This Carrot Raisin Salad uses four simple ingredients to make a refreshing, light salad. Carrots are shredded and mixed with plump raisins, crunchy walnuts and yogurt. You can spice this up with other fruit, different nuts or fresh herbs. This makes a nice Easter side dish or addition to a summer get together.
If you are looking for an easy, quick salad this Carrot Raisin Salad is for you.
This recipe uses four simple ingredients: carrots, yogurt dressing, raisins and walnuts.
I love the crunch from the walnuts and carrots with the sweet plump raisins.
I used golden raising but you can use regular raisins or try dried cranberries or apricots.
This is a great vegetarian side dish to pair with your favorite meals or eat for lunch.
You can pair it alongside protein like grilled salmon, chicken, beef or shrimp.
If you have had the chick-fil a version you should try mine! I grew up eating this salad that my mom would often make. It also is a nice option for an Easter meal, potlucks, picnics or a summer bbq.
If you like side dish recipes check out my other side dish recipes here. You also might like these Roasted Carrots with Pistachios, Roasted Carrots and Beets with Tahini, or these Oven Baked Carrot Fries.
Why You Will Love this Recipe:
- Easy to Prepare: You can use whole carrots and shred them yourself or you can buy pre-shredded carrots to save time. You can have this salad on your table in under 10 minutes!
- Versatile: This easy side dish makes a great base for so many other ingredients. You can swap the walnuts for sliced almonds, pistachios or pine nuts. Try different fruit like bananas, apples or pineapple chunks. You can use a different dressing like a creamy tahini dressing, honey mustard dressing or a lemon dressing.
- Simple Ingredients: You can’t beat a salad using only four ingredients. The fresh carrots make this the perfect salad for farmers market or garden carrots!
Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
- Carrots: I like to buy whole carrots and peel and cut them myself if possible. I find this to be the freshest option. If you would prefer you can buy grated carrots and use that for a time saving option.
- Raisins: Dried fruit adds a sweetness to this salad. I like raisins but you also could do dried cranberries, dates or apricots.
- Walnuts: The walnuts give the salad crunch and texture. You can leave them out or try sliced almonds or pecans.
- Yogurt: I like the subtle flavor from the plain yogurt but if you want something creamier and tangier try Greek yogurt.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the full recipe card below.
Ways to Modify this Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe
- Fruit: If you like fruit in your carrot salad try adding crushed pineapple, diced apples, dried apricots, craisins, mandarin oranges or bananas.
- Nuts: You can sub the walnuts for pistachios, sliced almonds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or peanuts.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile. You also can add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
- Coconut: I love adding coconut to this light, fresh salad. I opt for shredded coconut.
- Other Dressing Ingredients: Try adding maple syrup, agave nectar, honey or sugar to the yogurt dressing. You also could make a different dressing like this Creamy Dill Sauce or this Tahini Sauce.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can add a creamy, tangy element.
How Do You Make this Carrot Raisin Salad?
Step 1: Prepare Carrots: Peel and shred carrots and put in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients: Add raisins, walnuts and the yogurt and give it a quick stir.
Step 3: Serve: Serve or cover and store in the fridge.
Storage Tips
Store this salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This salad is a great make-ahead salad. If the dressing soaks into the carrots just add a small spoonful of yogurt and mix well.
Recipe FAQ
I suggest using a food processor or a box grater to achieve a consistent texture. The finely shredded carrots absorb the dressing better.
You don’t have to but I do find it helps the flavors meld together better. Try to chill the salad for about 30 minutes if you can.
You can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, coconut yogurt (for a dairy-free option), or a citrus-based vinaigrette instead of mayo.
Yes! Just leave out the yogurt and create a light lemony dressing using lemon juice and olive oil.
Other Carrot Recipes to Try
Vegetarian
Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup
Vegetarian
Moroccan Roasted Carrots
Vegetarian
Za’atar Roasted Carrots
Vegetarian
Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Carrot Raisin Salad
Ingredients
- 8 large carrots, peeled and shredded
- 1 cup raisins, you can use golden raisins or regular raisins
- 1 cup walnuts, halves
- 3/4 cup low fat plain yogurt, {or you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier, tangier salad}
Instructions
- Peel and shred carrots and put in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the raisins and walnuts and mix well. Add in the yogurt and mix until combined.
- Serve or cover and refrigerate.
Notes
- You can substitute the low fat plain yogurt for half low fat plain yogurt and half mayonnaise.
- You can sub the walnuts for sliced almonds or pecans.
- To add some sweetness to the yogurt you can add 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey or 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Try adding diced pineapple for sweetness.
How many of apple slices and celery should I add?.im planning to add in some..hope u can reply thanksss
I love that idea. I would add maybe one apple sliced and 2 celery stalks diced.
I’ve never made carrot salad before but you make this look so good and since I have all the ingredients on hand, I’m off to make it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Debi recently posted..Make THIS! Not THAT! Refried Beans
Thanks Debi! I like carrot salad and its pretty easy to throw together. Hope you like it!
Okay, take two (I forgot to declare my humanness first time around, haha). Any recipe with four ingredients is already a winner in my book! This looks nutritious and delicious, it’ll definitely be a welcome addition to the weeknight dinner rotation! Thanks!
😉 I know! Four ingredients makes life a little bit easier!
This sounds so goodl!!!
Thanks Liz! I love it!
Oh, Julia! So beautifully simple! You know I adore easy, healthy recipes, and this one has all that in spades! Looove it! 😀 Exactly the kind of thing busy mommies need to have in their back pockets to pull out when they get a last-minute dinner invite and need to whip up something fast! Who wouldn’t love adding this to their picnic or buffet table! Pinning for sure!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens recently posted..Easy Mexican Ravioli Lasagna (Just 5 Ingredients and No Thawing or Boiling!)
I totally agree! I had forgotten about this salad until last week but it is definitely one to keep in the back pocket! 😉
Oh this looks really delish!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) recently posted..Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
Yum! I never thought to make a salad like this – so simple and healthy!
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