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Carrot Raisin Salad

A classic crunchy and sweet carrot raisin salad that comes together in under fifteen minutes with shredded carrots, plump raisins, and a creamy honey-mayonnaise dressing.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound carrots peeled and shredded
  • 3/4 cup raisins preferably unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Box grater or food processor with shredding blade
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork for blending dressing
  • Cutting board
  • Rubber spatula
  • Sharp chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Peel the carrots under cool running water and shred them using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding blade.
  2. Measure out roughly four cups of shredded carrots; the salad scales well if slightly more or less is used.
  3. Pour 3/4 cup of raisins into a measuring cup. If they seem dry, soak in warm water for five minutes, then drain.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Transfer the shredded carrots to a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over them. Use a rubber spatula to fold gently until all strands are coated.
  6. Fold the raisins into the carrot and dressing mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the salad.
  7. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed: add more lemon juice for tang or an extra teaspoon of honey for sweetness.
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Make this salad the night before to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for the best texture.