If you’re searching for a delightful side that bursts with vibrant colors and a perfect balance of creamy and sweet, the Creamy Carrot Salad with Raisins Recipe is an absolute must-try. This refreshing salad brings tender shredded carrots together with plump raisins, all enveloped in a luscious dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. It’s that classic combo that instantly lifts any meal and makes for a nostalgic yet fresh dish everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad’s charm lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, from adding natural sweetness to creating the creamy texture that makes every bite irresistible.
- 4 cups shredded carrots: Fresh, crisp carrots provide a sweet crunch and beautiful orange hue that’s both appetizing and nutritious.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: This adds creamy richness, giving the salad its smooth, indulgent mouthfeel.
- â…“ cup sour cream: Balances the mayo with a slight tang, creating depth in the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidity that brightens the overall flavor and prevents the salad from feeling heavy.
- 1 cup raisins: Luscious bursts of sweetness that perfectly complement the carrots’ earthiness while adding a chewy texture.
How to Make Creamy Carrot Salad with Raisins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Carrots and Raisins
Begin by shredding about six large carrots to make 4 cups of fine, tender strands. Toss these shredded carrots together with a cup of raisins in a large mixing bowl. The raisins will soak up moisture and swell slightly, lending their natural sweetness to every bite.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar until you achieve a smooth, well-blended dressing. This creamy mixture is the magic glue that brings the salad together with just the right balance of tang and richness.
Step 3: Combine and Coat
Pour the dressing over the carrot and raisin mixture. Using a large spoon, gently fold everything together until all the carrots and raisins are evenly coated with the luscious dressing, ensuring every forkful is flavorful and creamy.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor Fusion
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while the carrots soften slightly and the dressing thickens into perfection.
Step 5: Final Stir and Serve
Before serving, give your salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Taste and if needed, adjust seasoning with a little salt or more vinegar to brighten the flavors just right.
How to Serve Creamy Carrot Salad with Raisins Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top just before serving. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can add a refreshing note and lovely green contrast against the vibrant orange of the carrots.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or even on a picnic spread alongside sandwiches and chips. Its creamy sweetness beautifully complements hearty mains, making it an excellent go-to side for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by layering the salad in clear glass jars for grab-and-go lunches or pack it in cute ramekins for individual portions at a party. You can even stuff it into pita pockets with greens for a fun twist on a quick, healthy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Carrot Salad with Raisins Recipe actually tastes better the next day, once the flavors have further melded. Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
Because of its creamy dressing and the texture of carrots and raisins, this salad is not ideal for freezing. The dairy may separate and the carrots can become mushy after thawing, so it’s best to prepare it fresh or keep it refrigerated only.
Reheating
This salad is always best served chilled or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat, as warming will alter the crisp texture of the carrots and the freshness of the creamy dressing.
FAQs
Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy creaminess and may be a lighter option if you prefer. Just be sure to choose plain yogurt to keep the flavor balanced.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad before serving?
Yes, chilling the salad for at least an hour helps the flavors develop and the dressing thicken, making the salad even more delicious.
Can I add nuts to the salad itself?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans directly into the salad enhances texture and adds a delightful crunch, pairing well with the creamy and sweet elements.
How long can this salad be kept in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the salad will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
The original Creamy Carrot Salad with Raisins Recipe uses dairy-based mayo and sour cream, but you can easily make it vegan-friendly by swapping in plant-based mayo and sour cream alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Creamy Carrot Salad with Raisins Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite side dishes to whip up for any occasion. It’s vibrant, creamy, sweet, and tangy all at once—a little bowl of pure joy that makes healthy eating feel like a treat. So grab those carrots and raisins and enjoy this simple yet irresistible salad that’s sure to brighten your table and your day!
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Creamy Carrot Salad with Raisins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and refreshing Creamy Carrot Salad featuring shredded carrots and raisins tossed in a tangy, smooth mayonnaise and sour cream dressing. This salad is chilled to meld the flavors perfectly, making it an easy and delightful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups shredded carrots (about 6 large carrots)
- 1 cup raisins
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- â…“ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Combine carrots and raisins: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded carrots along with the raisins, stirring them together gently to distribute evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the carrot and raisin mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat all the ingredients well.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour so the flavors can blend and the salad can chill properly.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir to recombine dressing and ingredients, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- Shredding carrots fresh yields the best texture; alternatively, pre-shredded carrots can be used for convenience.
- For a sweeter version, increase the amount of raisins or add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavor melding.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Stir well before serving as dressing tends to settle at the bottom after refrigeration.
