Dessert

Healthy Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe

Bymia larkspur November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Introduction

This Healthy Carrot Raisin Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect as a light side or snack. Combining sweet raisins, crunchy nuts, and a tangy citrus dressing, it’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor.

A white bowl filled with a colorful carrot salad made of three layers: a base layer of bright orange shredded carrots mixed with pieces of green parsley, golden raisins scattered evenly throughout, and small light brown walnut chunks adding a crunchy texture. Two vintage silver spoons rest inside the bowl, slightly buried under the salad. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup of parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard
Juice of ½ a lemon
3 tablespoons of orange juice
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
½ teaspoon of brown sugar
½ teaspoon of salt
1 pound of carrots, grated
1 cup of golden raisins
1 cup of nuts of choice, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the parsley, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, orange juice, garlic powder, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Add the grated carrots, golden raisins, and chopped nuts to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld for a tastier salad.

Tips & Variations

Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds as your nut choice for added crunch and flavor variety.
For extra zest, add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the dressing.
Try substituting golden raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful carrot salad that looks fresh and vibrant. The salad has a base of finely shredded bright orange carrots mixed with green herbs, light brown chopped nuts, and golden raisins scattered throughout. Two silver spoons rest inside the bowl, one with a patterned handle and the other plain. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a beige cloth partially seen on the top right and a crumpled white cloth on the left side. The overall look is fresh, healthy, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Allowing it to sit helps the flavors develop, but avoid making it more than 2 days ahead to maintain freshness and texture.

What nuts work best in this salad?

Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are all excellent choices. They add great crunch and complement the sweetness of the raisins nicely. Feel free to use whatever nuts you prefer or have on hand.