Traditional Carrot Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Carrot salad is a timeless classic that brings a bright, crunchy, and slightly sweet element to your table. Perfect for any season, this traditional carrot salad combines simple ingredients to create a refreshing side dish that's both easy to make and delightfully flavorful.

Ingredients for Traditional Carrot Salad

Carrots are the star of the show, providing a crunchy texture and natural sweetness. Make sure they’re fresh and firm. Raisins add a chewy, sweet contrast that complements the carrots beautifully. Mayonnaise acts as the creamy base for the dressing, bringing everything together. Lemon juice introduces a bright, acidic note that balances the sweetness. Honey enhances the salad's sweetness without overpowering it. Salt and black pepper round out the flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • If you like a bit more crunch, add some chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
  • Make sure to chill the salad, as it enhances the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This carrot salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making for a light and balanced meal. It’s also a great accompaniment to a barbecue, offering a refreshing contrast to smoky flavors. Serve it on a bed of lettuce for a pretty presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What can I use instead of raisins?
You can substitute dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile.
Is there a vegan option?
Yes, use vegan mayonnaise and swap honey for agave nectar or maple syrup.

Traditional Carrot Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by shredding your carrots if they aren’t already prepped. You can use a box grater or a food processor for this step. Aim for about 4 cups of shredded carrots, which will be the base of your salad.

In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots and half a cup of raisins. Toss them together to ensure the raisins don’t clump in one spot but get evenly distributed throughout the carrots.

Next, grab a small bowl and whisk together the dressing ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.

Pour the dressing over the carrot and raisin mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to toss everything together until the carrots and raisins are evenly coated with the dressing.

Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, giving you a more cohesive taste when you serve it.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
  • No cooking required — just mix and chill!
  • Versatile side dish for any meal.
  • Great for making ahead of time.

Ingredients

4 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots and raisins.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

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