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Carrot Salad - Dinner at the Zoo

This carrot salad is fresh shredded carrots, sweet raisins and juicy pineapple, all tossed in an easy homemade dressing. A super fast side dish option that’s a big hit with both kids and adults.

I serve a salad almost every night with dinner, and sometimes plain old lettuce can get boring. I liven things up with fun salad offerings such as cool and refreshing Israeli salad, Mediterranean inspired farro salad, and this sweet and savory carrot raisin salad.

A serving bowl of carrot salad with a spoon in it.

Carrot salad is a classic dish for good reason. It’s so easy to make, has just a handful of ingredients, and has the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Serve your salad alongside hearty options like pan seared chicken breast, beef brisket or zucchini fritters for a memorable meal.

Carrot Salad Ingredients

Bowls of ingredients including carrots, raisins, mayonnaise and seasonings.

This recipe is made with carrots, pineapple, raisins, mayonnaise, sugar, pineapple juice and lemon juice.

How Do You Make Carrot Salad?

Start by shredding your carrots, or if you want to save time, buy a bag of pre-grated carrots. Place the carrots in a bowl along with raisins and diced pineapple. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and a little bit of lemon juice and pineapple juice. Pour the dressing into the bowl with the carrots, then stir everything together. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend together, then serve and enjoy.

Process shots showing how to make carrot raisin salad.

Tips For The Perfect Dish

  • The great part about this salad is that it tastes even better if you make it in advance. The salad will stay fresh in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Looking to save a few calories? It’s fine to use light mayonnaise instead of regular.
  • You can use either golden or black raisins, whatever you have on hand is fine.
  • I use canned pineapple tidbits because it’s so easy and convenient. If you prefer to cut your own pineapple, that will also be delicious.
  • I do think that freshly grated carrots have a better flavor, but if I’m in a big hurry I’ll grab a bag of shredded carrots at the grocery store.

Quick Tip

Don’t forget to save a little of the pineapple juice from the can for the dressing!

Recipe FAQs

How do you shred carrots?

Start by choosing medium or large whole carrots, then peel them and slice off both ends. Use a box grater, mandoline or food processor to shred the carrots. Each of these techniques produces slightly different results, but they’ll all work just fine.

What is carrot salad made of?

Carrot salad is made of shredded carrots, pineapple, raisins, mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice and pineapple juice.

Can you grate carrots ahead of time?

You can absolutely grate your carrots ahead of time for this salad. Grated or shredded carrots will stay fresh for 3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

A bowl of dressing being poured over carrots, raisins and pineapple.

Carrot Raisin Salad Flavor Variations

While this salad is fabulous as-is, you can switch up some of the flavors to customize the recipe to your tastes.

  • Dressing: Sometimes I make a little bit different version of the dressing by combining one part of mayonnaise with one part of Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also use pineapple juice to flavor the dressing instead of lemon juice.
  • Fruit: You can use other types of fruit instead of pineapple such as oranges or apples. No raisins in the pantry? Feel free to use a different type of dried fruit such as dried cranberries.
  • Toppings: Add a little extra crunch to your salad with toasted walnuts or sliced almonds.
A serving of carrot salad on a lettuce leaf.

Next time you’re looking for a side dish to please a crowd, whip up a batch of carrot salad. You’ll be glad you did!

More Great Ways To Enjoy Carrots

Love This Recipe?

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This carrot salad is fresh shredded carrots, sweet raisins and juicy pineapple, all tossed in an easy homemade dressing. A super fast side dish option that’s a big hit with both kids and adults.

  • Drain the pineapple, but reserve 2 teaspoons of the juice for the dressing.

  • Place the carrots, pineapple and raisins in a large bowl.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, pineapple juice and sugar.

  • Pour the dressing into the bowl with the carrot mixture. Stir until well combined.

  • Cover and refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then serve.

  1. The great part about this salad is that it tastes even better if you make it in advance. The salad will stay fresh in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  2. Looking to save a few calories? Feel free to use light mayonnaise.
  3. I do think that freshly grated carrots have a better flavor, but if I’m in a big hurry I’ll grab a bag of shredded carrots at the grocery store.

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 361mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 10724IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

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