Oh my gosh, you guys—have you ever tried Chick-fil-A’s Carrot Raisin Salad? It’s this magical little side dish that’s equal parts refreshing and sweet, with just the right amount of crunch. I swear, every time I grab their nuggets, I end up sneaking extra bites of this salad too! The best part? It’s crazy easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have.

I first fell for this salad when my sister brought it to a potluck—she’d recreated Chick-fil-A’s version perfectly. Now it’s my go-to for picnics, BBQs, or just when I need something bright on my dinner table. Seriously, whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing foodie friends, this simple combo of shredded carrots, plump raisins, and creamy dressing always disappears fast!

Why You’ll Love Chick-fil-A’s Carrot Raisin Salad

Trust me, this salad is about to become your new obsession—here’s why:

• No cooking required – Just toss everything together and let the fridge do the work!
• Perfect sweet-savory balance – The honey and lemon juice play beautifully off the carrots’ earthiness
• Ready in 15 minutes (plus chilling time) – Faster than waiting in the drive-thru line!
• Always crowd-pleasing – Kids gobble up the sweetness while adults appreciate the fresh crunch
• Endlessly adaptable – Swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry

Honestly? I make a double batch every week—it disappears that fast!

Ingredients for Chick-fil-A’s Carrot Raisin Salad

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for that perfect copycat Chick-fil-A flavor:

• 4 cups shredded carrots – I always grab whole carrots and shred them myself for the freshest crunch (those pre-shredded bags can be dry!)
• 1 cup raisins – Regular or golden both work great here
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Duke’s is my go-to brand for that rich creaminess
• 2 tablespoons honey – Warm your measuring spoon first so it slides right off
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Fresh squeezed makes all the difference!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to make all the flavors pop

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No stress if you need to swap things out! For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo (start with 1/3 cup). Maple syrup replaces honey beautifully. Want crunch? Toast 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans and toss them in last minute. And if you’re feeling fancy, a dash of cinnamon adds cozy warmth!

How to Make Chick-fil-A’s Carrot Raisin Salad

Alright, let’s get mixing! This couldn’t be simpler—I’ll walk you through each step for that perfect Chick-fil-A taste:

1. Prep your carrots: Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in those beautiful shredded carrots along with the raisins. Give them a quick stir so they’re evenly distributed.
2. Whisk the dressing: In a smaller bowl, combine the mayo, honey, lemon juice, and salt. Keep whisking until it’s completely smooth—no honey lumps allowed!
3. Combine gently: Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and fold everything together with a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix—you want every bite coated, but not swimming in dressing.
4. The magic happens: Cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour (I prefer 2 if I have time). This lets the flavors get friendly and the carrots soften just slightly.

See? Easier than ordering at the drive-thru! The hardest part is waiting for that chilling time—I always sneak a taste test while it rests.

Pro Tips for the Best Carrot Raisin Salad

Here are my secret weapons for next-level salad:

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice—it adds way more brightness than bottled
• If adding nuts, toast them first for incredible depth of flavor
• Let the salad sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving—the flavors will sing!

How to Serve Chick-fil-A’s Carrot Raisin Salad Like a Pro

Now for the fun part – dressing up this gorgeous salad! I love how versatile it is—here are all the ways my family enjoys it:

Classic Chick-fil-A Duo: Serve alongside their famous chicken sandwiches (homemade or takeout!) with a pickle spear on the side. A heaping 1/2 cup portion per person is perfect for balancing those savory flavors.

BBQ Bestie: At cookouts, I always scoop it onto plates next to grilled chicken or pulled pork. The cool sweetness cuts through smoky meats beautifully. Bonus—it holds up great outdoors!

Lunchbox Hero: Pack it in small containers with crackers and cheese for a lunch that kids actually eat (trust me, I’ve tested this on picky eaters!). The raisins make it feel like a treat.

Holiday Side Star: For Easter or Thanksgiving, I serve it in a pretty glass bowl with chopped walnuts sprinkled on top—looks fancy but took 15 minutes!

Pro tip: If bringing to a potluck, transport the salad in a chilled cooler bag and add extra raisins right before serving—they plump up so nicely!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Here’s the beautiful thing about this salad—it actually gets better after a day in the fridge! Just pop it in an airtight container (I love my glass Pyrex with the snap lid) and it’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. No reheating needed—in fact, I think it tastes best straight from the fridge! If the dressing separates a bit, just give it a quick stir before serving.

Chick-fil-A’s Carrot Raisin Salad Nutrition Facts

Now let’s talk about what’s in this tasty little number! (Because we all know you’re gonna eat that second helping anyway.) Here’s the scoop—nutrition will vary slightly based on your specific brands, but these are my estimates per half-cup serving:

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 1g

Now, about that sugar content—I know 20g sounds like a lot, but remember, those raisins and honey are natural sugars! If you’re watching sugar intake, you can absolutely cut the honey in half or use sugar-free substitutes. The carrots and raisins still bring that signature sweetness. And hey—it’s still way better for you than most fast food desserts!

FAQs About Chick-fil-A’s Carrot Raisin Salad

I get so many questions about this salad—here are the ones that pop up most often from friends and readers trying this recipe for the first time!

Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?
Absolutely! I love using craisins when I want that extra tartness. Just chop them roughly so they’re not too big—about raisin-sized pieces work best. The salad gets this gorgeous jewel-toned look with the orange carrots and red cranberries.

How long does this salad actually last in the fridge?
Honestly, mine never makes it past day 3 because we eat it all! But properly stored in an airtight container, it keeps beautifully for 4 days. The carrots stay crisp, though the raisins do get plumper (which I think makes them even better!).

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Easy fix—just use a vegan mayonnaise (I like the avocado oil-based ones) and you’re golden. The dressing still comes out creamy and delicious. Bonus: it accidentally makes the recipe vegan too!

Help! My salad looks too wet—what did I do wrong?
No worries! This happens if you use pre-shredded carrots (they’re often drier) or if you overmix the dressing. Just drain any excess liquid and give it a quick stir before serving. Next time, try shredding your own carrots—they release moisture more slowly.

Can I prep this the night before?
Yes, and it’s actually better that way! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Just hold any crunchy add-ins like nuts until right before serving so they stay crisp. I often make a double batch on Sunday for easy lunches all week.

Final Thoughts

Okay, friends—I’m officially obsessed with this Chick-fil-A Carrot Raisin Salad, and I think you will be too! It’s one of those magical recipes that’s ridiculously easy but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. My sister still laughs at how I went from stealing bites of hers to making it weekly at home.

Seriously, whether you’re craving that nostalgic fast-food flavor or need a last-minute potluck hero, this salad delivers every time. The best part? You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now—no fancy ingredients required.

I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on social media when you make it—I geek out over seeing everyone’s twists (that toasted walnut version someone sent me last week? Genius!). Now go grab those carrots and get mixing—your new favorite side dish is waiting!

Chick-fil-A’s Carrot Raisin Salad Recipe Will Amaze You

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and slightly sweet salad with carrots, raisins, and a creamy dressing, inspired by Chick-fil-A’s version.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded carrots and raisins.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Best served chilled.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Chick-fil-A carrot raisin salad, carrot raisin salad, copycat recipe