Carrot and raisin salad
The end of February can be a very tiring time. You’re tired of wearing that long, black, down-filled coat that keeps you warm but makes you look like a stack of tires. You’re tired of the sun staying in the sky longer without generating any extra heat. And you’re tired of seeing at the farmer’s market only potatoes, winter squash, and carrots. Fortunately, with the carrots you can make a sweet salad that holds a promise of warmer days to come: carrot and raisin salad.
I’m a late convert to carrot and raisin salad. When I was in college I had a friend who would go nuts whenever they put some out on the salad bar. She’d eat bowl after bowl and I’d just be horrified. Who wants to eats shredded carrots with raisins? It just seemed like a bad combination.
And then there were the endless church suppers where you could always find a big bowl of it in potluck purgatory alongside the green jiggling Jell-O and fruit salad made with tiny marshmallows. Nope, carrot and raisin salad just wasn’t for me.
But then, I grew up and my palate changed. I’ve started to enjoy raisins. And I’ve always loved carrots. So one day I decided to take the plunge and make a batch.
I looked at the recipe that Luby’s uses, which for many seemed to be the carrot and raisin gold standard. It called for copious amounts of mayonnaise, but I thought I’d lighten mine up with Greek-style yogurt. It also called for pineapple, but I had some fresh juicy oranges on-hand so I used orange juice instead. I added some ginger and cinnamon for spice and found myself with a sweet, crunchy salad that was both fresh and satisfying.
Carrot and raisin salad has been good company the past few weeks. I know that it’s something that people serve year round, but for me it’s become that bridge between late winter and early spring. And during these final tiring days of winter—bright, crisp carrot and raisin salad has proven itself to be delightful refreshment indeed.
What do you put in your carrot and raisin salad?
Carrot and raisin salad
Ingredients
- 3 large carrots shredded (2 cups)
- 1/4 cup Greek-style yogurt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise
Instructions
- Mix together all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings. Can add more yogurt or mayonnaise to taste, as well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nicole–That sounds like the perfect solution. And I didn’t know that your family grew grapes for raisins–how cool.
Helene–I’d probably put cinnamon in everything if I could!
Culinarywannabe–Sounds like now is the time to try it again!
Brenda in Texas–I love that you add apples and nuts! And I envy your 70 degree weather–it’s about 10 degrees here today. But I’ll be in TX in two weeks so will definitely see some warmth soon!
Roastdmallow–Your salad sounds so grown up! I’ll have to try it your way next time.
Phoo-D–Thank you!
Paula Maack–Thank you! I was so surprised to see that–such an honor!
Anna–Cumin? That gives it that nice South of the Border flavor I bet.
Karen–Nice and simple!
Jill–It is good, isn’t it?
Lynda–Enjoy!
Janesnotes–Thank you!
Yoyo–Thanks for the award!
Anon–I’ll be there in 2 weeks. Can’t wait!
Edith–I’m glad you were finally able to see it–sometimes Blogger acts up. And sure, I’d say you’re an honorary Texan!
Alisa–If you squint, it kind of looks like shredded cheddar cheese to me.
Paula–Um, that has to be the worst combination EVER!
Theabroma–I like the olive oil and lemon combination!
Jumper–Thanks! It’s quite an honor!
Teresa–Three suitcases? Wow! I usually only return with one. And I didn’t even think of carrot and raisin salad as diet food, but I guess it is.
Anon–I’m a sucker for anything with Greek yogurt. How did we live before it became so popular?
Twobarkingdogs–Peanuts and scallions? Yum!
I’ve never had a carrot and raisin salad but I’m all for anything that makes February feel any less February-ish!
You might want to try it with a handfull of rough chopped walnuts thrown in at the last minute, it makes a good addition.
Yum–I’m not a big fan of carrot-raisin salad, but this sounds really, really good.
I’ve always kind of avoided carrot raisin salad and never made it, but you’ve convinced me to give it a try. Love the orange juice addition. This would make a healthy snack for kiddos lunch boxes too!