Marinated Carrot Salad – A Sweet and Tangy Make-Ahead Favorite

Marinated Carrot Salad

Ingredients

5 cups (about 2 pounds) fresh carrots, sliced into thick rounds
1 large onion, thinly sliced into rounds
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 (10¾-ounce) can tomato soup
⅓ cup salad oil
½ cup sugar
¾ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt

This Marinated Carrot Salad is one of those classic dishes that’s been passed around church cookbooks and family gatherings for generations—and for good reason. It’s crunchy, colorful, sweet, and tangy all in one bite. Even better? It’s a make-ahead recipe that actually tastes better after chilling for 12 hours.

If you’re looking for a cool side dish that holds up well for picnics, potlucks, or Sunday dinner, this one checks all the boxes.

Cooking Steps

1
Boil carrots in water until just fork-tender but still slightly crunchy—about 5–7 minutes.
2
Drain and let cool.
3
In a large bowl, combine the cooled carrots with onion slices and chopped green pepper.
4
In a separate bowl or saucepan, whisk together tomato soup, oil, sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
5
Pour the marinade over the vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly.
6
Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight.
7
Stir before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Why This Salad Is a Keeper:

Make-ahead: Actually improves with time—perfect for prepping the day before.
Shelf-stable ingredients: Uses pantry staples like tomato soup and vinegar.
Crowd-pleaser: Makes enough for about 10 servings.
Versatile: Great side for BBQs, potlucks, or sandwich nights.
Vegetarian & dairy-free.

Variations & Tips:

Want more color? Add sliced red bell peppers or fresh parsley before serving.
For a slightly spicy kick, stir in a few dashes of hot sauce.
If you want less sweetness, reduce the sugar to ⅓ cup.
This salad lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator, making it great for weekly meal prep.

This nostalgic Marinated Carrot Salad brings a refreshing zing to any table. Pair it with grilled meats, burgers, or even your holiday ham. It’s one of those dishes that always leaves people asking for the recipe!