Looking for the perfect summer dish to pair with grilled steak or chicken? Carrot Raisin Salad combines carrots, sweet raisins and crunchy walnuts in a simple mayonnaise-based dressing. Make this ahead to let the flavors meld into sweet perfection.

Table of Contents

Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe

I love a vintage salad recipe. Serve me up a big helping of Old Fashioned Pea Salad, Italian Green Bean Salad, or Southern Vegetable Salad any day of the week.

This is why this old fashioned salad caught my eye in my Wilson Farm Family Cook Book. It pairs shredded carrot with raisins and chopped walnuts. It’s a great medley of textures with a surprising hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Ingredient List

Shredded or grated carrots
Chopped walnuts
Raisins
Granulated Sugar
Salt
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Nutmeg
Orange Juice
Mayo

How to Make Carrot Raisin Salad with Nuts

Step by Step Instructions

In a large bowl, combine shredded carrots, walnuts, raisins, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange juice.
Gently stir in mayonnaise to carrot mixture.
Chill for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.

Storage Instructions

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

For the full instructions for raisin salad with carrots, scroll to the bottom of this post.

Recipe Variations

Add drained, crushed pineapple.
Diced apples would be a tasty addition.
Swap pecans for walnuts.
Use yellow raisins, if desired.
For a hint of sweetness, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.

Recipe FAQs

To easily shred carrots, use a grater attachment in a food processor like this one. Or, use on old fashioned hand grater.
4 cups shredded carrots is approximately 1 pound.
Substitute pecans for walnuts if desired in this easy carrot salad recipe.
Low Fat Mayonnaise could be used to lower the fat content. If you have Miracle Whip on hand, use it but leave out the sugar.
Fresh juice squeezed from an orange is preferable, but in a pinch use the OJ in the fridge. Truth be told, that’s what I typically do!
If you do use a fresh orange for carrot raisin nut salad, try adding a little zest for added flavor.
Be sure to let this salad chill for one hour minimum to let the flavors blend. It tastes even better if you make it the night before.
Use yellow or purple raisins.
I tend to add a bit more than a 1/2 cup seedless raisins; if it looks sparse, pour a few more in.

What is the best way to cut carrots for salad?

Shred or grate carrots on a box grater or use a food processer with the shredding attachment.

More Vegetable Side Dishes

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Fresh Broccoli Casserole

Sauteed Swiss Chard and White Beans

Amish Freezer Coleslaw

Pan Fried Zucchini

Roasted Cauliflower

Kentucky Southern Squash Casserole

Spicy Roasted Zucchini

Linking up to Meal Plan Monday.

Print Recipe

Carrot Raisin Salad

Looking for the perfect summer dish to pair with grilled steak or chicken? Carrot Raisin Salad combines sweet raisins and crunchy walnuts in a simple mayonnaise-based dressing. Make this ahead to let the flavors meld into sweet perfection.

Prep Time20

Cook Time0

Total Time20

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: carrot raisin nut salad, carrot raisin salad, carrot raisin salad with nuts, carrot salad, carrot salad with raisins, easy carrot salad

Servings: people

Calories: 173kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

4 cups peeled, shredded carrots (approximately 1 pound)
1/2 cup seedless raisins
1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
dash nutmeg
3 Tablespoons orange juice
1/3 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

Combine shredded carrots, raisins, chopped nuts, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange juice.
Gently stir in mayonnaise until combined.
Chill for a minimum 1 hour before serving.

Notes

To easily shred carrots, use a grater attachment in a food processor like this one. Or, use on old fashioned hand grater.
4 cups shredded carrots is approximately 1 pound.
Substitute pecans for walnuts if desired in this easy carrot salad recipe.
Low Fat Mayonnaise could be used to lower the fat content. If you have Miracle Whip on hand, use it but leave out the sugar.
Fresh juice squeezed from an orange is preferable, but in a pinch use the OJ in the fridge. Truth be told, that’s what I typically do!
If you do use a fresh orange for carrot raisin nut salad, try adding a little zest for added flavor.
Be sure to let this salad chill for one hour minimum to let the flavors blend. It tastes even better if you make it the night before.
Use yellow or purple raisins.
If you love vintage salad recipes, try our Old Fashioned Pea Salad and Red Bean Salad.
I tend to add a bit more than 1/2 cup seedless raisins; if it looks sparse, pour a few more in.