Chick‑fil‑A Carrot Raisin Salad
A refreshingly crisp side salad that combines shredded carrots and plump raisins with a tangy, creamy dressing. With its balanced sweetness, slight acidity, and a hint of crunch, this salad makes a perfect accompaniment to any meal—just like the one you might find at Chick‑fil‑A.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl – for tossing the salad
- Grater or food processor – to finely shred carrots (and cabbage, if using)
- Small bowl – to mix the dressing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork – to emulsify the dressing
- Serving bowl or plate
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups shredded carrots peeled
- ½ cup raisins golden or regular, depending on your preference
- ½ cup shredded red cabbage optional, for extra crunch and color
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional, for additional crunch
- For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a brighter tang
- 1 tablespoon honey adjust more or less to taste
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, raisins, and shredded red cabbage (if using).
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Combine:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley (and nuts, if using) over the top of the salad.
- Chill:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cool.
- Serve:
- Give the salad a final toss and serve chilled as a delicious side dish.
- Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Time Cook: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Time Total: 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: Serves 4 as a side dish
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free; can be adapted for vegetarians (use dairy-free alternatives for vegan option)
- Keywords
- Chick‑fil‑A, Carrot Raisin Salad, side salad, copycat recipe, no-cook salad, American cuisine, gluten‑free, vegetarian, healthy side
- Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
- Serving Size: ~1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities used.
Notes
Variations:
For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
To make the salad vegan, use a vegan mayo or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Flavor Tip: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Texture Tip: Finely shredding the carrots (and cabbage, if using) ensures a uniform texture throughout the salad.
Customization: Feel free to add ingredients like finely diced apples or dried cranberries for a different twist.
Disclaimer: This recipe is a fan-inspired approximation intended to capture the spirit of the Chick‑fil‑A Carrot Raisin Salad and is not sourced from or endorsed by Chick‑fil‑A.
For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
To make the salad vegan, use a vegan mayo or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Flavor Tip: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Texture Tip: Finely shredding the carrots (and cabbage, if using) ensures a uniform texture throughout the salad.
Customization: Feel free to add ingredients like finely diced apples or dried cranberries for a different twist.
Disclaimer: This recipe is a fan-inspired approximation intended to capture the spirit of the Chick‑fil‑A Carrot Raisin Salad and is not sourced from or endorsed by Chick‑fil‑A.