Chick-fil-A carrot raisin salad brings back the creamy, sweet-tangy side fans remember from the retired menu. The tangy dressing coats finely shredded carrots, raisins, and pineapple for the soft, classic texture of the original.
Why This Chick-fil-A Carrot Raisin Salad Works
This salad brings back a retired Chick-fil-A side that was on the menu for decades, with the soft texture and creamy, sweet-tangy flavor fans remember. It is quick to mix, easy to chill ahead, and made from the original recipe Chick-fil-A shared for home cooks.
- Original-style texture: Finely grated carrots give the salad the soft texture people remember from the Chick-fil-A version.
- Easy make-ahead side: A short chill improves the flavor, so this is easy to prep before dinner, a cookout, or a potluck.
- Sweet-tangy flavor: Pineapple, raisins, lemon juice, and creamy dressing give this carrot raisin salad its classic old fashioned taste.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe follows the original Chick-fil-A carrot raisin salad formula with finely grated carrots, crushed pineapple, raisins, and a creamy lemon dressing. The short chill time matters because it softens the raisins and lets the dressing settle into the carrots.
Pro Tip - Use Freshly Grated Carrots
Skip the bagged shredded carrots here. They are thicker, drier, and don't give the same texture as freshly grated carrots. Use the finer grating blade on your food processor for soft, moist, finely grated carrots.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make The Original Chick-fil-A Carrot Raisin Salad
Once the carrots are peeled and finely grated, this salad comes together quickly. Mix the dressing, combine it with the carrots, pineapple, and raisins, then chill before serving.
The step-by-step photos below show the texture you want for the carrots and how the salad should look as it comes together.
Step 1: Cut the tops off the carrots and peel them. Use fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded carrots are too dry for this salad.
Step 2: Grate the carrots using the fine shredding disc of a food processor or the finer side of a box grater. Do not drain any carrot juice off the bowl.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth to make the dressing.
Step 4: Add the crushed pineapple and raisins to the grated carrots, then add the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill for about 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip - Chill Before Serving
This salad tastes even better after a short chill because the raisins soften a little and the dressing has time to work into the carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chick-fil-A carrot raisin salad with simple family meals, barbecue dinners, and cookout plates. It works especially well with country style boneless pork ribs, Traeger smoked chicken breasts, or BBQ pork sliders because the cool, sweet salad balances a savory main dish.
Substitutions and Variations
There are a few easy ways to adjust this salad based on what you have on hand:
- Honey instead of sugar: You can swap in honey if that is what you keep on hand.
- Pineapple tidbits: If needed, pineapple tidbits can be used, but crushed pineapple gives a closer texture.
- Mayonnaise brand: Duke's is a great fit here, but any mayonnaise you like will work.
- Lemon juice swap: Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, though fresh tastes better.
Tips for Success
These small details help the salad turn out closer to the original:
- Grate the carrots finely: Use the fine shredding disc or the finer side of a box grater for the right texture.
- Use fresh carrots: Fresher carrots have better flavor and more moisture than older ones.
- Do not drain the pineapple: The juice helps soften the raisins and adds sweetness to the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Even 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.
- Make it ahead: This is a good side dish to prepare earlier in the day before a meal or cookout.
Storage Options
This salad holds well in the refrigerator and is a good make-ahead side.
- Refrigerator: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make ahead: You can make it up to 24 hours ahead and keep it chilled until serving time.
- Do not freeze: The mayonnaise dressing will separate and the carrots will lose their fresh texture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Chick-fil-A no longer serves carrot raisin salad in regular Chick-fil-A restaurants. The company has said it is still available at Truett's Grill restaurants and the Dwarf House restaurant in Atlanta, and they released the original recipe for home cooks.
The classic salad was made with finely shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, raisins, mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice. The finely grated carrots and sweet-tangy dressing are what give it the familiar texture and flavor.
You will need about 1 pound of whole carrots, or around 8 to 9 medium carrots, to get 4 to 4 ½ cups grated carrots.
You can, but Miracle Whip is sweeter and tangier than mayonnaise. If you use it, reduce the sugar slightly and taste before adding more lemon juice.
No. The pineapple juice, carrot juice, and dressing soften the raisins while the salad chills.
Yes, the old Chick-fil-A carrot salad is commonly searched as carrot raisin salad because raisins are one of the main ingredients. The original-style salad also includes finely shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice.
Summer Grilling Recipes
Get The Recipe!
Chick-fil-A Carrot Raisin Salad
Equipment
- Cuisinart Food Processor
- Box Grater
- Mandolin
Ingredients
- 4½ cup carrots about 9 medium carrots
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sugar or ¼ cup honey
- 1¼ tablespoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 8 oz pineapple crushed
- ¾ cup raisins black
Instructions
- Cut the tops off the carrots and peel them. Use fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded carrots are too dry for this salad.4½ cup carrots
- Grate the carrots using the fine shredding disc of a food processor or the finer side of a box grater. Do not drain any carrot juice off the bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth to make the dressing.½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sugar, 1¼ tablespoon lemon juice
- Add the crushed pineapple and raisins to the grated carrots, then add the dressing and toss to coat.8 oz pineapple, ¾ cup raisins
- Chill for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Grate the carrots finely: Use the fine shredding disc or the finer side of a box grater for the right texture.
- Use fresh carrots: Fresher carrots have better flavor and more moisture than older ones.
- Do not drain the pineapple: The juice helps soften the raisins and adds sweetness to the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Even 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.
- Make it ahead: This is a good side dish to prepare earlier in the day before a meal or cookout.
Nutrition
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