This 4 Ingredient Carrot Raisin Salad uses four ingredients and is a salad that can be made in as little as 10 minutes. It is a healthy salad for a meal or a nice side dish to bring to a picnic or BBQ. This is a great warm weather salad to pair alongside your meal or eat for lunches.
Growing up my Mom almost always had a salad to accompany our dinner and this 4 Ingredient Carrot Salad was one of those salads we made a lot.
Salads are my favorite thing to eat; healthy, versatile, easy to throw together. But if you think about having a salad with every dinner throughout the year that is a lot of salads and they can get boring real fast.
Creativity is the key to keeping the family healthy and eating their greens and veggies. 4 Ingredient Carrot Raisin Salad was one of the simple salads my Mom would make us.
When I was visiting my Mom in Tennessee last week she made this salad and it reminded me how much I like it. I was excited to share it with you guys because of its simplicity for those busy days. It is perfect for a family of 4 or 5 and easy to throw together, taking about 10 minutes. This would also be a great salad to double and take to a picnic.
You will notice that I used low fat plain yogurt for the dressing in this recipe but if you prefer you can use half mayonnaise and half yogurt. I also use regular raisins but I have used golden raisins and dried cranberries and those taste great as well.
Ingredient Notes
- 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 pre-shredded 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.
How Do You Make this Carrot Raisin Salad?
Step 1: Prepare Carrots: Peel and shred carrots and put in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients: Add raisins, walnuts and the yogurt and mix well.
Step 3: Serve: Serve or cover and refrigerate.
Recipe FAQ
While I like the simple combination in this recipe there are a few other ingredients that work well. Try adding diced apples or pineapple chunks which can add freshness and extra sweetness. 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.
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.
Other Carrot Recipes to Try:
If you are a fan of carrots try one of these delicious recipes!
- Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup
- Za’atar Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Carrots with Pistachios
- Balsamic Roasted Carrots
- Moroccan Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Carrots and Beets with Tahini
4 Ingredient 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 raising 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.
Carmela
Monday 7th of February 2022
How many of apple slices and celery should I add?.im planning to add in some..hope u can reply thanksss
Julia
Monday 7th of February 2022
I love that idea. I would add maybe one apple sliced and 2 celery stalks diced.
Debi
Thursday 22nd of May 2014
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!
Julia
Thursday 22nd of May 2014
Thanks Debi! I like carrot salad and its pretty easy to throw together. Hope you like it!
laurasmess
Friday 2nd of May 2014
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!
Julia
Friday 2nd of May 2014
;) I know! Four ingredients makes life a little bit easier!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
Thursday 1st of May 2014
This sounds so goodl!!!
Julia
Friday 2nd of May 2014
Thanks Liz! I love it!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens
Thursday 1st of May 2014
Oh, Julia! So beautifully simple! You know I adore easy, healthy recipes, and this one has all that in spades! Looove it! :D 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!
Julia
Thursday 1st of May 2014
I totally agree! I had forgotten about this salad until last week but it is definitely one to keep in the back pocket! ;)