Description

This Pineapple Golden Toss Carrot Raisin Salad is a vibrant, no-cook side dish that comes together quickly. It offers a refreshing crunch and a beautiful pop of color, perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups shredded carrots, fine for best tender texture
0.5 cup raisins
20 oz crushed pineapple, well-drained
0.5 cup mayonnaise
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar or honey, optional

Instructions

Prep Your Carrots: Shred 4-5 medium carrots (about 4 cups / 450g) using a food processor or box grater. Aim for fine shreds for the best tender texture.
Drain the Pineapple: Thoroughly drain one 20 oz (567g) can of crushed pineapple. Squeeze out excess liquid to prevent a watery salad.
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix shredded carrots, drained pineapple, 0.5 cup (75g) raisins, and 0.5 cup (120g) mayonnaise (or preferred binder). Add 1-2 tbsp (15-30g) sugar or honey, if using.
Stir Until Coated: Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined. The mixture should look consistently creamy. If it looks too dry, add another tablespoon or two of your creamy binder until desired consistency.
Chill to Perfection: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to meld. Best served cold for a refreshing feel.

Notes

Chilling is crucial for enhanced flavor and texture. Ensure pineapple is thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy salad. For a tangier taste, add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or sour cream. Mandarin oranges can be used as a pineapple substitute. Add chopped nuts or seeds (like toasted pecans) for extra crunch. Choose organic carrots for peak flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.25 cup
Calories: 250 calories
Sugar: 29 g
Sodium: 67 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 1.3 g
Cholesterol: 6 mg

Keywords: easy side dish, no-cook, carrot salad, raisins, pineapple, potluck, family-friendly, quick meal, refreshing