This Carrot Apple Salad is simple and bright. It uses grated carrots, diced apples, a light creamy dressing, and a few mix-ins. A fresh, crunchy salad that mixes carrots and apples. It is quick and sweet, and it works for a side or snack.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Make this salad when you want something fresh and healthy. It is quick to put together and uses common pantry items. Kids and adults like the crunch and sweet mix. It is a good side for lunches, picnics, or a light dinner.
How to make Carrot Apple Salad
Use fresh carrots and crisp apples. Peel and grate the carrots and dice the apples just before mixing so they stay crisp. If you want a sweeter note in the dressing, try a small extra teaspoon of honey. Toss the salad gently so the dressing coats all pieces.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, diced apples, raisins, and walnuts.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Carrot Apple Salad
A fresh and crunchy salad made with grated carrots and diced apples, perfect for a side or snack.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, diced apples, raisins, and walnuts.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Use crisp apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for best texture. Toss apples in the dressing right before serving to slow browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
How to serve Carrot Apple Salad
Serve this salad cold or slightly chilled. It goes well with grilled chicken, sandwiches, or on a buffet table. You can spoon it into lettuce leaves for a light wrap or serve it in small bowls for a side.
How to store Carrot Apple Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 1 to 2 days. If the apples start to brown, a little extra lemon juice helps. Do not freeze this salad; the texture will change.
Tips to make Carrot Apple Salad
- Use crisp apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for best texture.
- Toss apples in the dressing right before serving to slow browning.
- If you want more crunch, add extra chopped walnuts or toasted seeds.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt or more mayo.
- For a sweeter version, add extra honey or a few more raisins, or serve with a slice of Amish apple fritter bread on the side for a treat.
Variations
- Add grated apple instead of diced for a smoother mix.
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- Use pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Mix the dressing and store separate from the apples for up to a day. Combine just before serving.
Q: Can I leave out the nuts or raisins?
A: Yes. Both are optional. The salad is good plain or with only one add-in.
Q: Is mayonnaise better than yogurt?
A: Both work. Yogurt gives a lighter taste, mayonnaise gives a richer texture.
Q: How do I keep the apples from browning?
A: Toss them in lemon juice or add the dressing right before serving.
Conclusion
This Carrot Apple Salad is easy, fresh, and versatile. It comes together fast with simple steps and common ingredients. Try the variations to match your taste and enjoy a light, crunchy salad any day.
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