Chick fil a carrot and raisin salad

We have to admit: When Chick-fil-A does something right, they absolutely master it. Case in point — during its first year on the restaurant's menu, the mac & cheese grew to become one of the chain's most popular items (via the official website). Meanwhile, the chicken nuggets — which debuted in 1982, more than 30 years after first restaurant opened — have maintained their status as a fan favorite for a good number of years.

But not everything Chick-fil-A sells is meant to stick around forever. Their cinnamon cluster treats barely made it to a full decade before getting the boot in 2016, while multigrain oatmeal only survived a short five years on the menu. And just a few months ago, the restaurant made the decision to cut their sunflower multigrain bagel from their breakfast menu along with decaf coffee (via Atlanta Journal Constitution). While some of these past dishes have faded into the distant memories of Chick-fil-A past, there are other losses that still sting to this day. For many fans of the chain, the most devastating was the axing of the infamous carrot raisin salad.

Per the official website, the chain's signature dish was based on a recipe by the original Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy and remained on the menu for nearly 40 years. But when the news broke that the chain was getting rid of it for good, fans were absolutely devastated. Southern Living went as far to urge the chain to reconsider the decision by publishing a piece titled "Dear Chick-fil-A, Please Bring Back Our Carrot and Raisin Salad."

Some people are convinced Chick-fil-A cut the salad over sales

Healthier Copycat Chicken-fil-A Carrot Raisin Salad

Everyone has their favorite order from Chick-fil-A, and mine used to be the carrot salad. Tangy pineapple, carrots, and raisins all tossed in a creamy dressing tasted just right on the side of a grilled chicken sandwich.

While my family doesn’t eat out often, Chick-fil-a is certainly a favorite spot for us. My kids love their nuggets and chick-fil-a sauce, and it’s where I first tried and fell in love with carrot salad.

You could say I like it enough to recreate the recipe using healthier ingredients. It took a try or two, but I finally nailed the flavor.

Ingredients for Pineapple Carrot Raisin Salad

Here are the ingredients and helpful recipe notes to make this carrot raisin salad without mayo.

• peeled carrots: to achieve the right texture, we are shredding whole carrots. I don’t recommend using pre-shredded carrots; they aren’t the same. 
• pineapple: you can use fresh, diced pineapple or thaw out frozen pineapple and dice it up. Just make sure to save the juice! 
• fresh pineapple juice: gives the salad a sweet, tangy flavor and reduces the amount of honey needed. 
• non-fat Greek yogurt: a creamy and lighter alternative to mayonnaise. 
• fresh lemon juice: adds a little acidity and helps brighten the flavors. 
• honey: for a touch of sweetness, about a tablespoon is all you need. 
• raisins: whether you use regular raisins, golden raisins, or dried cranberries- it’s up to you! If you want them to be a little more ‘plump,’ soak them in warm water while preparing the rest of the ingredients, then drain and toss them into the salad. 

How to Make Carrot Raisin Salad with Pineapple

To give this carrot salad that fine texture, you will need to grate them by hand or with a food processor. It’s an extra step compared to using pre-shredded carrots but trust me; it makes a difference in the salad’s flavor. 

Here’s how to assemble this salad: 

1. Shred the carrots
   Using a cheese grater or food processor, finely shred the carrots. Save time and shred the carrots beforehand, then store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 
2. Make the dressing
   In a large bowl, mix the yogurt with pineapple juice, honey, and lemon juice. 
3. Mix it all together
   Add the shredded carrots, pineapple, and raisins to the bowl and fold to combine. 
4. Chill out
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour then serve. 

If you’re making this salad ahead, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The more time it sits, the more flavor the carrots and raisins soak up. So good! 

Watch this tasty side dish come together in this quick recipe video!

What to Serve with Carrot Raisin Salad

Something about carrot raisin salad screams summer, but it’s great any time of year. Below are a few dishes to enjoy alongside it:

• Copy cat Chick-fil-a Nuggets
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Grilled Chicken Kabobs
• Healthy Turkey Burgers

Carrot Raisin Salad with Pineapple

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

This carrot raisin salad with pineapple is a healthier version of the Chick-fil-a recipe made with fresh pineapple, sweet raisins, and shredded carrots tossed in a light, creamy dressing. 

• Author: Laura Fuentes
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour & 10 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Sides

Ingredients

• 1 lb bag carrots, washed and peeled
• 1 cup fresh cubed pineapple, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 6 ounces plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ⅓ cup California raisins, regular or golden

Instructions

1. Finely shred the carrots with a cheese grater or in a food processor. 
2. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and honey. Whisk until smooth. 
3. Add the carrots, raisins, and pineapple to the dressing and fold to combine, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.