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Delicious Carrot Apple Salad

Featured in Fresh & Flavorful Salad Recipes.

Bring some color to your menu with this Carrot Apple Salad. It’s made with green and red apple slices, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and canned mandarin pieces. The creamy dressing, a mix of mayo and vanilla yogurt, offers a light yet flavorful balance of sweet and tangy. You can prep it in just 20 minutes and refrigerate till ready to serve—a great side for everything from barbecue to picnic spreads.
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Updated on Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:09:17 GMT
A bowl filled with fresh veggies and fruits like carrots and apples on a tabletop. Pin it
A bowl filled with fresh veggies and fruits like carrots and apples on a tabletop. | linacooks.com

This vibrant Carrot Apple Salad combines crisp, fresh ingredients into a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Sweet apples pair perfectly with crunchy carrots, while a creamy vanilla-scented dressing brings all the elements together into a refreshing side dish that works with any meal.

This crowd-pleasing salad consistently wins over even the pickiest eaters. The natural sweetness of fresh produce combined with a creamy dressing creates an irresistible combination that has everyone coming back for more.

Key Ingredients Guide

  • Fresh Apples: Mix sweet and tart varieties for balanced flavor. Select firm apples that maintain their crunch.
  • Carrots: Fresh-cut provides the best texture and taste, though pre-cut works in a pinch.
  • Vanilla Yogurt: Use whole milk yogurt for the creamiest dressing texture.
  • Dried Cranberries: Add chewy texture and bursts of tartness.
  • Mandarin Oranges: Provide juicy sweetness and bright color. Drain well before using.
A bowl of vegetables with carrots, cucumbers, and oranges. Pin it
A bowl of vegetables with carrots, cucumbers, and oranges. | linacooks.com

Step-by-Step Preparation

Prepare the Apples
Clean apples well and cut into matchsticks. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Build the Base
Mix prepared carrots and apples in a large bowl. Add finely minced onion and cranberries.
Mix the Dressing
Blend vanilla yogurt until smooth. Incorporate mayonnaise, sugar, salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble
Pour dressing over salad and fold gently. Add mandarin segments last. Chill thoroughly.

Perfect for Planning Ahead

This salad develops even better flavor overnight, making it ideal for advance preparation. Just add the mandarin segments before serving to maintain their fresh appearance.

Serving Suggestions

Showcase the colorful ingredients in a glass serving bowl. For special occasions, garnish with extra cranberries and a light sprinkle of cinnamon.

Professional Tips

  • Onion preparation: Mince very finely to distribute flavor evenly
  • Apple freshness: Keep cut apples in acidulated water until final assembly
  • Optional crunch: Garnish with toasted nuts just before serving

This versatile salad has proven to be a reliable favorite for all occasions. Its blend of everyday ingredients transformed by a special dressing consistently impresses both casual and formal gatherings.

A bowl of vegetables, including carrots and apples, sits on a table. Pin it
A bowl of vegetables, including carrots and apples, sits on a table. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can the salad be made ahead of time?
Totally! Making it a few hours before serving lets the ingredients soak in the flavors while chilling in the fridge.
→ What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Swapping in Greek yogurt or sour cream works well for creating a creamy consistency with a twist.
→ How long is the salad good for in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, though the texture of the apples might change a little.
→ Can I use fresh mandarin slices instead of the canned ones?
Absolutely! Just peel, segment, and remove any pith from fresh mandarins or oranges.
→ What goes well with this salad?
This versatile dish pairs nicely with grilled chicken, sandwiches, or as part of a big buffet menu.

Carrot Apple Mix

This refreshing Carrot Apple Salad blends crunchy carrots, crisp apples, and dried cranberries in a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Fruits & Vegetables

01 1 granny smith apple
02 1 red delicious apple
03 1/4 cup diced yellow onion, chopped super fine
04 2 cups shredded carrots (you can find pre-shredded ones in stores!)
05 1 cup mandarin orange slices from a can, liquid drained

→ Dressing & Seasonings

06 1/4 cup mayonnaise
07 1/2 cup vanilla-flavored yogurt
08 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
10 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

→ Mix-ins

12 1/3 cup dried cranberries, sweetened

Instructions

Step 01

Slice both apples into thin matchstick-sized strips. Toss them in a small bowl with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown. Let them rest for about 5 minutes.

Step 02

In a large bowl, pour in the shredded carrots. Add your diced onions and sprinkle in the cranberries.

Step 03

After the apples have soaked for a few minutes, toss them into the big bowl. Mix in the yogurt, mayo, sugar, pepper, and salt.

Step 04

Mix everything together until evenly blended. Gently fold in your mandarin pieces at the end so they don’t squish.

Step 05

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for a few hours to chill. Once cold, it’s ready to eat!

Notes

  1. This is a lovely mix of sweet and tangy flavors in a vibrant salad.
  2. Perfect to serve as a light side for cookouts or outdoor gatherings.
  3. You can put this together ahead of time for convenience.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large bowl for mixing everything
  • Small bowl to soak the apples
  • A knife and cutting board for chopping
  • Measuring tools (cups and spoons)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (in the yogurt).
  • Includes eggs (from the mayo).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~