Name: Carrot Apple Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium carrots, coarsely grated; 1 apple, diced; 3/4 cup craisins, dried cranberries; 1/4 cup purple or sweet onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise, real mayo or vegenaise; 2 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 Tbsp sugar; 1/8 tsp sea salt, or to taste; pinch of black pepper, freshly ground

This Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is a burst of color, crunch, and pure happiness in every bite. Imagine sweet carrots, juicy apples, and tart cranberries all mingling in a creamy, tangy dressing. My family always requests this salad for picnics or quick lunches, and there’s never a spoonful left. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen for its simplicity and the way it brightens up any meal. If you love fresh flavors and a salad that is anything but ordinary, this one is about to become your new favorite.

Carrot Apple Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Each item here adds its own special touch, whether it’s sweetness, crispness, tang, or that irresistible creaminess. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Carrots: Choose organic if you can — they’re naturally sweeter and really shine in this salad.
Apple: Adds a juicy bite and gentle tartness; Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully.
Craisins (Dried Cranberries): Lend a pop of color and a chewy, tangy touch that pairs perfectly with the fresh produce.
Purple or Sweet Onion: Finely diced for just a subtle zing without overpowering the dish.
Mayonnaise (or Vegenaise): This is the base of the dressing and makes everything creamy and luscious.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and keeps the apple from browning — don’t skip it!
Sugar: Just enough to balance the tang and bring out the natural sweetness of the veggies and fruit.
Sea Salt: Enhances every other flavor with just a pinch — taste as you go!
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For a gentle warmth that ties the dressing together beautifully.

How to Make Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, sugar, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. This luscious dressing is the secret that brings the whole Carrot Apple Salad Recipe to life, adding just the right hint of tang and sweetness.

Step 2: Prep Your Vegetables and Fruit

Grab four medium carrots and coarsely grate them — I love using a food processor for speed, but a box grater works just as well. Dice your apple into bite-sized pieces so each forkful has a balance of sweetness and crunch. Finely dice a quarter cup of purple or sweet onion. These little details take the salad from simple to show-stopping.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add your grated carrots, diced apple, finely diced onion, and dried cranberries. Give everything a gentle toss to distribute the colors and flavors evenly. That splash of color is always so satisfying to see!

Step 4: Dress It Up and Serve

Pour the creamy dressing over your salad ingredients and stir gently until everything is coated. I recommend adding the dressing just before serving the Carrot Apple Salad Recipe to keep everything crisp and vibrant. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if you like, then enjoy!

How to Serve Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Garnishes

The fun part: toppings! Sprinkle on a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch, or add a little extra freshly ground black pepper for a pretty finish. A few small mint leaves or a dusting of lemon zest brighten things up even more.

Side Dishes

This Carrot Apple Salad Recipe loves to be paired with classics like grilled chicken, salmon, or even a hearty sandwich. I adore serving it at summer picnics alongside potato salad or tucked onto burger plates — it refreshes every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the salad onto crisp butter lettuce leaves for a beautiful starter, or scoop it into small mason jars for easy, portable lunches. You can also serve it on a platter, scattered with extra cranberries and apple slices for a dazzling effect at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this carrot apple salad recipe hold up nicely for about 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors even meld together, making it extra tasty. Just gently toss before serving, as the dressing may settle.

Freezing

This isn’t a salad that enjoys the freezer — the crisp veggies and apple lose their texture once thawed, and the dressing may separate. It’s best savored fresh or stored in the fridge for short periods.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! Carrot apple salad is at its best served cold or at cool room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, let it sit out about 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can perk up.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt will make the dressing lighter and tangier — just note the salad won’t be quite as creamy. You can also do a half-and-half split of mayo and yogurt for the best of both worlds.

Which apple variety is best for this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe?

I love crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. They hold up well and don’t brown as quickly, providing both flavor and texture contrast to the carrots.

Can I make this salad nut-free?

Yes, simply skip any nut garnishes or additions. The base Carrot Apple Salad Recipe contains no nuts, so it’s friendly for nut-allergic friends as is.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

The lemon juice in the dressing helps a lot! Toss your diced apple with a teaspoon of lemon juice right after cutting, then fold them into the salad as soon as possible.

Is this salad kid-friendly?

Very! The combination of sweet crunchy veggies and fruit, with just a bit of tartness, makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. You can omit the onions for pickier eaters, if needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe a place in your weekly lineup. It’s quick, endlessly adaptable, and adds a little sunshine to every meal. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!