Looking for a cool, crunchy side dish that hits the sweet and savory balance just right? This carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe is a nostalgic favorite that’s come full circle. With shredded carrots, juicy raisins, and tangy pineapple tossed in a creamy dressing, it’s the kind of easy-to-love salad that shows up at every potluck and summer BBQ. Whether you’re craving that Chick-Fil-A classic or grandma’s kitchen-style dish, this modern twist is fast, flavorful, and family-approved. In this article, I’ll share how to make this refreshing salad, health benefits, easy variations, and why it deserves a spot in your rotation.
Table of Contents
Carrot Raisin Pineapple Salad Recipe: Quick, Creamy & Surprisingly Delicious
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A sweet, creamy, and crunchy carrot raisin pineapple salad that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a refreshing side dish. Quick to make, packed with nutrients, and a family favorite .
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 to 1 cup pineapple chunks (drained)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, water, lemon juice, and salt until creamy.
- Add shredded carrots, raisins, and pineapple chunks.
- Mix until well coated with dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Stir again before serving and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use plain Greek yogurt or vegan mayo.
- Golden raisins or dried cranberries can be used instead of regular raisins.
- Add sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for crunch.
- Skip honey or use maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 181
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 222mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
The Story Behind This Classic Carrot Raisin Pineapple Salad Recipe
A Sweet Summer Memory in a Bowl
Every summer growing up, my mom made this carrot raisin pineapple salad for nearly every backyard get-together. She’d mix it up in this big, yellow Tupperware bowl you know the kind and let it chill while we ran through sprinklers. By the time dinner rolled around, the salad had soaked up just the right amount of flavor: the carrots were crisp but soft, the raisins plump, and the pineapple gave it that extra juicy bite we all waited for. I didn’t know then it was an old-fashioned classic . I just knew it was delicious.
Fast forward to today, and this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe still feels like home. What makes it magic? It’s ridiculously easy (less than 10 minutes), only takes a handful of ingredients, and it always disappears from the table first. I’ve adapted it from the version shared on Little Sunny Kitchen, adding in pineapple chunks for that nostalgic twist. If you’ve ever missed that Chick-Fil-A side dish they discontinued, this is basically its better homemade cousin.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Comeback
This carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe checks all the boxes for busy cooks like us.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have.
- No cooking required — just mix, chill, and serve.
- It’s naturally free of gluten, and you can easily adapt it to be dairy-free or completely vegan.
- Loved by kids and adults alike, especially for its creamy sweetness.
Plus, it fits right into any kind of meal: tucked next to grilled chicken, inside a lunchbox, or even scooped over greens. It’s one of those quick meals with big flavor, just like we love here on DailyQuickRecipe’s collection
Simple Ingredients, Classic Taste
What You’ll Need to Make It
This salad is delightfully low-maintenance. Here’s what goes into it:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Shredded Carrots | 4 cups |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
| Pineapple Chunks (drained) | 1/2 to 1 cup |
Easy-to-Follow Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, water, and salt until smooth.
- Mix the salad: Add the shredded carrots, raisins, and pineapple chunks directly into the dressing.
- Toss and chill: Stir everything well until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Give it a final stir before plating. It goes great with grilled meats or as a cold lunch side.
Why This Carrot Raisin Pineapple Salad Recipe Is a Nutrient-Packed Favorite
Is Carrot and Pineapple Salad Healthy?
Absolutely, this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe is not only tasty but also rich in nutrients. Each bite offers a blend of fiber, essential vitamins, and antioxidants that support your overall well-being. Carrots provide a high amount of beta carotene, which your body transforms into vitamin A. This nutrient supports healthy eyesight, strengthens the immune system, and promotes clear skin. Raisins add natural sweetness along with important minerals like iron and potassium while giving you quick energy. Pineapple is full of vitamin C, helps keep you hydrated, and contains bromelain, an enzyme known to aid digestion.
Together, they create a dish that feels indulgent but supports your health goals. Unlike heavier , mayo-based salads overloaded with sugar or additives, this version gives you creamy satisfaction with natural ingredients. Use light mayo or vegan mayo if you want to make it even leaner. You can also swap honey with pure maple syrup or a grated apple if you’re going sugar-free — a trick many home cooks love when recreating grandma’s old-fashioned carrot salad.
By sticking with this homemade mix, you’re avoiding the ultra-processed store-bought alternatives. And with just 181 calories per serving, it’s a smart side dish whether you’re doing a BBQ spread or prepping meals for the week.
We feature more healthy sides just like this one in our The Best Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe for everyday meals.
Can Pineapple and Carrot Be Eaten Together?
Yes , and they’re actually a perfect pairing. Carrots bring a hearty crunch and earthy sweetness, while pineapple offers juicy tartness that lifts the whole flavor profile. This contrast is what makes the carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe so memorable. It satisfies sweet cravings naturally without reaching for dessert. Plus, pineapple helps balance the richness of mayo or dressing by adding a bright, tropical zing.
It’s also worth mentioning that pairing pineapple and carrot may help with nutrient absorption. Vitamin A (from carrots) is fat-soluble, meaning it needs healthy fat to absorb , and a little mayo or olive oil in the dressing helps your body make the most of it. When combined with pineapple’s vitamin C, you’ve got a deliciously synergistic salad that tastes like comfort food but supports your wellness.
This combo also works beautifully in wraps, lettuce cups, or even atop a bed of greens. Try serving it with grilled chicken or alongside fish tacos for a sweet-and-savory twist. Or serve it next to your favorite protein-packed lunch bowls for a refreshing contrast.
Make the Best Carrot Raisin Pineapple Salad Recipe Step-by-Step
How to Make a Carrot and Pineapple Salad at Home
There’s something satisfying about recipes that are as easy to make as they are tasty. This carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and requires no cooking , just simple prep and chill time. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time:
Step-by-step instructions:
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. This creates a creamy, slightly tangy base.
- Add the vegetables and fruit: Gently fold in 4 cups of freshly shredded carrots, 1 cup of raisins, and ½ to 1 cup of drained pineapple chunks.
- Mix it up: Stir everything until the dressing coats every piece.
- Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and the raisins plump up in the dressing.
- Serve cold: Give it one final stir before serving. It’s delicious right from the fridge.
Tasty Add-Ins and Customizations to Try
One of the things we love about this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe is how customizable it is. Depending on what’s in your fridge or pantry, you can easily turn it into a different flavor experience while keeping the original sweet-savory balance.
Here are some tasty ideas:
- Apples: Add diced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for an extra crunch and fresh flavor.
- Nuts or seeds: Try chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for texture and healthy fats.
- Dried cranberries: Swap or mix with raisins to add tang and a pop of color.
- Greek yogurt: Replace half the mayo for added protein and a slightly tangier taste.
Need to go vegan? Use plant-based mayo and maple syrup instead of honey. Trying to keep sugar low? Skip the sweetener altogether — the pineapple does the job naturally. No matter how you customize it, this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe always holds its creamy-crunchy charm.
Old-Fashioned Roots of the Carrot Raisin Pineapple Salad Recipe
How Do You Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad?
If you grew up in a Southern kitchen or had a grandma who loved church potlucks, chances are this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe brings back serious nostalgia. Old-fashioned carrot salad was a staple in family gatherings. The basics were simple: shredded carrots, mayonnaise, raisins , and always a touch of sweetness.
This updated version sticks closely to that tradition but adds pineapple for extra juiciness and brightness. Grandma’s version may have skipped the lemon juice or used a bit of sugar instead of honey. But the heart of the dish , creamy dressing with crunchy carrots and chewy raisins , remains the same.
What makes this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe feel so special is that it combines the comforting taste of tradition with the freshness of modern ingredients. Want it exactly like grandma made it? Use Duke’s mayo, omit the lemon juice, and sprinkle in a pinch of sugar instead of honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carrot and pineapple salad healthy?
Yes, this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe offers a variety of nutrients. Carrots provide fiber and beta-carotene, raisins bring natural sugar and iron, and pineapple delivers vitamin C. It’s sweet without being heavy, especially when made with light mayo or Greek yogurt.
Can pineapple and carrot be eaten together?
Absolutely. They taste fantastic and complement each other nutritionally. Pineapple’s tangy brightness balances carrot’s earthy sweetness, making this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe both flavorful and refreshing.
How to make a carrot and pineapple salad?
Just mix shredded carrots, raisins, pineapple chunks, and a simple mayo-based dressing. Chill and serve. It’s easy, quick, and requires no cooking , one of the many reasons this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe is so popular.
How do you make grandma’s old-fashioned carrot salad?
Keep it simple with just mayo, carrots, and raisins. You can add sugar or omit the lemon juice if you want that classic old-school flavor. Or stick with this version, which brings in pineapple and honey for a fresher twist.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, the carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after chilling, and it doesn’t get soggy like lettuce-based salads. It’s great for packing in lunches or serving alongside dinner throughout the week.
Can I make the carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the mayo for a plant-based version and use maple syrup instead of honey. You’ll still get the creamy consistency and flavor that makes this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe so addictive , without any animal products.
If there’s one dish that deserves a permanent place on your meal rotation, it’s this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe. It’s easy to make, crowd-friendly, and never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something creamy and refreshing, this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe delivers every single time. Packed with bold flavor and bright color, this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe is both comforting and surprisingly nourishing.
Don’t be afraid to make it your own — from sweet add-ins to light swaps, the base of this carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe is versatile and foolproof. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a batch that feels homemade, nostalgic, and modern all at once. If you’re new to easy side dishes, this is the carrot raisin pineapple salad recipe that’ll win you over.
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