Brighten up your plate with this sweet and tangy Carrot and Raisin Salad With Pineapple! This refreshing, creamy salad brings together crunchy grated carrots, juicy pineapple, and chewy raisins for a light and flavorful side dish. Ready in 10 minutes this raisin and carrot salad is a total crowd-pleaser.
We used to make this salad all the time when I was a kid. It was one of the first recipes I learned to throw together for family potlucks. These days, it’s still a popular one in our kitchen and always a hit at BBQs, casual get-togethers and is perfect for a Hawaiian luau.
It pairs perfectly with juicy stuffed chicken breasts, air fried almon fillets, or quick air fryer steak bites.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- No-cook side dish – Ready in minutes with zero stovetop time.
- Great for picnics and potlucks – It travels well and gets better as it chills.
- Sweet meets tangy – The honey-kissed creamy dressing balances the tropical pineapple and plump raisins.
- Family-friendly and colorful – Even picky eaters go for this one!
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Grated Carrots – I always grate fresh for the best texture. They bring sweetness and crunch, no cooking needed!
- Pineapple Chunks – Fresh is fab, but I often use canned (drained well!) when I’m short on time. It gives that juicy tropical kick.
- Raisins – I love golden raisins for a pop of color and subtle flavor, but regular work fine too—especially if soaked to bring back that juicy chew.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – I lean into Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy dressing. It makes the whole thing feel fresher.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Tropical Twist – Add mango cubes and shredded coconut for a beachy vibe.
- Nutty Crunch – Mix in toasted walnuts or slivered almonds for texture.
- Greek-Style – Sub raisins for dried cranberries and toss in a bit of feta.
- Spicy-Sweet – A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne brings heat to balance the sweetness.
If you love this raisin carrot pineapple salad, you'll want to try my Thai Peanut Salad, Watermelon Feta Salad or my favorite Jalapeño Coleslaw.
How To Make Carrot Salad With Raisins And Pineapple
- Step 1: Start by combining the mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl.
- Step 2: To this mixture, add the olive oil, a pinch of salt, and honey.
- Step 3: Stir everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-blended, ensuring the honey is fully incorporated for a touch of sweetness.
- Step 4: In a larger bowl, place the grated carrots, sliced fresh pineapple, and raisins.
- Step 5: Mix them well.
- Step 6: Pour the prepared dressing over the carrot, pineapple, and raisin mixture.
- Step 7: Toss everything together until the salad components are evenly coated with the dressing. Now your carrot and raisin salad with pineapple is ready to be served!
- Step 8: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or arrange it on individual plates. The salad is now ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, adding a bright and flavorful touch to any meal.
💡 Soak the Raisins: For plumper, juicier bites, soak your raisins in a bit of warm water or pineapple juice for 5–10 minutes before adding.
👩🍳 Best Salad-Making Tips
- Grate Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots (not pre-shredded) give the best texture. I like to use a box grater.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keeps the salad crisp and refreshing.
- Let It Rest: Chilling for 30+ minutes helps the dressing absorb and the flavors pop.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding and tweak the honey depending on your pineapple’s sweetness.
FAQ'S
Yes, canned pineapple works well, but drain it completely to avoid excess liquid making the salad too watery.
Yes, just keep the dressing separate until an hour before serving for the best crunch.
Absolutely—use vegan mayo and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave to keep it fully plant-based.
Up to 2 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving!
No, freezing will change the texture, making the carrots mushy and the dressing watery. Avoid at all costs!
💖 Serving Suggestions
How should I serve carrot salad with raisins and pineapple?
- Crispy BBQ Chicken or Grilled Tofu – Sweet and smoky pair perfectly.
- Crispy Breakfast Potatoes – The crunchy, salty contrast is irresistible.
- Feta-Stuffed Pita or Flatbread – Add a creamy, tangy bite alongside the salad.
- Lentil Soup or Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili – Adds freshness and color to cozy mains.
💡Presentation Tip: Serve in a wide, shallow white bowl or a glass trifle-style dish to show off the color layers—perfect for potlucks or buffets!
🍽 More Tasty And Delicious Snacks
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Carrot And Raisin Salad With Pineapple
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Grated Carrots
- 1 Cup Fresh Pineapple (Sliced)
- 2 tablespoon Sour Cream
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Pinch Salt
- ½ Cup Raisins
Instructions
- Start by combining the mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl.
- To this mixture, add the olive oil, a pinch of salt, and honey.
- Stir everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-blended, ensuring the honey is fully incorporated for a touch of sweetness.
- In a larger bowl, place the grated carrots, sliced fresh pineapple, and raisins.
- Mix them well.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the carrot, pineapple, and raisin mixture.
- Toss everything together until the salad components are evenly coated with the dressing. Now your carrot and raisin salad with pineapple is ready to be served!
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish or arrange it on individual plates. The salad is now ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, adding a bright and flavorful touch to any meal.
I recently made this salad for a family BBQ and served it in a hollowed-out pineapple half—such a fun way to show off the vibrant colors, and it totally stole the spotlight on the table! You could also sprinkle toasted coconut or crushed nuts on top for extra texture if you're feeling fancy.