Carrot Apple Salad is a bright, refreshing side dish filled with crisp red and green apples, sweet carrots, dried cranberries, and juicy mandarins — all tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with plenty of color and texture in every bite.
This chilled salad is especially popular during the warmer months, making it ideal for barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Sweet and savory flavor combination
- Beautifully colorful presentation
- Simple ingredients
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to assemble and then needs at least 3 hours in the refrigerator to chill and let the flavors blend together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion
- ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
How to Make Carrot Apple Salad
1. Prep the Apples
Cut both apples into thin matchstick slices and place them in a bowl. Pour the lemon juice over the apples and toss well to coat. Let them sit for about 5 minutes — this prevents browning.
2. Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries.
3. Add the Apples
After the apples have soaked, add them to the carrot mixture.
4. Make the Dressing
Add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
5. Fold in the Mandarins
Gently stir in the drained mandarin segments.
6. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
7. Serve
Give the salad a final stir before transferring to a serving dish. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled seafood
- Pork tenderloin
- Burgers and hot dogs
- BBQ chicken
- Holiday meals
It’s a versatile side dish that complements both casual and formal dinners.
Storage Tips
Store Carrot Apple Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–4 days. Stir before serving.
Easy Substitutions & Add-Ins
- Cranberries: Swap for raisins or use both.
- Sugar: Replace with honey for natural sweetness.
- Mandarins: Substitute pineapple tidbits.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
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