This Creamy Carrot Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of raisins, the crunch of fresh shredded carrots, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with many main courses or can even stand alone as a light meal. Whether you’re looking to impress at a picnic, a potluck, or just want a new addition to your regular meals, this salad is a perfect choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and quick this salad is to prepare, with just a handful of ingredients, yet it tastes so refreshing and satisfying. The combination of creamy mayo and sour cream with a touch of tang from apple cider vinegar makes the dressing rich and balanced. The raisins add a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the natural crunch of the carrots. This dish is also incredibly versatile — I can easily make it ahead of time, and it’s a crowd-pleaser at any event. Plus, it’s a great way to get more veggies into my diet without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
4 cups shredded carrot (about 6 large carrots)
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup raisins
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots and raisins.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the carrot and raisin mixture, stirring to combine.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (to chill and let the flavors meld)
Variations
Add nuts: I sometimes like to add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and a hint of earthy flavor.
Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can give the salad a fresh, herby note.
Yogurt dressing: For a lighter version, I like swapping out sour cream for Greek yogurt. This gives the salad a tangy, creamy texture without as much heaviness.
Add fruit: For a fruitier twist, try adding diced apples or pineapple along with the raisins.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I usually store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days, and the flavors only get better as they sit.
Reheating: This is a salad best served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Just take it out of the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
Related Recipes:
- Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
- Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
- Don’t Miss Out on This Irresistible Crack Chicken Recipe!
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, I actually recommend making it ahead of time! Letting it chill in the fridge for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together, and it stays fresh for a couple of days.
Can I use a different dressing?
Definitely! If you prefer a lighter or different flavor, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or opt for a vinaigrette dressing for a tangier twist.
How can I make this salad vegan?
For a vegan version, swap the mayo and sour cream for plant-based alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. Be sure to check that your raisins are free from animal products as well.
Can I substitute raisins with something else?
If I’m not in the mood for raisins, I’ve substituted them with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots. These fruits add a similar sweetness with a different texture.
How do I shred the carrots?
I prefer using a box grater to shred the carrots by hand, but you can also use a food processor if you want to save time. Either way, the texture of the carrots is key to this dish’s appeal, so make sure to shred them finely.
Conclusion
This Creamy Carrot Salad is a fantastic, easy-to-make side dish that combines fresh, crisp carrots with a rich and creamy dressing, making it a delightful addition to any meal. It’s versatile, can be made ahead, and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re bringing it to a gathering or enjoying it as a simple side, this salad is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Carrot Salad
- Total Time: 1 hour (to chill and meld flavors)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Carrot Salad is a vibrant and easy-to-make dish that combines fresh shredded carrots, sweet raisins, and a tangy, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family meals to festive gatherings like picnics or potlucks. This refreshing side dish is a great way to enjoy veggies in a delicious way, while offering versatility to add variations like nuts, herbs, or fruit. Make it ahead for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Ingredients
4 cups shredded carrots (about 6 large carrots)
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup raisins
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots and raisins.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the carrot and raisin mixture, stirring to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Make-Ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling for at least an hour.
Substitutions: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also substitute raisins with dried cranberries or apricots. For a vegan version, use plant-based mayo and coconut yogurt.
Add-Ins: Enhance texture by adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No cook (requires refrigeration to meld flavors)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal
