Quick Carrot Salad with Raisins, Cranberries, and Nuts
A great way to eat carrots is to make a delicious carrot salad. Not just because salad is healthy or carrots are nutritious but they are tasty too! Throw in a few raisins to make a delicious carrot salad with raisins or add some cranberries and pecans as I have done today.
A long time ago when I visited Brussels, I really enjoyed this carrot salad with raisins and pecans at a restaurant. I like it so much I knew I had to ask the chef how he made. Some chefs are pretty cool and share these things.
The answer I got was – it’s just carrots, raisins and pecans with a little seasoning and lemon juice. Nothing more..! According to him – Most people don’t make carrots because they just assume carrot is a very boring vegetable and should be added into a dish along with other ingredients. But the truth is that carrots are tastiest on their own.
It’s been ages since I made this salad until recently a friend made something similar for breakfast. I knew I had to come home and make this again for the kids. They loved it. Now it’s become a family favorite.
Now I cannot emphasize enough on how easy and simple it is to make. Check out the video above and you will see it really takes two minutes to grate the carrots and another minute to make the dressing. Maybe another minute to source your raisins, cranberries, and nuts. So, that’s about 5 minutes?
Let’s talk ingredients and substitutes
- Carrots – The carrots, of course, are the stars of the show so buy fresh juicy carrots.
- Raisins and Cranberries – this is my choice of dried fruit but go ahead and change them to something you like. Try chopping some apricots, figs or even black currants.
- Nuts – I’m using Pecan today but walnuts make a great choice too.
Useful Tips and Tools
- You will need a Salad Bowl to serve the salad
- A slotted spoon is better than Salad Tongs for serving this salad
- A heavy bottom Fry Pan works best for toasting nuts
- I like making dressings in Mason Jars, easy to store and mix.
How to Make a Quick Carrot Salad (Save/Pin)
- Place the raisin and cranberries in 1/2 cup water and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. This will soften the fruit and make them soft and juicy. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the Pecans or Walnuts into smaller pieces.
- Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a small jar or little bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Grate Carrots using the large side of the grater.
- Add in the fruit and nuts, Followed by the salad dressing.
- Toss it all together.
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Quick Carrot Salad with Raisins Cranberries and Nuts
Print Pin RateDescription
Equipment /Tools
Ingredients
- 3 (3 ) Large carrots
- 1/4 cup (1.03 oz) Pecans or walnuts chopped coarsely
- 1/4 cup (1.28 oz) Raisins
- 1/4 cup (0.88 oz) Cranberries
- 1 tbsp (0.5 floz) Olive oil
- 1 tbsp (0.5 floz) Lemon juice
- 1 tsp (1 tsp) Sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the raisin and cranberries in 1/2 cup water and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. This will soften the fruit and make them soft and juicy. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the pecans or walnuts into smaller pieces.
- Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a small jar or little bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Grate carrots using the large side of the grater.
- Add in the fruit and nuts, followed by the salad dressing.
- Toss it all together.
Recipe Video
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Nutrition Information
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Tara
Yum! This would be a great way to use some of my leftover carrots. The texture sounds incredible with the raisins, cranberries, and nuts mixed in.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Tara. Definitely great way to use up left over carrots.
Cookilicious
Aah! What a perfect side with a meal on a weeknight!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely, any night. Thanks
Sara
This was a huge hit this weekend! I put it out with coleslaw as a side and this was gobbled up first.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Sara. So happy your family enjoyed this salad. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.
Sapana
This turned out AMAZING!! Love the taste of this sweet and savory salad.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Sapana.
rebecca
I’ve never made a carrot salad before, but this recipe looks delicious & easy, so that’ll definitely have to change
Veena Azmanov
Yes, it’s very easy and delicious
Sheri
Could you skip the sugar and use Stevia?
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely Sheri – You could skip the sugar completely!! The little amount just help bring out the carrot flavor but it’s not a must have ingredients. The cranberries are sweet too!
Laura | Wandercooks
Excellent, I’m so glad to have come across this recipe. I think people really do overlook the humble carrot but it has always been one of my favourite vegetables for its crispy crunch and slight sweetness. I can almost taste those flavours now, with the nutty pecans and chewy raisins contrasting so nicely with the carrot. Cannot wait to try! 😀
Veena Azmanov
Aww Laura you speak my heart – that’s exactly how I feel about carrots. So underrated <3 Thanks for the comment
Debi at Life Currents
This is such a great classic salad! So healthy and yummy!
Veena Azmanov
Indeed.. thank you Debi
Mackenzie @ Food Above Gold
I love carrot salads. I agree that many people think of carrots as just being healthy, but they can be so versatile with a little imagination. This recipe sounds wonderful and a perfect salad to set out during the holidays!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Mackenzie – Yes it would be perfect for the holidays
[email protected]
I’m all about quick easy salads and this one looks really Yummy!
Veena Azmanov
Me too Stephanie. Love a quick salad. Thanks
Angela - Patisserie Makes Perfect
What a great looking salad, I absolutely adore carrots and I haven’t found them boring at all, not ever 🙂
Great story about the chef sharing his recipe with you!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Angela. yeah it was nice of him to share with me. I love carrots too!