Carrot Salad with Pineapple & Walnuts is a refreshing, crunchy, and slightly sweet dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots and pineapple with the rich nuttiness of walnuts. This salad is perfect as a side dish for barbecues, holiday meals, or even as a light lunch. The combination of textures—crisp carrots, juicy pineapple, and crunchy walnuts—creates a delightful balance, while the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious addition to your meal or a vibrant dish to impress guests, this salad is a fantastic choice.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
- ½ cup raisins (optional, for added sweetness)
- ½ cup celery (finely chopped, optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor.
- Chop the pineapple into small bite-sized pieces if using fresh.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Soak the raisins in warm water for 5 minutes to plump them up, then drain.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), honey, lemon juice, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated carrots, pineapple chunks, toasted walnuts, raisins, celery, and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra walnuts or parsley.
Tips for the Best Carrot Salad
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter, more natural sweetness.
- Toast the walnuts to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Let the salad sit for a while before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Try variations like adding shredded coconut or swapping walnuts for pecans.
This Carrot Salad with Pineapple & Walnuts is a vibrant, nutritious dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Want more variations? Check out this recipe for additional tips and techniques! 🥕🍍✨