This Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad is as pretty as it is delicious; a colorful mix of crisp apples, sweet cranberries, and crunchy carrots tossed in a bright, tangy dressing. It’s refreshing, full of texture, and comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have at home.
Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, alongside grilled meats, or as a light lunch, this salad delivers just the right balance of sweetness and zest. Best of all, it’s naturally wholesome, quick to prepare, and keeps beautifully in the fridge.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and easy: Ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required.
- Colorful and fresh: Each bite bursts with crunch and tangy sweetness.
- Healthy and satisfying: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and heart-healthy fats.
- Perfect for gatherings: A make-ahead salad that stays crisp and bright.
Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad Recipe
A light and creamy fruit-vegetable salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an effortless dish for potlucks, picnics, or weekday dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Salad
In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, diced apple, and dried cranberries. Add chopped nuts and herbs if using for extra crunch and flavor. - Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until the salad is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. - Serve
Serve chilled. Give it a quick toss before plating to refresh the dressing.
Notes
- Use sweetened dried cranberries for a pleasant contrast to the tangy dressing.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for vanilla yogurt if you prefer a less-sweet version.
- Toss the apple slices with a bit of lemon juice right after cutting. It keeps them crisp, fresh, and beautifully bright if you’re not serving the apple cranberry carrot salad right away
- For a dairy-free option, replace yogurt and mayonnaise with your favorite vegan alternatives.
Variations and Substitutions
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts or replace them with roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Add Protein: Toss in chickpeas or grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
- Sweet Twist: Use golden raisins instead of cranberries for a softer sweetness.
- Zesty Upgrade: Add a pinch of orange zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.
What Are My Best Tips for Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad?
- Keep apples crisp: Toss them in lemon juice right away to prevent browning.
- Don’t skip chilling: Letting the salad rest for a few hours allows the flavors to meld and improves the texture.
- Use fresh carrots: Pre-shredded carrots can be convenient, but freshly grated ones stay sweeter and crunchier.
- Balance the dressing: Taste before serving. If it’s too tangy, add a bit more sugar; if it’s too sweet, a squeeze of lemon does the trick.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Make ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but add the dressing just before serving for maximum crunch.
- Avoid freezing: The fresh fruit and dressing will not retain their texture once frozen.
FAQ
Can an apple and a carrot be eaten together?
Yes! Apples and carrots make a wonderfully balanced combination. Apples bring natural sweetness while carrots add crunch and a mild earthiness. Together, they’re rich in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, making them both delicious and nutritious in the same dish.
How to make an apple and carrot salad?
Grate fresh carrots, dice a crisp apple, and toss with cranberries. Drizzle over a quick olive oil and vinegar dressing, chill for a bit, and enjoy your colorful, refreshing salad.
How many calories are in an apple cranberry salad?
A typical serving of this salad contains around 180 calories, depending on the type of yogurt or mayonnaise used. It’s light yet satisfying; a perfect side for any meal.
What dressing is best for carrot salad?
A simple mix of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice gives this salad the perfect tang. You can add a touch of honey for sweetness or skip it for a sharper flavor.
Finally
This Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad is a simple yet impressive way to brighten any meal. With its creamy, tangy dressing and refreshing crunch, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for the recipe.
If you try this Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! And don’t forget to share it with a friend who loves easy, refreshing side dishes.
Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, diced apple, and dried cranberries. Add chopped nuts and herbs if using for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until the salad is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Serve: Serve chilled. Give it a quick toss before plating to refresh the dressing.
Notes
- Use sweetened dried cranberries for a pleasant contrast to the tangy dressing.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for vanilla yogurt if you prefer a less-sweet version.
- Toss the apple slices with a bit of lemon juice right after cutting to keep them crisp and bright if you’re not serving the salad right away.
- For a dairy-free option, replace yogurt and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives.
