| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 245 | 12g | 2g | 33g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24g | 4g | 2g | 0.1g |
The moment I first delighted my taste buds with the vibrant medley of flavors in the Carrot Raisin Salad, I knew it was a culinary love story in the making. The sweetness of the raisins, tinged with the tartness of the pineapple, was balanced perfectly by the earthy carrots and the creamy tang of the mayonnaise. With my Cuban and Spanish heritage playing muse, I found the freshness and lightness reminiscent of the fruit-based salads commonly devoured in Caribbean and Spanish cuisines. Yet, there was something distinctly comforting and homey about it—much like a mellow Flamenco rhythm playing in the backdrop of a sun-soaked Miami day.
The Health Dance
With my dual passions for cooking and dancing, I adore recipes that give a nod to health without compromising on taste. And the Carrot Raisin Salad does just this — it twirls beautifully between deliciousness and health benefits. Carrots, the star ingredient, are packed with beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that helps maintain good skin health and vision. Pineapples bring to the table an abundance of vitamin C, boosting immunity and aiding digestion. Besides being a good source of dietary fiber, raisins have a natural sweetness that allows for less added sugar.
The Pairing Paso Doble
The Carrot Raisin Salad is as versatile as it is vibrant. It pairs brilliantly with a myriad of dishes, much like the rhythmic steps of the traditional Spanish dance, Paso Doble. As a side, it brings a ray of sunshine to the classic roast chicken or BBQ ribs. It can also take center stage in a vegetarian spread, brightening up staples like veggie burgers or grilled tofu. And if you’re as in love with tapas as I am, consider this salad the perfect accompaniment to classic Spanish tapas like Patatas Bravas or Pan con Tomate.
The Carrot Raisin Salad, with its harmonious blend of tropical sweetness and earthy goodness, is an echo of the flavors that populate my day-to-day cooking. It’s the essence of a healthy lifestyle with a good sprinkling of gourmet pleasure. Give this recipe a spin and let your culinary senses waltz to this dance of flavors.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of shredded carrots
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 cup of canned pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Method
Step One
First, take a large bowl and combine your 4 cups of shredded carrots, 1 cup of raisins, and 1 cup of drained canned pineapple chunks.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, mix together your 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients until they’re fully combined to make your dressing.
Step Three
Pour the dressing over your carrot, raisin, and pineapple combination, tossing everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step Four
After the ingredients are mixed, place the salad in the fridge to chill for at least one hour. This chilling process will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful salad.
Step Five
Finally, serve your Carrot Raisin Salad. It can be eaten on its own or as a side dish to complement a variety of meals. Enjoy!
