Zesty Carrot Fruit Salad with Nuts and Raisins
This vibrant Zesty Carrot Fruit Salad combines the crunch of freshly grated carrots with the sweetness of apples, juicy pineapple, and plump raisins, all enhanced by the tangy zing of lemon. Tossed together with chopped peanuts for an added crunch, this colorful dish makes a delicious complement to any meal, transforming ordinary sandwiches or casseroles into a feast for the senses. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply as a refreshing side dish to brighten your table. Enjoy the delightful mix of textures and flavors that make this salad a perennial favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Raisins
1/2 cup (Simmered and chilled)
Carrots
1 lb (Coarsely grated)
Green Apples
2 small (Cored, peeled, and diced)
Pineapple
8 ounces (Crushed with juices)
Peanuts
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Ground Celery Seed
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh Lemon Juice
3 tablespoons
Lemon Zest
2 teaspoons
Sour Cream
1 1/4 cups
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, simmer the raisins in 2 cups of water for 3 to 4 minutes to rehydrate. Remove from heat and let them sit in the water for 10 to 15 minutes to cool and steep, then drain and chill.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled raisins, coarsely grated carrots, diced green apples, crushed pineapple (with juices), and chopped peanuts. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground celery seed. Gently toss until well mixed.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
4
Pour the lemon-sour cream mixture over the carrot and fruit combination. Thoroughly toss to ensure all ingredients are beautifully coated.
5
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the salad in crisp lettuce cups or over a bed of shredded lettuce for a presentation that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Make sure to toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing.
6
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Carrot Fruit Salad with Nuts and Raisins?
It is a vibrant salad that combines crunchy grated carrots with sweet apples, pineapple, and raisins, topped with peanuts and a tangy lemon-sour cream dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include carrots, raisins, green apples, crushed pineapple, peanuts, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sour cream.
How do I prepare the raisins for the salad?
Simmer the raisins in 2 cups of water for 3 to 4 minutes, let them steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then drain and chill.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be coarsely grated to provide the ideal texture and crunch for the salad.
What type of apples should I use?
The recipe recommends using two small green apples that are cored, peeled, and diced.
Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
No, you should include the pineapple juices when mixing the ingredients to add flavor and moisture.
What kind of nuts are used in this carrot salad?
Chopped peanuts are used to add a savory crunch to the dish.
How is the dressing for the Zesty Carrot Fruit Salad made?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and sour cream.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
Serve it in crisp lettuce cups or over a bed of shredded lettuce for a beautiful presentation.
Can I store leftovers of the Zesty Carrot Fruit Salad?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this salad a good choice for picnics?
Absolutely, its refreshing nature and easy portability make it perfect for picnics and potlucks.
What seasonings are added to the fruit and vegetable mix?
The salad is seasoned with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground celery seed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the sour cream with a plant-based dairy alternative.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients required to make this Zesty Carrot Fruit Salad.
What does celery seed add to the recipe?
Ground celery seed provides a subtle earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.
Should I toss the salad again before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to toss the salad again just before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Can I use red apples instead of green apples?
While green apples provide a tart contrast, you can use red apples if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor in the recipe?
The combination of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest in the dressing provides the zesty zing.
Is there any cooking involved in this salad?
The only cooking involved is simmering the raisins in water to rehydrate them.
Can I substitute the peanuts for other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or pecans would also work well if you prefer them over peanuts.
How much sour cream is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/4 cups of sour cream.
Is this salad considered a side dish or a dessert?
It is typically served as a refreshing side dish, especially alongside sandwiches or casseroles.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, it is best to peel the carrots before grating them for a cleaner taste and appearance.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is not specified, but the recipe uses 1 lb of carrots and substantial fruit portions.
Does the recipe contain any added sugar?
No, the sweetness comes naturally from the raisins, apples, and pineapple.
How many lemons do I need for the juice and zest?
Usually one large lemon is sufficient to produce 3 tablespoons of juice and 2 teaspoons of zest.
Can I prepare this salad a day in advance?
Yes, it holds up well in the fridge and the flavors will continue to meld overnight.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.