair carrot raisin salad with a burger, sandwich, wrap, some dinner rolls or slices of crusty bread.
More Summer Favorites To Try
- Salsa ranchera
- Iced coffee
- Chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar
- Wingstop ranch dressing
- Air fryer sweet potato fries
If you make this carrot raisin salad, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Old-Fashioned Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups carrot shredded
- 1 cup raisins
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix the carrots and raisins in a large bowl.
- Whisk the remaining ingredients together to form a smooth dressing.
- Pour over carrot mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Taste the salad as you go and adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the carrots and raisins. If the carrots are naturally sweet, you may need less sugar.
- Add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, pineapple chunks, and shredded or toasted coconut for extra flavor and texture.
- Start with less dressing, mix, and add more if needed to avoid an overly creamy salad.
- Chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to meld together. A minimum of 30 minutes is ideal, but the longer it sits in the fridge, the better!
- This salad is best served cold, making it refreshing and perfect for warm weather or as a cool, crisp side dish.
