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Surówka z Marchewki

★ 4.2
Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team

Surówka z Marchewki counts among the traditional food of Poland, a salad locals hold dear.

About Surówka z Marchewki

Surówka z Marchewki counts among the traditional food of Poland, a salad locals hold dear. It is typically made with lemon and raisins.

🏛️ History & Culture

Surówka z Marchewki, or Polish carrot salad, is a staple of home cooking whose precise origins are not documented. It likely emerged from simple rural traditions of serving fresh, grated vegetables as a light accompaniment, and it has been a common fixture on Polish tables for generations. The dish is part of the broader Polish "surówka" tradition of raw, finely shredded salads that balance heartier main courses.

Variations across Poland are modest but notable: some households add raisins for sweetness, others incorporate grated apple, while some versions use sour cream or a light vinaigrette of lemon and sugar. The salad is particularly cherished during festive meals, such as Christmas Eve and Easter, where it offers a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes. Its simplicity and freshness make it a beloved symbol of everyday Polish cooking, enjoyed both at family dinners and holiday spreads.

🍳 How to make Surówka z Marchewki

AI-assisted, not kitchen-tested

Surówka z Marchewki (Polish Carrot Salad with Lemon and Raisins)

A bright, sweet-tart Polish carrot salad that comes together in minutes. It's a classic everyday side dish (surówka) served alongside dinners across Poland.

Prep
10 min
Total
10 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy

Recipe ingredients

  • 450 g (1 lb) carrots, fresh, peeled
  • 60 g (⅓ cup) raisins, dark or golden
  • 1 whole lemon, juice and finely grated zest
  • 2 tsp honey or sugar, to taste, optional
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) sour cream or natural yogurt, optional, for a creamier version

Steps

  1. 1 Plump the raisins: place them in a small bowl, cover with hot water, and let soak for 5–10 minutes until soft. Drain well.
  2. 2 Grate the peeled carrots on the fine side of a box grater (or use a food processor with a fine grating disc) into a mixing bowl.
  3. 3 Zest the lemon first, then juice it. Add the zest and juice to the carrots along with the drained raisins.
  4. 4 Toss everything together. Taste and sweeten with honey or sugar if the carrots are sharp. If using sour cream or yogurt, fold it in now.
  5. 5 Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can mingle, then serve cold as a side to a Polish main course.
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