If you’re looking for a refreshing dish, try this carrot raisin salad that adds a twist with pineapple and Greek yogurt. It’s perfect for hot days when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.
Solves a bland lunch problem by offering a crunchy fruit salad that is quick to prepare, kid friendly, and ready to boost daily veggie intake.
I often find myself needing a quick side dish that isn’t boring. This salad solves that problem! It’s bright and colorful, not to mention easy to whip up in just 25 minutes. Plus, making it ahead saves time when you’re ready to eat.
What I love about this recipe is how the mixture of crunchy carrots and sweet pineapple just works together. By swapping out sugar for maple syrup, you’ll get a lightened-up version that still feels indulgent but won’t leave you feeling weighed down. And, since there’s no cooking involved, it’s a real win for busy days.
If you need a simple dressing idea to pair with it, you can totally check out this Tartar Sauce for a different twist. It might just add that extra zing you’ve been looking for!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combo The mix of crunchy carrots, sweet pineapple, and tangy yogurt gives this salad a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist. It’s a nice change from usual salads.
- Light and Creamy With Greek yogurt and maple syrup, you get creaminess without it feeling heavy. It’s light enough for those hot days when you don’t want anything too filling.
- Make-Ahead Convenience You can whip this up ahead of time, making it a no-fuss option for busy days or last-minute gatherings. It just gets better after a day in the fridge.
- Stays Fresh Stored in an airtight container, this salad lasts a couple of days in the fridge without getting watery or losing its crunch. You can enjoy it throughout the week.
Crunchy Carrot Raisin Pineapple Salad
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cool Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: salad
- Method: no cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: gluten free
Description
A refreshing salad combining shredded carrots, raisins, and pineapple with a simple yogurt and mayo dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) shredded carrots, fresh
- 1 cup (165g) fresh pineapple chunks, sliced
- 1/2 cup (75g) raisins, regular or golden
- 1/4 cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Mix Carrots & Pineapple: Start by throwing the shredded carrots into a large bowl with the drained pineapple. You want to feel that crunch of the carrots and see the bright yellows peeking through. Mixing these brings out the freshness, so do not skip it!
- Add Raisins & Dressing: Toss in the raisins next, followed by your choice of a creamy dressing. You should see those raisins plumping up as they soak in some flavor. A common mistake is to add too much dressing, which makes it soggy, so go easy on it!
- Chill & Meld Flavors: Now it is time to let your salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. You want everything to meld and create a delightful flavor experience, so do not rush this step. Skipping the chill means you might miss out on that fresh taste.
- Stir Before Serving: Just before you serve, give everything a good stir. You will notice it may have settled a bit, and stirring helps redistribute that yummy dressing. Ignoring this can lead to watery spots, so do not forget to mix it up!
Notes
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Make sure to drain canned pineapple well before adding it to the salad to prevent excessive water.
- When making this salad, chilling it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes will lead to a tastier overall flavor.
- For a smoother dressing, whisk in a bit of water or additional yogurt if it seems too thick after chilling.
- If the salad looks watery after refrigeration, a gentle stir before serving helps redistribute the juices evenly.
- For plumper raisins, allowing the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld and soften them up nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Recipe Tips
- If using canned pineapple, it’s best to drain it thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- When making this salad, chilling it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes leads to a tastier overall flavor.
- For a smoother dressing, whisk in a bit of water or additional yogurt if it seems too thick after chilling.
- If the salad looks watery after refrigeration, a gentle stir before serving helps redistribute the juices evenly.
- For plumper raisins, allowing the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld and soften them up nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this carrot raisin salad alongside grilled meats for a nutritious meal. Pair it with crusty bread for a light lunch option.
This salad can also serve as a topping for tacos or wraps. Consider mixing it into grain bowls or using it as a side for any barbecued dish.
Enhance the salad with a drizzle of yogurt dressing or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor. These simple touches provide a refreshing finish to your meal.
Recipe variations
- You can use shredded zucchini instead of carrots for a lighter version of this salad.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy kick in your dressing.
- Either diced apples or pears can provide a sweet crunch that pairs nicely with the salad.
- If you’re making this dish for a larger group, increase the servings to 8 by using 8 cups of shredded carrots.
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How to Store?
To keep your carrot raisin salad fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This maintains taste and texture.
Freezing: Wrap salad tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then put in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Serving: If salad has settled, simply stir before serving to mix the ingredients well. Enjoy fresh flavors again.
If you enjoyed this carrot raisin salad or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
