By Krista Teigen
Published Sep 22, 2025
Carrot raisin salad is one of those quirky, old-fashioned recipes that always seems to make a comeback. It’s cheerful, colorful, and ridiculously easy to toss together. Sweet shredded carrots, plump raisins, and juicy pineapple mingle in a creamy dressing for a side dish that somehow manages to be both refreshing and nostalgic. It’s a no-cook recipe that feels right at home at picnics, potlucks, and holiday tables alike.
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I reach for this one whenever I want something bright and fresh but still cozy enough to count as comfort food. There’s just something about that crunchy carrot bite paired with bursts of raisin sweetness and the tangy creaminess of the dressing that keeps you going back for more. It even reminds me of the version Chick-fil-A served for years, a simple, nostalgic favorite that people loved. This salad is also endlessly customizable, so you can stick to the classic or throw in your own fun twists.
Tips for Beginners
- Shred your own carrots. You can use pre-shredded carrots in a pinch, but for the best flavor and texture, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to grate them yourself. In a simple side dish like this, the carrots really shine, and freshly grated ones are sweeter, juicier, and have a softer crunch that blends beautifully with the creamy dressing.
- Drain crushed pineapple well. I’ve learned the hard way that pineapple juice can sneak in and thin out the dressing. Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple really well. Sometimes I even press it gently with a spoon to get every last bit of liquid out.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
- ▢ 1 tbsp honey
- ▢ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ▢ pinch salt and pepper
- ▢ 6 large carrots peeled and grated
- ▢ 1 cup raisins
- ▢ 8 oz. crushed pineapple (1 small can)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add in the carrots, raisins, and crushed pineapple, and stir to combine.
Becky’s Tips
- If you like things on the tangier side , try using just half the honey or skip the pineapple altogether. The carrots and raisins will still give you plenty of natural sweetness.
- Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier twist, or use your favorite dairy-free mayo to make this salad completely vegan .
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey or maple syrup.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Carrot Raisin Salad Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
Add the mix-ins: Stir in 6 grated large carrots, 1 cup raisins, and 1 (8-oz) can crushed pineapple until everything is well coated.
Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
How to Store and Make Ahead
This carrot raisin salad is a great make-ahead option because the flavors only get better as they sit. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Leftovers will stay fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container. If the dressing looks a little looser after chilling, just give it a quick stir before serving. I don’t recommend freezing it, since the carrots lose their crunch once thawed.
Carrot Raisin Salad Variations
- Dried fruit swaps : Try golden raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even diced dried apricots for a different kind of sweetness.
- Extra crunch : Beyond nuts and seeds, shredded coconut or chopped celery adds great texture.
- Fresh fruit : Apple slices, diced pears, or seedless grapes make it extra fresh and juicy.
- Warm spices : A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give the salad a cozy, unexpected twist.
- Savory balance : Add a little finely diced red onion or chives to offset the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this alongside another Chick-fil-A classic, Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, or a comforting chicken-fried steak sandwich . If you’re heading to a potluck, it’s the perfect fresh, colorful side to balance out a rich, comforting classic casserole. Honestly, it’s so versatile that it feels just as at home on an Easter brunch table as it does at a big holiday buffet.
More Salad Recipes To Try
- This Green Goddess Salad features a combination of crunchy romaine, mixed greens, and my favorite salad add-ins, drizzled with a creamy mayonnaise–sour cream dressing I’ve loaded up with fresh herbs.
- I’ve taken this Broccoli Salad , a true classic, and added even more sweet and savory flavors by throwing in chopped bacon and tart cranberries.
- Kale Salad never fails to disappoint with fresh and flavorful ingredients like lemon dressing, crunchy breadcrumbs, and nutty Parmesan.
More Classic side dishes
Mac and Cheese Casserole
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole with Cheese and Bacon
Ham and Potato Casserole
Carrot Raisin Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- pinch salt and pepper
- 6 large carrots peeled and grated
- 1 cup raisins
- 8 oz. crushed pineapple (1 small can)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add in the carrots, raisins, and crushed pineapple, and stir to combine.
Notes
- If you like things on the tangier side , try using just half the honey or skip the pineapple altogether. The carrots and raisins will still give you plenty of natural sweetness.
- Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier twist, or use your favorite dairy-free mayo to make this salad completely vegan .
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey or maple syrup.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
