Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Bursting with color and flavor, this Carrot Apple Salad is a refreshing medley of crisp apples, crunchy carrots, sweet mandarin oranges, and creamy yogurt—all tossed together in a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s the kind of salad that lights up a potluck table or becomes your new favorite make-ahead lunch, and its irresistible mix of tastes and textures will keep you coming back for just one more bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Carrot Apple Salad has a distinct role to play—whether it’s adding sweetness, crunch, or a pop of color! You’ll find that each one brings balance and makes the salad truly irresistible.

• Red Delicious Apple: Adds a lovely sweetness and holds up well after slicing—plus, those ruby-red skins are beautiful in the salad.
• Granny Smith Apple: Lends a tart, crisp bite that balances the sweetness from the other fruits.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and keeps those apples looking fresh and vibrant.
• Matchstick Carrots: Pre-shredded carrots offer crunch and stunning orange color with zero fuss.
• Yellow Onion: Just a hint, finely diced, adds a gentle savory note to round things out.
• Dried Sweetened Cranberries: Chewy and fruity, they bring little pops of sweet-tart flavor in every forkful.
• Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy, lightly sweet, and a little tangy—this is the secret to a luscious dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and brings everything together without overpowering the other flavors.
• Sugar: Just a touch, to enhance the salad’s overall sweetness.
• Salt & Pepper: To balance and elevate every ingredient—don’t skip these pinch hitters!
• Canned Mandarin Segments: Drained and juicy, these tender bites are little bursts of sunshine in the salad.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, or simply need to use what you have on hand, this Carrot Apple Salad is endlessly customizable. Don’t be afraid to riff—it’s nearly impossible to go wrong with these flavors!

• Nutty Crunch: Toss in a handful of toasted walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds to add extra texture and earthy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut or plain unsweetened dairy-free yogurt for the vanilla yogurt, and use vegan mayo if needed.
• Switch Up the Fruit: Try pears or red grapes in place of one of the apples for a twist you’ll love.
• Less Sweet Version: Use plain yogurt instead of vanilla, and reduce the sugar to let the fruits shine even more.

How to Make Carrot Apple Salad

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by cutting both apples into matchstick-style pieces. This not only gives you wonderful crisp texture but also ensures every bite is bursting with apple flavor. Immediately toss the apple slices with lemon juice in a bowl—this will keep the apples bright and prevent them from browning as you prep the rest of the ingredients. Let them soak for at least five minutes to really lock in that freshness!

Step 2: Mix the Veggies and Fruit

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the matchstick carrots. Add the finely diced yellow onion and dried cranberries. Once your apples have had a chance to take a lemon bath, toss them in as well—don’t worry if a little lemon juice tags along, it adds more zing!

Step 3: Creamy Dressing Time

Drop in the vanilla yogurt and mayo, followed by sugar, salt, and pepper. Use a big spoon or spatula to thoroughly stir everything together. At first it will seem like a lot of dressing, but the apples and carrots will soak it up as the salad chills—so go for full coverage.

Step 4: Fold in Mandarins and Chill

Gently fold the drained mandarin segments into the salad, being careful not to break them up too much. Cover your bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least three hours—this is the secret to letting the flavors marry and the texture become perfectly crisp and creamy. Now just try to resist sneaking a taste while you wait!

How to Serve Carrot Apple Salad

Garnishes

Add a final flourish of thinly sliced fresh mint or a few extra dried cranberries for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts on top adds both flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

Carrot Apple Salad is especially delightful alongside grilled chicken sandwiches, picnic classics like quiche or deviled eggs, or as a tangy counterpoint to a rich, cheesy casserole. It’s also refreshing as a light lunch with some hearty whole grain bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop the salad into avocado halves, serve in butter lettuce cups, or pile into mason jars for a colorful, portable lunch. For a showy buffet spread, mound the Carrot Apple Salad on a platter lined with baby spinach or arugula for extra color and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Carrot Apple Salad to an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—just give it a good stir before serving, as a bit of natural separation is completely normal.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the apples and carrots will lose their crisp texture and become soggy after thawing. Enjoy Carrot Apple Salad fresh for the best experience!

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served chilled or lightly cool, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, just bring it out about 10 minutes before serving to take off a bit of the chill and stir to refresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a salad that’s equal parts refreshing, sweet, and downright cheerful, Carrot Apple Salad is the one to try. I can’t wait for you to experience its joyful crunch and bright flavors at your next gathering—or just as a pick-me-up lunch all week long!

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