Carrot Apple Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and slightly sweet salad that balances the natural sweetness of shredded carrots and apples with a tangy and creamy dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a side dish for lunch or dinner, offering bright flavors and satisfying textures.
If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or dull salads, this recipe gives you a vibrant and wholesome way to enjoy fresh produce.
Why This Carrot Apple Salad Recipe Works
- Uses freshly shredded carrots and diced apples for a crisp texture
- Combines sweetness from fruit and raisins with a tangy, creamy dressing
- Simple ingredients come together quickly for a healthy dish
Choosing the Right Ingredients
- Carrots: Fresh, peeled, and shredded for best texture and sweetness
- Apples: Crunchy varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala add tartness and texture
- Raisins or dried cranberries add chewy sweetness
- Creamy dressing usually combines mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with lemon juice and a touch of sugar
- Optional finely diced onions or fresh herbs like parsley add flavor
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
- 1 cup diced or shredded apple (about 1 large apple)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely diced sweet or purple onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded carrots, diced apples, raisins, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt), lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the carrot and apple mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Stir in fresh parsley if using.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour before serving to blend flavors.
Pro Tips
- Drain excess juice from shredded apples with a paper towel to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste by varying sugar and lemon juice.
- Use a food processor for quick shredding, but avoid over-processing to keep texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a refreshing side to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light snack. Great for picnics or potlucks.
FAQs
- Can I make it ahead? Yes, best if chilled for at least 30 minutes.
- How long does it keep? Refrigerate in airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Can I substitute mayo? Yes, use Greek yogurt or vegan mayo if preferred.
Carrot Apple Salad
A fresh and crunchy Carrot Apple Salad with sweet apples, shredded carrots, and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect as a healthy side or light snack rich in flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded carrots
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/2 cup raisins or craisins
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, combine shredded carrots, diced apples, raisins, and onion.
- 2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
- 4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- 5. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: carrot apple salad, healthy salad, easy side dish, fresh salad