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BBQing With The Nolands Baking Up Love

Salads

Noshing With the Nolands » Salads

Marinated Carrot Salad

By Tara Noland on June 11, 2025 | Updated April 16, 2025

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This Marinated Carrot Salad is a very popular recipe from the 1960s, but is still as delicious today. It has a sweet tang that so many people like. I like it when the carrots are still tender-crisp and not fully cooked.

It goes great with our Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, Easy Moroccan Couscous, Pineapple Coleslaw, or Creamy Sugar Snap Peas with Bacon for any get-together. 

Gorgeous Marinated Carrot Salad.

This Marinated Carrot Salad is so easy to make and a great make-ahead salad, too. It loves to bathe away for hours in the yummy dressing, just waiting for you any time you want. Therefore, this makes a great salad to take to BBQs or any gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Brings back memories for me
  • Great summer recipe
  • Perfect as a make-ahead salad
  • Easily portable
  • Love the sweet, tangy flavor

Helpful Items for the Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. 

Wavy Crinkle Cutting Tool Serrator Salad Chopping Knife

Porcelain Serving Oval Bowls 1.1 quart/40 oz-Salad/Pasta Dishes Set, 2 Packs

Stainless Steel X-Large Serving Spoons (2-Pack)

Horizontal shot of carrot salad.

What is in a Marinated Salad?

Recipe Ingredients

Recipe Ingredients

Carrots peeled and sliced – I like to slice the carrots with a wave cutter. It just makes them so much more attractive in the salad, but it is not necessary.

Green pepper sliced thinly – This adds another dimension to the salad, and I like the green pepper for color and taste.

Sweet or regular onion sliced thinly – Sweet onion is a nice choice for this salad, but a regular onion works great here too.

Dressing

Canola oil – This is a nice light oil and works well with the other ingredients.

White vinegar – This balances the sweetness with all the other ingredients.

Sugar – This adds the sweetness to the dressing that balances perfectly with the vinegar.

Condensed Tomato Soup – You are asking soup? Yes, this is like the secret ingredient and really makes the dressing special.

Yellow mustard – Yellow mustard is just perfect in this dressing; you don’t need the sharpness of Dijon.

Worcestershire sauce – Adds that tang and umami flavor to the salad.

Salt and pepper to taste – As always, I use Kosher and freshly grinded pepper.

How to Make a Simple Carrot Salad

Overhead of carrot salad.

This Marinated Carrot Salad is a fabulous side to go with so many mains, and it’s great for a summer gathering. It is a nostalgic recipe for me, as it was something that my mom and grandmother used to make. It is a tangy, sweet side that appeals to many for summer BBQ.

Sliced carrots in a pot of water.
Dressing in a pot.

Add the carrots to a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and cook for about 5 min. or until tender crisp. Don’t overcook so that they are falling apart. Drain the carrots and let them cool.

While the carrots cook, in a small pot, add the canola oil, vinegar, sugar, tomato soup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and stir to let the sugar dissolve and the ingredients meld together. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Vegetables in a bowl.
Pouring the dressing on the vegetables.

Mix the carrots, green peppers, and onions together in a container with a lid. Add the dressing and toss well. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving.

Summer salads are the best!! A salad like this is great at any gathering, is completely portable and is easy to make days ahead of time.

Forkful of salad.

The sunny colors are wonderful to put out on any table! It really is a welcoming salad and will be gobbled down any night of the week. 

Spoonful of salad.

She would have this salad in a larger container if we were taking it to a party or outing. Otherwise, she would keep portions in large mason jars for different meals. The recipe I have is old, tattered, with many spills, you know then that is a well-used and loved recipe. 

How to Cut Carrots for a Salad

Overhead close-up of the salad.

I love using a serrated slicer for the carrots, but if you don’t have one, then a diagonal cut is also pretty, but coins will work, too. 

I have included a serrated slicer in the helpful items for this recipe. It is an inexpensive utensil and works great with carrots, making them look just that little bit fancier. 

Just don’t make them too thick and try to keep them uniform when slicing. The green peppers and onions add to the salad in color, texture, and taste. 

Overhead zoomed back carrot salad.

Recipe Pro Tips!

How Long Does Marinated Carrot Salad last?

This recipe will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge if sealed tightly. It is a great portable recipe for any gathering.

Great make-ahead that is delicious and gives you something different to go with those yummy coleslaw, pasta salads, and potato salads. 

FAQs

Carrots can be used in subtle dishes right up to robust pairings. They enhance the flavor of a meat dish also and are extremely versatile. 

This salad is also vegetarian and even vegan without the Worcestershire sauce, so everyone can enjoy it. Try it at one of your summer parties or meals soon; I bet it will be a winner of a side!!

Close-up of carrot salad in a white dish.

CARROTS, CARROTS AND MORE CARROTS

I love carrots, and they are a healthy vegetable too. They are versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are some of our favorite recipes.

  • Overhead shot of caramelized carrots in a white dish.

    Caramelized Carrots

  • Pickled Carrots Recipe in jars.

    Pickled Carrots Recipe

  • Overhead picture of Pan-Fried Carrot and Parsnip Recipe in a casserole with a spoon.

    Carrot and Parsnip Recipe

  • Finished Carrot Cake on a cake stand.

    Best Carrot Cake Recipe

Pin it HERE!!

Marinated Carrot Salad Pin.

Pin it HERE!!

Marinated Carrot Salad Pin.

 

Marinated Carrot Salad

Tara Noland
I am going to be getting nostalgic about this recipe. This Marinated Carrot Salad was one that my mom and grandma would make all the time. I remember seeing jars of it in the refrigerator. It lasts quite a few days/weeks, and it was always a recurring recipe every summer. Do you remember this recipe from your childhood?
4.50 from 56 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Additional Time 12 hours hrs
Total Time 12 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 178 kcal

Video

Ingredients
 

  • 5-6 cups carrots peeled and sliced
  • 1 medium green pepper sliced thinly
  • 1 medium sweet or regular onion sliced thinly

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 3/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 can 10 oz. Condensed Tomato Soup
  • 1 tsp. yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add the carrots to a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and cook for about 5 min. or until tender crisp. Don’t overcook so that they are falling apart. Drain the carrots and let them cool.
  • While the carrots cook, in a small pot, add the canola oil, vinegar, sugar, tomato soup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and stir to let the sugar dissolve and the ingredients meld together. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  • Mix the carrots, green peppers, and onions together in a container with a lid. Add the dressing and toss well. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving.

Equipment

Stainless Steel X-Large Serving Spoons (2-Pack), Serving Utensil, Buffet & Banquet Style Serving Spoons-(2 Spoons)
HIC Wavy Crinkle Cutting Tool Serrator Salad Chopping Knife and Vegetable French Fry Slicer, Steel Blade, 7.25-Inches x 5-Inches
ZONEYILA 0524 Porcelain Serving Oval Bowls 1.1 quart/40 oz-Salad/Pasta Dishes Set, 2 Packs, White, Stackable

Notes

See the post for additional information, photos and tips. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.04gSodium: 48mgPotassium: 206mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 8947IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.3mg
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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posted in: Salads, Side Dishes, Vegetarian

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    4.50 from 56 votes (54 ratings without comment)

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Wanda says

    June 11, 2025

    5 stars
    This is an oldie, but so delicious
    Have not made it in a while, but used to make it on a regular basis 30-35 years ago
    Thank you so much for sharing it

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      June 11, 2025

      You are so welcome!! Enjoy it again!!

      Reply
  2. Melissa says

    June 11, 2025

    A top 10 in the Kingsley (Iowa) Methodist Church Cookbook.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      June 11, 2025

      Ha, an oldie but a goodie!!

      Reply
  3. Lyndia Graham says

    April 21, 2025

    This was better than I expected it to be. I will be making it again. I used the pre-peeled mini carrots and cut them in thirds. It turned out very nice for an Easter side dish.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      April 22, 2025

      It is very good, glad you tried it!

      Reply
  4. Greg bynoe says

    January 18, 2025

    About 40 years ago I first experienced the carrot salad but we added raisins to ours and smashed garlic to the tomato soup. Absolutely delicious and have made it ever since. In a bind you can replace the sauce with Catalina salad dressing.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      January 18, 2025

      Yes, the dressing is like a Catalina for sure. Interesting with the raisins and garlic, I bet that is good too!! This recipe brings back memories for me.

      Reply
  5. susan says

    October 13, 2024

    5 stars
    So yummy sounding. Bless your Mom & you for this soon to be in my frig Carrot from my garden. I & son cant remember a carrot recipe using a Western Dressing. Age Im 84 & son is 51 but I have to find this as son remembers it was Mom/Mon Grand Mothers Dish. Ty and will be following you site. Susan , Mn

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      October 13, 2024

      I hope you and your son enjoy it!! We love our carrots here!

      Reply
  6. Cheryl Stevenson says

    October 6, 2023

    My mom used to make this for us for Thanksgiving, absolutely loved it!! I couldn’t find her recipe so I remembered that tomato soup was in it, I googled it and yours came up & it tastes just like hers… Love, Love this recipe.

    Thanks & Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      October 7, 2023

      So glad you found it!! Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

      Reply
  7. Ida says

    May 16, 2023

    My grandmother use to make this she called them copper pennies, I loved them.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      May 23, 2023

      We just had them again this weekend and everyone loved them.

      Reply
  8. Wendy says

    May 7, 2023

    My Grandmother would make this salad but she called it Sunshine Carrots.

    Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      May 9, 2023

      Good memory, love the name.

      Reply
    • Cheryl Stevenson says

      October 6, 2023

      Mine as well 🙂

      Reply
  9. Annette Cail says

    July 24, 2022

    I found my grandmother’s recipe for “cold carrot salad” when looking for something to bring to a summer bbq pot luck. She didn’t cook the marinade, but used an “electric beater” to combine the ingredients. I prepared this her dish yesterday, found out the outdoor event has been postponed due to it being the sixth day (and the worst they say) of a heatwave. Can I freeze this for two weeks when for the day it has been rescheduled to?!?!?!?

    Reply
    • Annette Cail says

      July 24, 2022

      If so, what is the best way to thaw this “cold salad”

      Reply
    • Tara Noland says

      July 24, 2022

      Hi Annette, sorry your event was canceled. I would not recommend freezing this as it won’t be as good at all I fear.

      Reply
      • Annette Cail says

        July 24, 2022

        Thanks for the advice, I live in a condo and share it with my neighbors!

        Reply
        • Tara Noland says

          July 24, 2022

          My mom would give it to neighbors in mason jars as a little summer treat too.

          Reply
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