You’re going to love this Carrot Raisin Orange Salad! It’s such a refreshing dish that brings together the sweetness of juicy oranges, the crunch of grated carrots, and the delightful chewiness of raisins. Honestly, the flavors just dance together in every bite! Plus, the addition of walnuts gives it a lovely texture that you won’t want to miss. This salad is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re heading to a potluck, enjoying a family gathering, or just craving something light and zesty for dinner. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious! You’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients for Carrot Raisin Orange Salad

2 cups grated carrots – Freshly grated for the best flavor and crunch.
1 cup raisins – These add a lovely sweetness that balances the carrots.
2 oranges, segmented – Make sure to remove any pith for a clean taste.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts – Optional, but they add a delightful crunch! Omit for a nut-free version.
1/4 cup mayonnaise – This will be the creamy base for our dressing.
1 tablespoon honey – Sweetness is key, so adjust to your liking!
1 tablespoon lemon juice – This adds a bright, zesty kick that ties everything together.

How to Prepare Carrot Raisin Orange Salad

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Let’s start by grabbing a large bowl! Toss in those 2 cups of grated carrots, 1 cup of raisins, and the 2 segmented oranges. Just imagine the colors and textures coming together—so vibrant and inviting! Give everything a gentle mix to ensure those sweet raisins and juicy orange segments are evenly distributed among the carrots.

Step 2: Add the Walnuts

Now, if you’re using them, it’s time to sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. They add such a lovely crunch! If you’re keeping it nut-free, feel free to skip this step. The salad will still taste amazing without them!

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This dressing is what ties all those flavors together, adding creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Whisk it until it’s smooth and combined—trust me, you want that creamy goodness to coat every bite!

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Pour that delicious dressing over your salad mixture and toss it all together! Make sure every carrot strand, raisin, and orange piece gets a nice coating of the dressing. A thorough mix is crucial here; you want those flavors to mingle and come alive!

Step 5: Chill

Finally, it’s time to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is super important because it allows all those wonderful flavors to develop and meld together. Plus, it makes the salad even more refreshing when you serve it cold!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it a breeze to whip up!
Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from the carrots and oranges, plus the healthy fats from walnuts, it’s a guilt-free treat.
Refreshing: The combination of sweet oranges and crunchy carrots creates a light and invigorating dish perfect for any season.
Versatile: Great as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or even as a light lunch. You can easily customize it to fit your tastes!
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, so you can prepare it in advance for gatherings or meal prep.
Crowd-Pleaser: This colorful salad is sure to impress friends and family, making it a hit at any gathering!

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Oranges: Look for vibrant, firm oranges that feel heavy for their size. These will be juicy and sweet, giving your salad that burst of flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste your salad after mixing in the dressing. If you like it sweeter, don’t hesitate to add a bit more honey. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so make it your own!
Texture Matters: Be sure to grate your carrots finely for a pleasant crunch in every bite. If they’re too thick, they can overpower the other flavors.
Freshness is Key: Use freshly grated carrots and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Pre-packaged ingredients just can’t compare!
Let it Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! It not only enhances the flavors, but it also makes the salad extra refreshing—perfect for warm days.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Consider adding diced apples for extra crunch or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this delightful Carrot Raisin Orange Salad. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Each serving is about 1 cup, and here’s what you can expect:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 50mg

This salad not only brings a burst of flavor but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a great addition to your meals. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with every refreshing bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make this Carrot Raisin Orange Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best to let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those incredible flavors to meld together beautifully. You can even prepare it a day in advance for a gathering!

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. It’ll give you a similar creaminess with a bit more tang. You can even use a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer!

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this Carrot Raisin Orange Salad vegan, simply replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. It’ll be just as delicious!

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving again to freshen it up!

Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add in diced apples, grapes, or even some berries for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the dressing to match the sweetness of any additional fruits you use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover Carrot Raisin Orange Salad is super easy! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you notice it getting a bit watery, don’t worry—just give it a good toss before serving to mix everything back together.

Now, as for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to heat it up! Just grab a fork and dig in straight from the fridge. If you’re serving it after a couple of days, a quick stir will help revive those flavors. Enjoy every refreshing bite!

Carrot Raisin Orange Salad: 5 Refreshing Flavor Combos

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing salad combining carrots, raisins, and oranges.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups grated carrots
1 cup raisins
2 oranges, segmented
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, raisins, and orange segments.
Add chopped walnuts to the mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh oranges for the best flavor.
Adjust honey according to your taste.
Walnuts can be omitted for a nut-free version.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Carrot Raisin Orange Salad

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