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
Scale
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.
