Carrot Raisin Salad
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 remember eating a lot as a kid and it was one of those foods that I remember my Mom making on a regular rotation. Some folks may associate it more with an old menu item that Chick-fil-A used to carry (I wish they would bring it back!) It seems to be a generational favorite and it’s definite must-make for any summer get together! It may sound really bizarre if you’ve never had it before, but trust me when I tell you the flavors just work and it’s hard to eat just one serving!
This carrot salad was a great success, everybody had seconds. My friends all wanted the recipe!
– Brigitte
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: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- carrots – it needs to be freshly grated carrots – not the carrots that are already shredded. The dressing doesn’t properly absorb into those like it does fresh.
- raisins – as stated above, you could also use dried cranberries or even golden raisins if you prefer.
- warm water – this is to plump up the raisins a bit before using. This is optional.
- pineapple tidbits – I like to get the pineapple tidbits that are in 100% juice but if you can only find it in syrup, that is fine. Just make sure they are drained very well.
- mayonnaise – I prefer Hellman’s or Duke’s mayonnaise. Use a mayonnaise you really enjoy the taste of since it’s a major ingredient in this recipe.
- sugar – if you’ve never made or eaten this salad, then this might seem weird but do not skip it. It is essential to this recipe to get the correct flavor.
HOW TO MAKE CARROT 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. Note: this step is optional but I think it makes the raisins taste a bit better. 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?
Originally published: March 2011
Updated & republished: August 2025
Carrot Raisin Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 cup warm water (or leftover pineapple juice – just make sure it's warm)
- 1 pound carrots
- 1 small can of pineapple tidbits, drained very well (see notes below)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Optional step: Put ½ cup raisins in 1 cup warm water (or warmed up pineapple juice) so they plump back up. Once they plump up, drain water or juice.
- Peel 1 pound carrots and then grate them.
- In a medium bowl, toss grated carrots with ½ cup mayonnaise and 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar.
- Then add in raisins and 1 small can of pineapple tidbits, drained very well and stir until combined.
- Cover and put in the fridge to chill thoroughly. Give it another good stir before serving.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- 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.
- You can use the tidbits in heavy syrup or 100% juice.
- If making a double batch of this salad, it may be faster to use the grater on your food processor.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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!
Hope you love it Carlee!!
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.
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.
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.
Can you tell what size Can is the pineapple tidbits? (Weight) Many thanks!
I’m not sure of the content size, but it’s the small can about the size of a 5 ounce can of tuna.
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.
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.
making this for 80 people, next week. Hope 15 lbs of carrots will be enough Such a beautiful salad..
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
LOVED,LOVED LOVED THIS……………..SOOO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!
LOVE CARROT SALAD, GOING TO USE DRIED CRANBERRY ‘S INSTEAD OF RAISIN’S
THANK YOU
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!
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.
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!!
I LOVED it, used fresh pineapple and half greek yogurt SO good thank you!
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!
I am not a big mayo fan. Might try making this with some plain greek yogurt. Thanks for the idea!
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!
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!
I guess I'm not the only one that likes pineapple in the salad! Can't get enough carrots!
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.
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 🙂
That looks just fantastic. Cannot wait to try it.
Wondering if anyone's tried this with honey instead of sugar?
~Julie 🙂
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.
Just made this last night with less mayo, added 3 tablspoons apple cider vinegar and one apple julienned. Grandma had thirds… smile
I just love carrot raisin salad! Great recipe 🙂
Rebekah
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!
Yummy! Love the pineapple with the carrots. Great salad!
What a lovely salad ~ One of my favorites!
An absolutely refreshing bowl of fresh vegetables and fruits— healthy and yummy salad:)
Cheers
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.)
Love this salad. My mom loved making stuff like this too. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
-Gina-
Yummy, great salad! Hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂
My mom never made this, sadly. But I know I'll be making the heck out of it myself!! Yum!
Hi Brandie, I have never had this salad before….my kids love carrots…will try this as a summer treat for them.
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…
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!
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.
This looks so fresh and delicious! Yum!
I've never seen this before but I want to try it! Your mom has some really fun comfort foods!
I don't think I've ever had this…but I love all the ingredients (well, I might substitute craisins for raisins :))
Thanks, Brandie!
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!
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:):)
Hi Brandie! I've always liked this salad! We really need to bring these old recipes back!
Sounds delicious, and interesting!
Love how it looks with the bright color!
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
Love this always had this at family reunions along with that strawberry jello pretzel salad – love em both!!!! Making this tonight 🙂
Yes! Ha! Thanks Jeffrey!
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…
We love carrot salad!! and this look amazing!! gloria
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 🙂
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.