Mediterranean Carrot Salad with Pineapple and Raisins
This Mediterranean Carrot Salad with Pineapple and Raisins is a refreshing, naturally sweet, and tangy side dish that adds brightness to any meal. The combination of crisp grated carrots, juicy pineapple, and chewy raisins creates a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Lightly dressed with creamy yogurt or mayonnaise, a hint of honey, and fresh lemon juice, this salad brings a Mediterranean-style twist to a classic favorite. It’s perfect for picnics, quick lunches, or pairing with grilled meats and seafood.
Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
¼ cup raisins
2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
Chopped parsley or mint, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor. Drain the crushed pineapple well to remove excess liquid.
Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, pineapple, and raisins.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt as needed.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with chopped parsley or mint before serving.
Tips
Drain the Pineapple Well:
Too much liquid can make the salad soggy. Press the crushed pineapple lightly with a spoon or paper towel to remove excess juice before mixing.
Use Fresh Carrots:
Freshly grated carrots have a sweeter, crunchier texture compared to pre-shredded ones from a bag, which tend to be drier.
Balance the Sweetness:
Taste before adding honey — the pineapple and raisins might already make it sweet enough. If you prefer a tangier flavor, skip the honey and add a little extra lemon juice instead.
Chill Before Serving:
Letting the salad rest in the fridge for 10–20 minutes helps the flavors blend and slightly softens the carrots without losing their crunch.
Creaminess Level:
If you like a lighter, fresher salad, use Greek yogurt. For a richer texture, go with mayonnaise or a mix of both.
Variations
Add Nuts:
Toss in toasted walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds for crunch and healthy fats.
More Mediterranean Flair:
Add a handful of chopped dates, dried apricots, or even a few crumbles of feta for a sweet-salty balance.
Spices & Herbs:
Try a pinch of cinnamon, cumin, or ground coriander for warmth. For herbs, mint, parsley, or basil work beautifully.
Dressing Alternatives:
Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and honey for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Tahini Yogurt Sauce: Blend Greek yogurt with tahini, garlic, and lemon for a creamy Mediterranean twist.
Fruit Swaps:
Replace pineapple with orange segments, apple chunks, or mango for a different type of sweetness.
Replace raisins with golden raisins, currants, or cranberries for variety.
For a Savory Spin:
Add a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and skip the honey for a less sweet, more Mediterranean side dish.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. It actually tastes better after resting for an hour or two in the fridge since the flavors blend together. Just give it a quick toss before serving. If you’re storing it overnight, you can add the dressing right before serving to keep the carrots crisp.
Q: What’s the best way to grate carrots for this salad?
A: Use the large holes on a box grater or a food processor with a shredding disc. Avoid fine grating—it can make the salad too soft and wet.
Q: Can I use canned pineapple chunks instead of crushed pineapple?
A: Definitely. Just chop them into smaller pieces and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
A: Yes. Replace the mayonnaise or yogurt with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing, or use vegan mayo. The salad stays just as flavorful.
Q: Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
A: You can. Try adding grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or a scoop of chickpeas for a light but filling option.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing—it changes the texture.
Nutrition
(Per Serving)
(Estimated based on 4 servings)
Calories: 145
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 130mg
Values may vary slightly depending on your dressing choice and whether you add honey.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Carrot Salad with Pineapple and Raisins is light, colorful, and naturally sweet—everything you want in a quick, refreshing side. It pairs perfectly with grilled fish, chicken, or vegetarian mains, and it’s easy to adjust to your taste with different herbs, nuts, or dressings. Whether you use creamy yogurt or tangy vinaigrette, the result is a fresh, vibrant salad that feels both comforting and energizing.