This Carrot Raisin Salad recipe is just like the one that used to be served at Chick-fil-A. Freshly grated carrots, raisins, pineapple tidbits and dressing!
A CLASSIC PICNIC SIDE DISH
Carrot raisin salad is one of those dishes I always remember eating and it was one of those foods that I remember my Mom making on a regular rotation when I was a kid. There are a few of those recipes that I have shared on here already: MOM'S TACO SALAD, PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPIES TREATS, and ORANGE FLUFF.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
No I don't recommend doing that. It will have a completely different texture and the carrot sticks won't soak up the dressing properly.
If you love dried cranberries then I say go for it! Also, golden raisins work well too in this.
This is always a tough question for me because I really do not like Miracle Whip dressing at all. It is far too tangy for my tastes but if it's something you just love and adore, then that decision is up to you.
This step is optional but I really do recommend it. It only takes a few minutes and they can soak while you prepare the other ingredients. It really does plump the raisins up.
Again, I don't recommend it here. Crushed pineapple can release too much liquid into the salad and can really mess up the texture that you want in a carrot raisin salad.
Yes, absolutely. Just make sure you cut it up so it's bite sized.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)
carrots
raisins
warm water
pineapple tidbits
mayonnaise
sugar
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CARROT RAISIN SALAD:
Put raisins in a cup of very warm water (or warmed up apple juice/ leftover pineapple juice) so they plump back up. Once they plump back up, discard the liquid.
Drain pineapple of excess juices. Peel carrots and then grate them. If making a double batch of this salad, it may be faster to use the grater on your food processor.
In a bowl, toss grated carrots with mayonnaise and sugar.
Then add in raisins and pineapple. Give it all a good stir.
Cover and put in the fridge to chill thoroughly.
Give it another good stir before serving.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES? GIVE THESE A TRY!
HOMEMADE CARROT RAISIN SALAD
Ingredients
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 cup warm water or leftover pineapple juice
- 1 small can of pineapple tidbits, drained very well
- 1 pound carrots
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Put raisins in a cup of very warm water (or warmed up apple juice) so they plump back up. Once they plump up, drain water or juice.
- Peel carrots and then grate them.
- In a medium bowl, toss grated carrots with mayo and sugar.
- Then add in raisins and pineapple and stir until combined.
- Cover and put in the fridge to chill thoroughly. Give it another good stir before serving.
Video
Notes
- I don't recommend using store-bought carrot sticks. It will have a completely different texture and the carrot sticks won't soak up the dressing properly.
- Dried cranberries and golden raisins will also work in this recipe.
- Only pineapple tidbits or fresh cut pineapple should used in this recipe. Crushed pineapple can release too much liquid into the salad and can really mess up the texture that you want in a carrot raisin salad.
- If making a double batch of this salad, it may be faster to use the grater on your food processor.
Nutrition
Originally published: March 2011
Updated & Re-published: March 2019
saler
Exactly what I was looking for!
Frank
Scrolled through all comments. Intend to make it soon. Remember my grandma made it in the 70’s. Will use all ingredients suggested. Mandarin oranges, pineapple, apples, raisins, craisins, pecans. Maybe I should just add the carrots to the fruit salad fluff, that has previous ingredients plus marshmallows, fruit cocktail & Cool Whip.
Deb
Can you use Miracle Whip or should you use a mayonnaise?
Steven B.
Easy and so, so tasty.
Charlu
Absolutely delicious! I didn't even use all the water because there was a little after washing off the carrots so the pineapple juice was enough. This was sweet enough to curb my cravings for those sugary items that give you the crash tired feeling after indulging and filled me up quickly. I'm definitely passing this recipe on to friends with smaller children as I know they will love it and others like me who need to eat healthier to watch our weight, keep bones and heart healthy, etc.
Janice
Thanks for the recipe. Just like the one my Mother made. Going to make it again tonight.
Rebecca
Is this a good “make ahead” recipe? I’m thinking of making it at night then serving at a luncheon the next day. Also, have you ever tried it with the bags of carrots that come pre-shredded? If so, how was it? Thank you!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Rebecca - not too far ahead. The carrots do soften. The pre-shedded carrots work but they don't absorb the dressing the way freshly grated carrots do whichh gives it that great flavor!
Yvonne E Siber
My mom always made a similar recipe which was enjoyed by a lot Thanksgiving. Only exception was she used madarin oranges in place of pineapple. This is the route I'm going to try this year. Thank you for posting this; I've trying to find one similar to hers since she's no longer with us 15 years this past March.
Paula
Do you use real mayonnaise or miracle whip?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
It definitely needs to be real mayonnaise. 🙂
Gwen Becton
I loved this salad as a child and my kids love it. I haven't made it in a while. I have a small can of crushed pineapple and I wonder if that can be substituted for the tidbits.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
That's a good question. I've never made with crushed pineapple. I'm sure you could. Just drain it well. 🙂
Carlee
I don't think I've ever had carrot salad, but I love recipes with a vintage feel like this. I am going to have to make some asap!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hope you love it Carlee!!
irene slorp
I am giving this a 5* rating because it is exactly the same one I use to eat as a child. Have not made it in a long time but we have a 5th Sunday coming up this month, March 2019 and I will be making it. Will let you know how people react to it.
Diane M.
Thank you for this recipe. My Grandmother used to make this. I also liked getting it at Chick-fil-A. I was disappointed when they stopped making it. Thank you again and I look forward to making it.
Olivia
I know that this salad will taste good because it is the one my mother made for us in the 1950's. Thank you for the recipe because my Momma just threw it together and I never could get the proportions right.
DiEtta
Can you tell what size Can is the pineapple tidbits? (Weight) Many thanks!
Joyce Clark
I'm not sure of the content size, but it's the small can about the size of a 5 ounce can of tuna.
Helen
Thanks tor the great recipe! Similar to Luby's Cafeteria! Mom always made it without the pineapple but it does makes it better! I used Splenda Naturals Stevia sweetener and its delicious. Reversed Type 2 Diabetes & get enough carbs & sugar in the carrots. Will be making it more often.
joyce
Think this is the salad Furr's Cafeteria used to serve. Grandkids expect carrot for holiday meals I'm going to try this instead of cooked. Thank for the recipe I think it is what I was looking for.
Terrie Sutton
making this for 80 people, next week. Hope 15 lbs of carrots will be enough Such a beautiful salad..
Catherine Smith
I've always loved this salad my mom used to make it all the time but she used apples instead of pineapples and it was really good
pauline morris
LOVED,LOVED LOVED THIS.................SOOO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!
WANDA LE BEAU
LOVE CARROT SALAD, GOING TO USE DRIED CRANBERRY 'S INSTEAD OF RAISIN'S
THANK YOU
Virginia Moore
Seeing this salad brings back happy memories for me. When our 3 children were young and their engineer father traveled a lot, I would make this favorite meal when he was out of town (because he hated mac & cheese): macaroni & cheese, carrot & raisin salad and green beans. It was easy, healthy and delicious!
Anonymous
I have not tried this yet but I was looking for something new to try for a church luncheon coming up next Sunday. Sounds like something that might be enjoyed and it's healthy. I'm thinking some pecans added would be great. I'm going to make a small bowl of this just to see how it goes over. I know I'm going to like it. I love carrots, pineapple and raisins.
Denise Hanson
Even more healthy and delicious try making it with vanilla yogurt. I use non fat Greek. Nummy!! I have never added the pineapple but am going to try it!!
Amanda Kelleher
I LOVED it, used fresh pineapple and half greek yogurt SO good thank you!
Marie B
I haven't had this salad in a long time. I do believe my mother used to put walnuts in it too. Will have to whip me up a bowl! Will be pinning for sure!
SaraBeAn
I am not a big mayo fan. Might try making this with some plain greek yogurt. Thanks for the idea!
Diane
My first time making Carrot Salad, and it was so good! I used Miracle Whip and gave the carrots a few quick pulses in the food processor. Loved the addition of pineapple. Great recipe, and healthy too!
Anonymous
i love this salad! my mom use to make this all the time. she used miracle whip instead of mayo & added mini marshmallows...YUMMY! thanks for the reminder!
Alessa
I guess I'm not the only one that likes pineapple in the salad! Can't get enough carrots!
Mrs. T.
I love carrot salad and this recipe seems to be the original dish that I tried at a local restaurant. I'm going to try it very soon.
Anonymous
Will do! I'm waiting until I make my next batch of mayonnaise, which I want to try with coconut oil.
In the meantime, I'll share a similar recipe I made this morning (inspired by both this recipe & a friend's yam/sweet potato recipe).
Mix shredded carrots, yams & apples, a handful of raisins and sprinkle with cinnamon.
I already had the first 2 ingredients grated, so I took a couple apples & grated them by hand on the smaller side of the grater and due to the juiciness of the apples it came out more like applesauce. My girls (most of whom would *not* eat raw yams or carrots) loved it. In fact one of them called it applesauce. 🙂 Definitely a keeper!
~Julie 🙂
carolina
That looks just fantastic. Cannot wait to try it.
Julie
Wondering if anyone's tried this with honey instead of sugar?
~Julie 🙂
Carolyn Rill
I also add a dash of cinnamon and often grate in an apple--the grand kids LOVE it! Also, try adding chopped roasted walnuts or pecans to up the nutritive value.
Anonymous
Just made this last night with less mayo, added 3 tablspoons apple cider vinegar and one apple julienned. Grandma had thirds... smile
Rebekah
I just love carrot raisin salad! Great recipe 🙂
Rebekah
The Mom Chef
I don't remember my mom adding pineapple, but yeah, she had a carrot salad with raisins as well. I loved it. I guess I need to try it on Dudette since she doesn't like cooked carrots. Thanks for the reminder and the recipe!
Cheryl
Yummy! Love the pineapple with the carrots. Great salad!
Diana's Cocina
What a lovely salad ~ One of my favorites!
Malli
An absolutely refreshing bowl of fresh vegetables and fruits--- healthy and yummy salad:)
Cheers
scratch-made wife
Carrots and pineapple, huh? I've never thought to put them together! What a great ideas. (Aren't Mommas just full of them?!) We've actually been eating a lot of carrots lately. I've mainly just been roasting or steaming them, but this salad looks like a great dish. I think I'll work it into our regular rotation! (I might have to leave out the raisins, though. I almost always prefer them all by themselves.)
Gina
Love this salad. My mom loved making stuff like this too. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
-Gina-
Martha
Yummy, great salad! Hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂
MrsJenB
My mom never made this, sadly. But I know I'll be making the heck out of it myself!! Yum!
Nisa Homey
Hi Brandie, I have never had this salad before....my kids love carrots...will try this as a summer treat for them.
Polish Mama on the Prairie
I have tried my hand at making this and every time was a fail. Of course, I did it off the top of my head without thinking it through each time. Will have to try next time this way...
Raven
I don't know if you know this...but my favorite food is carrots! haha, I am in love with this salad right now...thank you so much for sharing!
Rosemary
This was a childhood fave of mine, too -- except not at home. It was the school cafeteria! At home, we had only tossed salads! Still love it.
Henna
This looks so fresh and delicious! Yum!
Haley
I've never seen this before but I want to try it! Your mom has some really fun comfort foods!
Lizzy
I don't think I've ever had this...but I love all the ingredients (well, I might substitute craisins for raisins :))
Thanks, Brandie!
Kimberly
Hey Girl! This sounds really good! I think my son would just eat this up! haha! Pun intended.. 😉 I love that you feature so many of your Mom's recipes, that's just so neat!
Farmwife
I am so happy you posted this!! I have been trying to be more creative on feeding Parker his veggies...this morning I put spinach in his scrambles but he didn't touch it!! Bella our dog liked it though:):)
Patti
Hi Brandie! I've always liked this salad! We really need to bring these old recipes back!
Sandra
Sounds delicious, and interesting!
Love how it looks with the bright color!
Jennifer
I'm not sure I've had anything quite like this but it looks and sounds like it would be really good. Thanks for sharing it. I think I'm going to give this one a try 🙂
Jennifer
Jeffrey sansone
Love this always had this at family reunions along with that strawberry jello pretzel salad - love em both!!!! Making this tonight 🙂
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Yes! Ha! Thanks Jeffrey!
Jill
Hi Brandie,
It's too funny. My mum did a carrot salad, too, but instead of the pineapple it was peanuts. Your mum wins on the healthy front! OMG, why didn't we get the pineapple...
Gloria
We love carrot salad!! and this look amazing!! gloria
Katie
My mom always made this salad too 🙂 It is so yummy and a great way to get in some veggie servings! Nothing is quite as good as recipes from Mom 🙂
Becky
This salad does bring back memories of family reunions in Southern Illinois, the massive amounts of food. Someone always made this salad and I haven't made this in so long. Time to dust off this recipe.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your childhood.