If you’re searching for a refreshing, crunchy, and downright irresistible salad, look no further than this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of sweet apples, crisp carrots, chewy raisins, and a creamy, tangy dressing that pulls everything together. Whether you’re planning a picnic, sprucing up your lunch routine, or looking for a healthy side dish, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bursts with color and flavor in every bite.

Carrot Apple Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is a celebration of simplicity—each ingredient adds a special note, from the natural sweetness of the apples and carrots to the zesty brightness of lemon and the cozy warmth of cinnamon. You’ll love how these humble staples combine for a salad that’s anything but ordinary.

Shredded Carrots: Freshly shredded carrots bring a sweet crunch and beautiful orange color.
Medium Apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Choose crisp, juicy apples for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Raisins: These little gems add chewy, natural sweetness that ties the salad together.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Nuts add extra crunch and a toasty, earthy flavor—totally worth it if you have them!
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice keeps the apples from browning and gives the salad a lively tang.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Either option adds just the right amount of sweetness in the creamy dressing.
Plain Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt keeps it light and tangy, while mayo makes it ultra-creamy—choose your favorite.
Ground Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon gives a subtle warmth that makes this dish extra cozy.
Pinch of Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.

How to Make Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Fruits and Veggies

Start by shredding the carrots and julienning or shredding the apples. I love using a box grater or a food processor to make quick work of this. If you’re using apples with thin skins, there’s no need to peel them—just core and slice. The goal is to have thin, uniform pieces so the flavors meld beautifully and every forkful is a perfect blend of juicy and crisp.

Step 2: Toss Together the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, apples, raisins, and if you’re feeling a little extra, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. The bowl should already look cheerful and colorful, which is half the fun of making this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The dressing should be smooth, creamy, and fragrant with that hint of cinnamon. Give it a quick taste—you might want a little more honey if your apples are especially tart!

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the carrot and apple mixture. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until every strand and slice is coated in that luscious, creamy dressing. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Pop the salad in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This little pause allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become even more refreshing. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss and get ready for a chorus of happy taste buds.

How to Serve Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To take your Carrot Apple Salad Recipe to the next level, don’t forget a final flourish. Try a handful of extra chopped nuts, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or a dusting of cinnamon right before serving. These little extras not only make your salad look gorgeous but also add delightful texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with all sorts of main courses. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or as a refreshing companion to hearty sandwiches. It’s also a hit at potlucks and picnics, where its vibrant color and bright flavors shine on any table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the salad in lettuce cups, hollowed-out apple halves, or even as a topping for avocado toast. The Carrot Apple Salad Recipe makes a show-stopping addition to brunch spreads, or you can layer it in mason jars for a portable, pretty lunch on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad keeps well for up to two days. The apples may soften a bit, but the flavors meld even more, making it just as tasty the next day.

Freezing

Because of its fresh ingredients and creamy dressing, freezing isn’t recommended for this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe. Freezing can change the texture of the apples and carrots, leaving them limp and watery when thawed.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—just serve it cold straight from the fridge! If it seems a bit dry after storing, stir in a spoonful of yogurt or mayonnaise to refresh the texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey and opt for a dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for the dressing. The Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is wonderfully adaptable to plant-based diets.

What apple varieties work best?

I love crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji, but Granny Smith or Gala are also delicious in this salad. Feel free to mix and match for a more complex flavor.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Carrot Apple Salad Recipe a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled and give it a stir before serving. The lemon juice in the dressing helps keep the apples from browning.

Are there any fun add-ins you recommend?

Try tossing in shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra warmth. Chopped fresh herbs like mint or parsley can also add a refreshing twist.

Is this salad kid-friendly?

Definitely! The sweet apples, carrots, and raisins make it a hit with kids. For picky eaters, you can leave out the nuts or use sunflower seeds for added crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe yet, let today be the day you fall in love with this simple, joyful dish. It’s vibrant, delicious, and always a hit at the table—give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen too!

Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This refreshing Carrot Apple Salad combines sweet and crunchy shredded carrots with crisp apples, raisins, and nuts, all tossed in a tangy, lightly spiced yogurt-based dressing. Perfect as a healthy side dish or a light snack, this salad is easy to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly, making it a versatile addition to any meal or buffet.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 cups shredded carrots
2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and julienned or shredded
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded carrots, julienned or shredded apples, raisins, and chopped nuts if using. Mix them gently to combine all the fresh ingredients evenly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until you achieve a smooth, creamy dressing.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the carrot and apple mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the flavorful dressing.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Add shredded coconut for a fun twist or a pinch of nutmeg to introduce extra warmth and spice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American