If you love fresh, vibrant flavors that come together effortlessly, you’re going to adore this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe. It’s an absolute winner for adding a bright, crunchy, and slightly sweet side to any meal. The perfect balance of crisp carrots, juicy apple, tart craisins, and a creamy, tangy dressing makes this salad both refreshing and comforting. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe brings a burst of color and flavor to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Carrot Apple Salad Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color harmony. These basics are easy to find and combine to create a salad that feels both homemade and special.
- 4 medium carrots (coarsely grated): Fresh carrots add a crisp, sweet crunch and a beautiful orange hue.
- 1 apple (diced): Provides juicy sweetness and a refreshing bite that complements the carrots perfectly.
- 3/4 cup craisins (dried cranberries): These chewy berries bring tartness and a pop of rich red color.
- 1/4 cup purple or sweet onion (finely diced): Adds a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (real mayo or vegenaise): Creates the creamy dressing that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 tsp lemon juice: Brightens the dressing and prevents the apple from browning.
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness and rounds out the dressing flavors.
- 1/8 tsp sea salt (or to taste): Brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Pinch of black pepper (freshly ground): Adds just a hint of warmth and depth to the dressing.
How to Make Carrot Apple Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by mixing the creamy dressing that will bring all your ingredients together. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon sugar, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until smooth. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang while the sugar balances the acidity—this little blend is what makes the dressing so irresistible.
Step 2: Grate and Chop the Fresh Ingredients
Coarsely grate the carrots for that perfect crunchy texture; a food processor can speed this task up dramatically. Then, dice the apple into bite-sized pieces—choose a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best contrast. Finely dice the purple or sweet onion, so its flavor doesn’t overpower. Toss the craisins into the mix for that chewy, tart surprise in every spoonful.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In a large mixing bowl, gather your grated carrots, diced apples, finely diced onion, and craisins. Just before serving, add the prepared dressing to your bowl and gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This step ensures the salad stays fresh and crisp, with the dressing perfectly enveloping every piece.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Fresh Creation
At this point, your Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is ready to shine. Serve it immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors at their peak. I promise, this salad will quickly become a favorite because it balances sweet, tangy, and creamy in such a friendly way that anyone can appreciate.
How to Serve Carrot Apple Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch that elevates the salad’s presentation and adds a bit of texture, sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top. Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or cilantro also add a lovely herbaceous note and a pop of green color. These simple garnishes can take your classic Carrot Apple Salad Recipe to the next level in both flavor and eye appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even as part of a vegetarian feast alongside quinoa or chickpea dishes. Its bright and refreshing quality provides a lovely counterpoint to heartier mains, making it an ideal, versatile side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next gathering, try serving your Carrot Apple Salad Recipe inside hollowed-out apples or in crisp lettuce cups for a fun, colorful presentation. Layered parfait-style in clear glasses with a sprinkle of granola or seeds on top also makes for a charming and unexpected option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad holds up well for about 2 days, though the apple pieces may soften slightly. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Because of the mayonnaise and fresh apples, freezing is not recommended as the texture and flavor can change noticeably upon thawing.
Reheating
No need for reheating with this salad! It’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature, which keeps the crisp textures and fresh flavors intact. Just give it a mix and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji apples work wonderfully because of their crispness and balance of sweet and tart, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala depending on your preference for sweetness.
Is there a vegan alternative for the mayonnaise?
Yes, you can swap traditional mayonnaise for a plant-based version like Vegenaise to keep this salad vegan-friendly without sacrificing that creamy texture.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?
Definitely! Toasted walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds can add an excellent crunch and variety to the texture, complementing the softness of the apples and craisins.
How long does the salad keep its freshness?
For best taste and texture, consume the salad within 1 to 2 days when stored properly in the fridge. The apples may start to brown and soften over time, but a squeeze of fresh lemon juice helps slow this down.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrot, apple, and other fresh ingredients a few hours in advance without dressing them. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a salad that feels both simple and like a secret treasure on your plate, and this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is exactly that. It’s a perfect blend of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness that everyone seems to fall for. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own—you might just find it becoming your go-to for quick, delicious sides that brighten up any meal.
Print
Carrot Apple Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and refreshing Carrot Apple Salad combining coarsely grated carrots, crisp apples, and sweet craisins, tossed in a creamy homemade mayo-based dressing with a hint of lemon and sweetness, perfect as a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 medium carrots (coarsely grated)
- 1 apple (diced)
- 3/4 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- 1/4 cup purple or sweet onion (finely diced)
Dressing
- 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)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon sugar, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Prepare the salad ingredients: Coarsely grate the carrots, ideally using a food processor for speed and efficiency, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Dice the apple into bite-sized pieces and finely dice the purple or sweet onion, adding both to the bowl along with the craisins.
- Toss the salad: When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the carrot, apple, onion, and craisin mix. Stir everything together gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Serve and enjoy: This salad is best enjoyed fresh as a quick, easy, and delicious side dish that’s been family-approved for its refreshing flavor and delightful texture combination.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use vegenaise instead of regular mayonnaise.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity to taste, depending on the sweetness of your apples.
- Grating carrots with a food processor saves time and ensures a consistent texture.
- Serve chilled for best flavor and crunch.
- Optionally, add nuts like toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
