This carrot salad is so easy, using everyday ingredients like raisins, oil, vinegar, and sugar! Since it’s made without mayonnaise it’s a perfect choice when making spring and summer salad recipes!
I am THRILLED to have Elise from Elise Cellucci Photography + Film here today, sharing a carrot salad recipe with us!
Carrot Salad without Mayonnaise
We love carrots at my house, and I was tired of the same old salads.
Knowing my girls love carrots, I knew I wanted to make a carrot salad and I wanted to try something new.
So when looking for a carrot salad recipe, I noticed most were made with a creamy sauce as well as using mayonnaise. But, my husband does not like mayonnaise so I knew I needed to come up with an alternative recipe that did not have the creamy dressing.
How to Make Carrot Salad
Knowing this, I went to my neighbor who is from Israel.
I remember her telling me that in Israel they have a vegetable with every meal, including breakfast. Every time I go to her they always have a fresh salad as well, so I knew she was the perfect person to ask!
She shared a favorite recipe with me of hers and I took that recipe and added a bit of an American twist to it. Not only did my family love it, but her family too! In fact, her
Ingredients Needed: (See the recipe card below for the full recipe and list of ingredients)
- garlic – minced garlic is preferred for the freshest flavor
- oil – avocado oil is recommended, however coconut, olive, almond, or your favorite salad oil can be used.
- apple cider vinegar – this gives the carrot salad dressing a tang that’s balanced with the oil and sugar.
- liquid aminos – soy sauce can be used instead, and this will give a salty flavor to the sweet and tangy dressing.
- brown sugar – used to slightly sweeten the carrot salad dressing to balance the tang and saltiness.
- grated ginger – fresh is best for the freshest vegetable salad
- carrots – fresh, raw, carrots are needed to make this salad for the crunchiness.
- green onions – these are a great addition to the salad for color and flavor.
- walnuts – these are optional for more crunch
- raisins – these are optional for a touch of sweetness and chewy texture
I promise there is little prep. All you need to do is peel/shred the carrots into thin ribbons. The flavor from the carrots freshly sliced is amazing.
Aside from the carrots, you will need to chop the green onions and mince the garlic. That is all the chopping prep you need to do.
The rest is just mixing everything together. Plus it can all be done in one bowl!
Carrot Salad with Raisins and Walnuts
Although raisins and walnuts are optional, the texture and flavors of the raisins and nuts would be hard to pass-up, and something that is expected in a lot of carrot salads! Don’t be afraid to try these!
From the fresh carrots to the yummy dressing, this salad is sure to become a family favorite. I hope your family enjoys it as much as my family (and neighbors family) do.
Expert Tips and FAQs
Shredding the raw carrots thin, and in to small pieces makes it easier to take a bite. You can also slice the carrots in very then ribbons. Or, to keep things simple, buy shredded carrots at the store.
It’s best to peel carrots for a carrot salad for presentation, although not required. Make sure the carrots are cleaned thoroughly.
Carrot salad can be stored in the refrigerator and needs to be enjoyed within 3-4 days.
Craving More Recipes?
- Carrot Cake
- Carrot Walnut Cake
- Candied Carrots
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Apple Carrot Juice Recipe
- Carrot Cake Rice Krispie Treats
- Pea Salad Recipe
- Asian Chopped Salad
- Broccoli Salad Recipe
Originally published: February 2019
Photos updated and republished: April 2025
Recipe
Carrot Salad
Ingredients
- 6-8 carrots cleaned and peeled
- 1-2 clove(s) garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon liquid aminos or soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 green onions
- ¼ cup walnuts optional
- ¼ cup raisins optional
Instructions
- In a large size bowl, mix together the garlic, oil, vinegar, liquid aminos, brown sugar, and ginger.1-2 clove(s) garlic minced, 3 tablespoons avocado oil, 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon liquid aminos, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- Peel carrots into ribbons by swiping the peeler from the fat end to the tip. Add to the bowl.6-8 carrots
- Chop the green onions and add to bowl.3 green onions
- Mix well. Right before serving toss in the walnuts and raisins.¼ cup walnuts, ¼ cup raisins
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Margie says
Hello
Do I dress the salad & refrigerate overnight or put dressing on when I serve it?
Thanks
Margie
Jessica says
Hi Margie! I do believe either way will work just fine! The carrot salad will keep in the fridge for 3 days, so you can mix it all together and then serve later, or keep it separate until serving if you prefer.