When the weather is hot I never really feel like eating very much. Hot meals…
Carrot and Raisin Salad Recipe
Full of flavour and goodness this crunchy carrot and raisin salad is simple to make. Ideal for barbecues, parties or part of a salad. It will soon become a family favourite.
Are you bored of making the same salads all the time? This carrot and raisin salad will change your mind. Once you try it you will want to have it again and again. It is perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues, garden parties, picnics or family gatherings. Whilst it is easy to make it tastes amazing and looks as if you have made a huge effort. Why not try making it and impress your friends and family?
Carrot Raisin Salad
Carrot raisin salad has its origins in America’s Southern States where it is often found as a side dish at a barbecue. For me it brings back childhood memories. I remember eating it at one particular outdoor party when we were kids. We were on holiday in Tennessee and at a barbecue with my parents friends.
Whilst playing in the garden we heard a rustling in the bushes and went to investigate. Looking behind the bushes we found ourselves face to face with a very startled looking skunk. We ran away up the garden at great speed yelling “Skunk” at the top of our voices. The look on our parents faces was one of surprise and shock! I think we had a lucky escape as the skunk did not spray us, it just ran away.
After that surprise we were more than ready for our food. The barbecue was served with lots of sides including this salad which was so vibrant, fresh and flavourful.
How to make this salad
These are the steps you need to take to make this delicious salad. Scroll down to get a complete printable recipe.
What ingredients do I need?
This carrot and raisin salad is made with just five ingredients.
- Carrots
- Raisins
- Celery
- Walnuts
- Mayonnaise
Can I make the salad without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use Greek yoghurt instead.
A simple oil based dressing also works well. Mix 60 ml of olive oil with the juice of half a lemon. Add 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp mustard, ¼ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt and some black pepper. Mix well and pour over the salad.
Steps to make the salad
This salad is so easy to make. Grate the carrot, you can use a food processor to do this if you have one. Chop the celery and walnuts into small pieces. Mix together the grated carrot, raisins, celery and walnuts in a bowl. Add the mayonnaise and stir through.
Leave in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. It is a great dish to make ahead as the flavour improves the longer you leave it.
How long will it keep
It will keep for two to three days in the refrigerator, if you can resist eating it!
Variations on the main recipe
There are a number of different variations on the main recipe you can try. To make it a little sweeter you can try carrot and raisin salad with pineapple. Just drain a tin of crushed pineapple and stir it into the salad. You can add a little pineapple juice into the dressing.
You can also stir a little shredded coconut into the salad to add a hint of sweetness to the flavour.
Carrots are one of those vegetables that are full of nutrients and are available in the winter. You can make this recipe all year round. Why not add a little sunshine to your plate in the winter?
Carrot and Raisin Salad Recipe
Carrot and Raisin Salad
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 140 g carrots (about three medium carrots)
- 160 g raisins or sultanas
- 2 stalks celery
- 30 g walnuts
- 80 ml low fat mayonnaise
Instructions
- Grate the carrots
- Chop the celery and walnuts into small pieces
- Put the raisins, grated carrots, walnuts and celery into a bowl and mix
- Add the mayonnaise and mix through
- Put in the fridge for a couple of hours until ready to serve
Notes
Why not pin the recipe for later?
Other carrot recipes to try
If you are looking for other recipes to make with carrots why not try these?
Mammasaurus says
Oh this looks good! I have a killer pulled pork recipe that this would go really well with – printing this page off to add to my recipe book! x
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
oooh now I never thought of serving that with it, I think that would work really well
Angela says
It looks like we are all making summer dishes in the hope that the sun will eventually shine 😉 It looks like a nice easy salad to make.
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
I am hoping for a long hot summer 🙂
Emily (@amummytoo) says
Lovely and simple. Looks yum too. I’d happily have this for lunch. Maybe with some crusty bread – mmmm.