Simple Side Dishes: Tearoom Style Carrot Raisin Salad
October 10, 2008 by Marye Audet
Filed under Side Dishes
It always amazed me that one of the best selling side dishes on the menu at the tearoom that we had was the humble carrot-raisin salad. It was always the first thing we ran out of and people always wanted to know the secret.
The funny thing is there was no secret. Carrot raisin salad is just good in a simple, homestyle way. There are all kinds of things you can do with it to dress it up but when it comes right down to it everyone likes it best just the old fashioned way.
Carrot raisin salad goes great with fried chicken, sandwiches, hamburgers, and about anything else you want to serve it with.
Because it is so simple the ingredients are important. The carrots with the green tops are often more fresh and sweet than the others. And it does get better if it stands for an hour or so but don’t hold it more than 24 hours or it will get too watery. Toast the pecans in the microwave, watching carefully so they don’t scorch.
The only other thing is to grate the carrots with a coarse hand grater. The food processor just does not do it the same and the flavors seem to be less intense..but that could be my imagination.
Carrot Raisin Salad
8 organic carrots, peeled and grated
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
2 tbs light brown sugar
1/4 tsp Korintje cinnamon
1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1/3 to 1/2 cup Hellmann’s Mayo
Mix together and allow flavors to blend for one hour. Makes 8 servings.
Image:Marye Audet
I do love this salad more than a cabbage coleslaw, I can see why it was so popular. I like it best with golden raisins!
Cathy,
have you ever made it with coconut and pineapple?
hmmm, don’t know that I’ve ever had carrot and raisin salad… may have to try this one….
Monica I like it…most people do. Certainly worth a try.
I did not know you can toast pecan in a microwave. my girls will love this, my DH no!! He hates mayo, really, really hates it
WHen you are toasting them in a microwave you have to watch them very carefully so they don;t scorch.
It does sound tasty, but I never would’ve thought to combine these ingredients together. Sounds warm and delicious, perfect for Fall. I would love to feature your recipe on our Demy, the first and only digital recipe reader. Please email sophiekiblogger@gmail.com if you’re interested :). Thanks!
This salad is fast, easy and bountiful in flavor. I use the food processor.
Absolutely Jenn, have you tried dried cranberries with it? MMM.