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Chick-fil-A Carrot Raisin Salad Copycat

Chick-fil-A Carrot Raisin Salad Copycat - recipe card
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This creamy, sweet, and tangy carrot raisin salad replicates the beloved Chick-fil-A side dish. Shredded carrots, plump raisins, and crushed pineapple are bound in a velvety mayonnaise dressing with a hint of lemon and sugar for a refreshing, no-cook salad that pairs perfectly with fried chicken or as a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups finely shredded carrots (from about 4 medium carrots, peeled)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well drained (canned in juice, not syrup)
  • 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Place the shredded carrots in a large mixing bowl. If the carrots are very long, give them a quick chop with kitchen shears so the shreds are roughly 1-inch pieces for easier eating.
  2. Add the raisins and drained crushed pineapple to the bowl. Make sure the pineapple is pressed firmly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid, which would thin the dressing and make the salad soggy.
  3. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and kosher salt until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is smooth and pale. Taste and adjust salt or lemon — it should be slightly sweet with a bright finish.
  4. Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every shred is coated. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate evenly.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving — this resting time allows the flavors to meld and the carrots to soften slightly, mimicking the texture of the restaurant version.
  6. After chilling, stir the salad once more. If it seems dry, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of pineapple juice (from the drained fruit) and fold again. The dressing should cling to the carrots without pooling.
  7. Serve cold, garnished with a few reserved raisins on top if desired. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the carrots will continue to release moisture, so stir before each serving.
  8. For a lighter variation, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended) — this will change the flavor and reduce fat and calories, but the texture will be slightly tangier and less creamy.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise will break and the carrots become mushy upon thawing. To refresh leftovers, stir in a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of sugar to brighten the flavor. If making ahead, reserve a tablespoon of pineapple juice to stir in before serving to restore moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A carrot raisin salad, copycat recipe, creamy carrot salad, southern side dish, no-cook salad, shredded carrot salad, pineapple raisin salad, easy potluck side, healthy-ish salad, summer picnic salad

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/copycat-chick-fil-a-carrot-raisin-salad/