In each household, carrot salad recipes seem to differ as much as each person’s taste in drapes. Growing up, we ate a sweet carrot salad that was made with raisins and honey. At picnics and potlucks I’ve sampled slaw-like carrot salads made with mayonnaise, salad dressing and swimming in lemon juice.
To me, this salad seems like it should be healthy, it’s name includes both “carrot” and “salad” for heaven’s sake! I’m a huge fan of substituting certain fatty, or oil-based ingredients for a high-protein alternative like Greek Yogurt. I eat enough oils and fats intentionally, and don’t like the idea of hiding them in other, seemingly healthy dishes. This is the recipe I use when making carrot salad at home:
2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup raisins (soaked in 1 cup water for 5 minutes)
1/2 cup plain, non-fat Greek Yogurt
1 cup canned crushed pineapple (with juice)
1/2 cup raisins (soaked in 1 cup water for 5 minutes)
1/2 cup plain, non-fat Greek Yogurt
1 cup canned crushed pineapple (with juice)
My husband grew up on a version very similar to this, using mayo in place of yogurt. When I first started making my Greek Yogurt version, I didn’t tell him that I had swapped out his beloved mayonnaise. He either didn’t notice, or just didn’t mind the switch.
When I want this salad, but am out of pineapple, I will use 1 cup of canned peaches, pureed, and add a squirt of lemon. However you make it, carrot salad is a fast and fresh addition to any meal, or just a light and healthy snack.
When I want this salad, but am out of pineapple, I will use 1 cup of canned peaches, pureed, and add a squirt of lemon. However you make it, carrot salad is a fast and fresh addition to any meal, or just a light and healthy snack.
For more information on Greek Yogurt, there was an interesting brand comparison in the May 2011 issue of Cooks Illustrated.
thanks for sharing! i love greek yogurt! i have it every morning for breakfast with honey and bananas :]
That looks so GOOD!
Currents seem like they’d be good in a salad like this. And thanks for adding a substitute for mayonnaise. Carrots and mayo? Gross.
Thanks for sharing! It sounds and looks delicious and I’ll definitely have to try it!