Description
A bright, crunchy carrot salad studded with sweet raisins and dressed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Quick to make and perfect as a side for weeknight dinners, picnics, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups freshly grated carrots
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Tools: Have a large mixing bowl, a smaller bowl for the dressing, measuring cups and spoons, and a box grater or food processor ready.
- Prep Carrots: Peel and finely grate carrots until you have about 4 cups, then place them in the large mixing bowl.
- Plump Raisins: Optionally soak 1 cup raisins in warm water for 5 minutes, drain, and add them to the grated carrots.
- Make Dressing: In the smaller bowl whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the carrots and raisins, then toss gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.
- Serve: Give the salad a final toss, transfer to a serving bowl, garnish if desired, and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-shredded for better texture and flavor.
- Soaking raisins briefly in warm water plumps them and prevents chewiness.
- For a lighter version, replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Make it up to a day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator for best flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: carrot raisin salad, carrot salad, raisin salad, quick side dish, make-ahead salad, potluck salad