This easy carrot raisin salad is creamy, refreshing, and comes together in just 10 minutes with 7 simple ingredients. It’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, picnics, and family meals!
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy salad that’s surprisingly addictive, this carrot raisin salad is a must-try!
This recipe is my homemade take on the popular Chick-fil-A carrot raisin salad that I used to love (before it was sadly discontinued). But trust me — this homemade version is just as good, if not better! The combination of crunchy shredded carrots, sweet chewy raisins, and a creamy dressing is simply irresistible. I could literally eat this whole salad to myself!
And if you love Chick-fil-A copycat recipes, be sure to check out my kale crunch salad or healthy Chick-Fil-A sauce — both are packed with the same crave-worthy flavors but with a healthier twist!
Why This Healthy Carrot Raisin Salad is a Must-Try
- Quick and easy – This salad comes together in less than 10 minutes!
- Minimal ingredients – You only need 7 simple ingredients.
- Versatile – This is the perfect salad to enjoy on its own or as a side dish.
Ingredients Needed for Carrot Raisin Salad
You only need seven simple ingredients to make this carrot salad with raisins. I bet you already have most of these items in your kitchen right now.
- carrots – the star of the dish, providing a fresh, sweet crunch. I recommend using whole carrots that you hand-shred with a box grater instead of using pre-shredded carrots from the store. They won’t look the same and the texture will be different.
- raisins – another key ingredient in this salad. Raisins add a chewy texture, natural sweetness and pair perfectly with the carrots. I used regular raisins, but golden raisins will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
- Greek yogurt – offers a creamy base for the dressing. I recommend using plain, full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt. If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt or don’t have any on hand you can use sour cream or a plant-based yogurt as a substitute.
- mayonnaise – complements the tangy yogurt to create a rich, smooth dressing.
- honey – a touch of natural sweetness to balance out the flavors of the dressing. Maple syrup would be a good substitute if you don’t have any honey on hand.
- lemon juice – adds a bright, tangy note to the dressing.
- pinch of salt – enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
I love this easy carrot salad as is, but you can always customize this recipe by adding some additional mix-in’s. Here are some ideas:
- Add herbs: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or mint for a refreshing touch that cuts through the creaminess of the dressing.
- Nuts or seeds: Add a handful of sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans for a nice crunch and an extra dose of healthy fats.
- Pineapple: The Chick-Fil-A carrot raisin salad that I loved so much had pineapple chunks in it, which would make for a great addition to this recipe. You can add a can of drained pineapple chunks or tidbits, but I wouldn’t use crushed pineapple.
- Apple: A chopped tart apple like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp would make for a great addition to this salad.
- Add spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing for a warm, spicy note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the carrots and raisins.
How to Make Carrot Raisin Salad
The best thing about this salad is how simple it is to make. Once your carrots are shredded this salad comes together in a matter of minutes!
Step 1: If you haven’t already, peel and shred your carrots. Add the shredded carrots and raisins to a medium mixing bowl, then add the Greek yogurt, mayo, honey, lemon juice and salt.
Step 2: Stir to fully combine until everything is coated with the dressing. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. How easy is that?!
Expert Tips for the Best Carrot Raisin Salad
- Use whole carrots that you hand-shred instead of pre-shredded ones from the store. If you’re in a pinch, you can use the store-bought carrots, but the texture won’t be the same.
- If your raisins are a bit dry, plump them up by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes. Drain well before adding to the salad.
- Adjust the Greek yogurt and mayo ratio based on your preference for creaminess. More yogurt makes it tangier, while more mayo adds richness.
- Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
Ways to Serve Carrot Raisin Salad
I could literally eat a whole bowl of this creamy carrot raisin salad on its own, but I also love adding it to other salad or bowl recipes like this grilled chicken salad or buddha bowl.
This salad also makes for a great side dish to any dinner, potluck or summer cookout served alongside my fave turkey burgers, cilantro lime chicken burgers, grilled sweet potatoes and this healthy pasta salad.
How to Store & Meal Prep
Store this carrot and raisin salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
If you’re planning to store the salad for a few days, consider keeping the dressing separate and mixing it in just before serving to maintain the best texture of the carrots and raisins.
If you store the salad for more than 2 days in the fridge it could become watery as some of the moisture gets pulled from the carrots.
Carrot Raisin Salad FAQs
Hand-shredded carrots have the best texture! Use a box grater or food processor for the freshest results. Pre-shredded store-bought carrots tend to be too dry and tough for this recipe.
Shredded carrots release moisture over time, which can thin out the dressing. If making this in advance, store the dressing separately and mix before serving.
Yes! This salad is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the carrots and raisins. Plus, using Greek yogurt instead of traditional heavy dressings keeps it lighter and protein-rich while still being creamy and delicious.
Freezing isn’t recommended since the carrots will lose their crunch and the dressing may separate when thawed. For best results, store it in the fridge and enjoy it fresh within a few days.
More Easy Salad Recipes to Try
Be sure to check out the full collection of salad recipes and all my healthy cookout recipes.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below.
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If you haven’t already, peel and shred your carrots.
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Add shredded carrots and raisins to a medium mixing bowl. Add greek yogurt, mayo, honey, lemon juice and salt.
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Stir to combine until everything is coated with the dressing.
- Storage: Store carrot raisin salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate and mix before serving.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream for a plant-based version.
- Meal prep tip: This salad holds up well, but if making ahead, store the dressing separately and mix before serving to keep the carrots fresh.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 143mg | Potassium: 456mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 27g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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