21 Classic Carrot Raisin Salad Recipes

You know that bag of carrots in your fridge and the box of raisins in your pantry? The ones that always seem to be there, waiting for you to figure out what to do with them?

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stared at those two ingredients, knowing they could become something good but not quite sure what. Then I remembered carrot raisin salad—that classic dish that showed up at every potluck and family gathering when I was growing up. It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, and somehow, it’s exactly what you want to eat alongside almost anything.

The beauty of carrot raisin salad is how forgiving it is. You can go creamy with mayonnaise, light with yogurt, or tangy with vinaigrette. Add pineapple for sweetness, nuts for crunch, or spices for warmth. Every version works, and they all start with those same two ingredients you already have.

These 21 recipes range from traditional to unexpected. Whether you’re looking for grandma’s version or something completely new, there’s a carrot raisin salad here for you.

1. Grandma’s Classic Carrot Raisin Salad

This is the version that started it all. Simple, creamy, and just sweet enough. The kind of salad that shows up at family gatherings and disappears before you get seconds .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. 1 cup raisins
3. ½ cup mayonnaise
4. 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
5. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish

Recipe Steps:

1. Grate carrots using a box grater or food processor.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots and raisins. Pour dressing over and toss until well coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
5. Garnish with nuts before serving if desired.

2. Creamy Pineapple Carrot Raisin Salad

The addition of crushed pineapple takes this classic to another level. It adds sweetness and moisture that makes this version extra special .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. 1 cup raisins
3. 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained
4. ½ cup mayonnaise
5. ⅓ cup sour cream
6. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
7. Kosher salt to taste
8. Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, raisins, and drained crushed pineapple.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over carrot mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
5. Give it a final stir and serve cold.

3. Healthy Yogurt Carrot Raisin Salad

For a lighter take on the classic, Greek yogurt replaces most of the mayonnaise. It’s still creamy but with a pleasant tang and less fat .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ½ cup raisins
3. ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
4. ¼ cup mayonnaise
5. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
6. 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
7. Pinch of salt

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and salt until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots and raisins.
3. Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
4. Cover and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
5. Stir well before serving as dressing may settle.

4. Old-Fashioned Carrot Pineapple Salad

This version uses the pineapple juice in the dressing for extra flavor. It’s a clever trick that makes the salad taste more cohesive .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups carrots, grated
2. 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice
3. ¼ cup raisins
4. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
5. 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
6. 1 teaspoon sugar
7. ⅛ teaspoon salt

Recipe Steps:

1. Drain pineapple lightly, reserving 2 tablespoons of the juice.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, pineapple, and raisins.
3. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, reserved pineapple juice, sugar, and salt.
4. Pour dressing over carrot mixture and stir well.
5. Chill before serving.

5. Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette Carrot Salad

This version skips the creamy dressing entirely for a bright, tangy alternative. The lemon and honey let the carrots shine .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ½ cup raisins
3. ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
4. ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
5. For dressing: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, raisins, and fresh mint.
3. Pour dressing over and toss well.
4. Let sit for 30-60 minutes for flavors to meld.
5. Top with toasted walnuts before serving.

6. Coconut Carrot Raisin Salad

The addition of flaked coconut gives this salad a tropical twist. It’s like a vacation in a bowl .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups carrots, grated
2. ½ cup flaked coconut
3. ½ cup raisins
4. ⅓ cup mayonnaise
5. ⅓ cup salted peanuts
6. 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, flaked coconut, raisins, drained pineapple, and peanuts.
2. Add mayonnaise and stir until everything is well coated.
3. Cover and chill for 2-3 hours before serving.
4. Serve on lettuce leaves if desired.

7. Spiced Carrot Raisin Salad with Cinnamon

A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the classic combination. It’s a small change that makes a big difference .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ¾ cup raisins
3. ½ cup mayonnaise
4. 1 tablespoon honey
5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
6. ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
7. ¼ teaspoon salt

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots and raisins.
3. Pour dressing over and toss until well coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

8. Apple Carrot Raisin Salad

Adding a tart apple like Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the raisins and adds extra crunch .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups carrots, grated
2. 1 large Granny Smith apple, grated or finely diced
3. ¾ cup raisins
4. ½ cup mayonnaise
5. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
6. 1 tablespoon honey
7. Salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, grated apple, and raisins.
3. Pour dressing over and toss well.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

9. Orange Blossom Carrot Raisin Salad

This elegant version uses orange blossom water and a hint of cinnamon for a subtly floral, sophisticated twist .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ½ cup golden raisins
3. 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
4. ¼ cup olive oil
5. 2 tablespoons orange juice
6. 1 tablespoon honey
7. Pinch of cinnamon
8. Salt to taste
9. 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together orange blossom water, olive oil, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots and golden raisins.
3. Pour dressing over and toss well.
4. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
5. Top with chopped pistachios before serving.

10. Cream Cheese Carrot Raisin Salad

For an extra-rich version, cream cheese adds tang and creaminess that takes this salad over the top .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. 1 cup raisins
3. 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4. ¼ cup mayonnaise
5. 2 tablespoons honey
6. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
7. Salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots and raisins.
3. Add cream cheese mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

11. Ginger-Lime Carrot Raisin Salad

Fresh ginger and lime give this version a bright, zesty kick. It’s refreshing and unexpected .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ½ cup raisins
3. ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
4. For dressing: ¼ cup olive oil, juice of 2 limes, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, raisins, and cilantro.
3. Pour dressing over and toss well.
4. Let sit for 30 minutes before serving.

12. Maple Pecan Carrot Raisin Salad

Maple syrup and toasted pecans turn this salad into something that tastes like fall. The pecans add essential crunch .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1½ pounds carrots, grated (about 4 cups)
2. 1 cup raisins
3. ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
4. For dressing: ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt

Recipe Steps:

1. If raisins are hard, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes, then pat dry.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, maple syrup, lemon juice, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine carrots, raisins, and pecans.
4. Add dressing and toss to combine.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

13. Sunflower Seed Carrot Raisin Salad

For a nut-free version that still has crunch, sunflower seeds are the perfect solution. They’re budget-friendly too .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ¾ cup raisins
3. ½ cup sunflower seeds, toasted
4. ½ cup mayonnaise
5. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
6. 1 tablespoon honey
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, raisins, and sunflower seeds.
3. Pour dressing over and toss well.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

14. Dijon Mustard Carrot Raisin Salad

A touch of Dijon mustard in the dressing adds tang and complexity. It’s a grown-up version of the classic .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ¾ cup raisins
3. ½ cup walnuts, toasted
4. For dressing: ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, raisins, and walnuts.
3. Pour dressing over and toss until well coated.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

15. Orange and Date Carrot Salad

This version swaps raisins for chopped dates and adds fresh orange segments. It’s chewy, sweet, and absolutely delicious .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. 1 orange, peeled and segmented
3. ½ cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
4. ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
5. For dressing: ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, salt

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine grated carrots, orange segments, chopped dates, and pistachios.
3. Pour dressing over and toss gently to avoid breaking orange segments.
4. Serve immediately or chilled.

16. Greek Yogurt and Honey Version

This simple, healthier version lets the carrots shine. The honey and yogurt create a light, creamy coating .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. 1 cup raisins
3. 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
4. 2 tablespoons honey
5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
6. Pinch of salt

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots and raisins.
3. Add yogurt mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

17. Carrot Raisin Salad with Marinated Raisins

Soaking the raisins in warm apple juice before adding them makes them extra plump and flavorful .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 25 minutes (includes soaking time)

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound carrots, grated
2. ½ cup raisins
3. 1 cup warm apple juice (for soaking)
4. 1 small can pineapple tidbits, drained
5. ½ cup mayonnaise
6. 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Recipe Steps:

1. Place raisins in a bowl and cover with warm apple juice. Let sit for 15-20 minutes until plump, then drain well.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, plumped raisins, and drained pineapple.
3. Add mayonnaise and sugar if using. Stir until well combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
5. Stir again before serving.

18. Curried Carrot Raisin Salad

A hint of curry powder adds warmth and complexity. This version is unexpected and completely delicious .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ¾ cup raisins
3. ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
4. For dressing: ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon curry powder, ½ teaspoon honey, salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, honey, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, raisins, and toasted almonds.
3. Pour dressing over and toss until well coated.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

19. Cranberry Carrot Salad

Using dried cranberries instead of raisins gives this salad a tarter, brighter flavor. It’s a simple swap that changes everything .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. 1 cup dried cranberries
3. ½ cup pecans, toasted
4. For dressing: ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon orange zest, salt

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, orange juice, honey, orange zest, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, dried cranberries, and pecans.
3. Pour dressing over and toss well.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

20. Mint and Parsley Carrot Raisin Salad

Fresh herbs brighten up this salad and make it feel lighter. The combination of mint and parsley works beautifully .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ½ cup raisins
3. ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
4. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
5. For dressing: ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, salt and pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, raisins, mint, and parsley.
3. Pour dressing over and toss well.
4. Let sit for 30 minutes before serving.

21. Five-Spice Carrot Raisin Salad

A pinch of Chinese five-spice powder adds warmth and mystery. It’s unexpected but absolutely works .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups carrots, grated
2. ¾ cup golden raisins
3. ¼ cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
4. For dressing: ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, ¼ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder, salt

Recipe Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, five-spice powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, golden raisins, and pumpkin seeds.
3. Pour dressing over and toss until well coated.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.