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Apple Carrot Salad served on a white plate with a hand holding a fork, featuring carrots, apples, walnuts, and orange slices, accompanied by a cup of herbal tea on a marble countertop

Apple Carrot Salad


  • Author: Leslie Bennett
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

Apple carrot salad is a vibrant, crunchy salad combining grated carrots, diced apples, shredded red cabbage, raisins or cranberries, nuts, and a creamy citrus dressing for a sweet-and-tangy side dish or light meal. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a homemade dish to elevate any meal. Easily paired with grilled meats, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.


Ingredients

For the Salad:

– 2 large carrots, peeled and grated

– 2 medium apples, cored and diced (use crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

– 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

– ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries

– ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional; omit for nut-free diets)

– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

– ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (substitute sour cream or vegan yogurt if needed)

– ¼ cup mayonnaise (substitute vegan mayo for plant-based diets)

– 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

– 1 tbsp lemon juice

– 1 tsp honey (substitute stevia or monk fruit for low-sugar diets)

– Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

Instructions

  1. Peel and grate the carrots into a large mixing bowl. Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces, adding them immediately to the bowl with the carrots to prevent browning.
  2. Shred the red cabbage finely and add it to the bowl along with raisins or cranberries, chopped nuts (if using), and fresh parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well-coated.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if needed. If time allows, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Garnish with additional chopped nuts or parsley before serving.

Notes

– Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for maximum flavor and texture. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Avoid freezing, as this salad does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad / Side Dish
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American / Healthy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: ~180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg