Carrot Apple Salad: Fresh 8-Serving Delight

Name: Carrot Apple Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 red delicious apple, cut into matchsticks; 1 granny smith apple, cut into matchsticks; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cups matchstick carrots; 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced; 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries; 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

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If you’ve ever needed a side dish that feels bright, cheerful, and ridiculously easy, Carrot Apple Salad is about to become your new best friend. This is the kind of recipe you pull out when you want something fresh but still comforting. Something colorful but not complicated. Something that makes people say, “Oh wow, what’s in this?”

And let’s be honest—between work, kids, laundry piles, and the endless “What’s for dinner?” question, we need recipes that show up for us. This Carrot Apple Salad is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, potlucks, Easter brunch, or even just meal prep for the week.

It’s crunchy, creamy, a little sweet, a little tangy—and it practically sparkles in the bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Apple Salad

There’s a reason this Carrot Apple Salad never lasts long at gatherings.

Crunchy & Fresh: Red and green apples give you that sweet-tart balance.
Colorful & Beautiful: Matchstick carrots, cranberries, and mandarins make it pop.
Creamy but Light: The vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing keeps it rich without feeling heavy.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually gets better after chilling.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters love the sweet twist.

It’s one of those “old-fashioned meets modern” salads. The kind your grandma might have brought to a church potluck—but with a little fresh upgrade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes 8 servings, which is perfect for a gathering or a few days of leftovers.

1 red delicious apple
1 granny smith apple
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups matchstick carrots (store-bought bags save so much time!)
1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup mayo
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Simple ingredients. Nothing fancy. Just real, everyday grocery store finds.

How to Make Carrot Apple Salad

This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes of prep, then the fridge does the rest of the work.

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Slice both apples into thin matchsticks. Try to keep them about the same size as the carrots so every bite has that perfect crunch.

Place them in a bowl and pour the lemon juice over the top. Toss well so every piece gets coated.

Let them sit for about 5 minutes. This keeps them from turning brown and gives a subtle fresh zing.

(Little kitchen trick that makes you look like a pro.)

Step 2: Build the Base

In a large mixing bowl, add:

Matchstick carrots
Finely diced onion
Dried sweetened cranberries

The carrots give that crisp bite, while the cranberries bring little pops of sweetness.

Once the apples are ready, add them into the bowl too.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Now for the magic.

Add:

Vanilla yogurt
Mayo
Sugar
Salt
Pepper

Stir everything together until evenly coated. The dressing should lightly hug the ingredients—not drown them.

This combination creates that classic creamy fruit salad texture, but the yogurt keeps it feeling fresh instead of heavy.

Step 4: Add the Mandarins

Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments last. Be careful not to mash them—they’re delicate little jewels.

Step 5: Chill (Don’t Skip This!)

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

I know. Waiting is hard.

But this chill time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. The apples soften just slightly, the dressing settles in, and everything tastes more balanced.

Trust me—this is when the magic happens.

Fresh Carrot Apple Salad with mandarin oranges and cranberries in wooden bowl — This Carrot Apple Salad is creamy, crunchy, and packed with mandarins and dried cranberries for the perfect balance of flavor.

Tips for the Best Carrot Apple Salad

Let’s make sure yours turns out perfect every time.

Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice

It keeps the apples fresh-looking and adds brightness.

Use Full-Fat Yogurt for Creaminess

If you use low-fat, the dressing may be thinner. Still delicious, just lighter.

Dice the Onion Very Fine

You want flavor, not a big crunch of onion surprising you.

Make It Ahead

This Carrot Apple Salad is ideal for meal prep or holidays because it holds up beautifully in the fridge.

And if your dressing looks a little thick after chilling? Don’t panic. It’s just extra comfort waiting to happen. Give it a gentle stir before serving.

Creamy Carrot Apple Salad with mandarins and cranberries in a glass bowl — This creamy Carrot Apple Salad combines crisp apples, carrots, cranberries, and juicy mandarins in a sweet yogurt dressing.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I first made this salad during one of those weeks where life felt like one giant to-do list. School events, work deadlines, grocery runs… you know the drill.

I needed something fast but still “special” for a family dinner. I threw this together, popped it in the fridge, and forgot about it until dinnertime.

When I brought it to the table, my husband said, “This tastes like something from a holiday spread.”

That’s when I knew this Carrot Apple Salad was a keeper. Minimal effort. Maximum flavor. Exactly how I like to cook.

Serving Ideas

This salad pairs beautifully with:

Grilled chicken
Baked ham
Slow cooker pork
Thanksgiving turkey
BBQ ribs
Easter brunch spreads

It’s especially wonderful during spring and summer when you’re craving something cool and refreshing.

And because it’s both sweet and savory, it balances heavier main dishes perfectly.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Calories: 121
Total Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 2g

It’s a lighter side dish that still feels satisfying.

FAQs About Carrot Apple Salad

Can I make Carrot Apple Salad the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better when made ahead. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a stir before serving.

Can I substitute the vanilla yogurt?

Yes. Plain yogurt works if you prefer less sweetness. You can also use Greek yogurt for extra thickness and protein.

How long does Carrot Apple Salad last in the fridge?

It keeps well for about 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I skip the mayo?

You can. The mayo adds richness, but if you prefer, you can replace it with more yogurt. The texture will be slightly lighter.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch. Just stir them in right before serving to keep them crisp.

Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this Carrot Apple Salad is how flexible it is.

Add shredded coconut for extra sweetness.
Toss in raisins instead of cranberries.
Use honey instead of sugar.
Swap mandarins for pineapple tidbits.

Think of this as your base recipe. A reliable favorite you can tweak depending on what’s in your pantry.

A Bright Bowl of Simple Joy

There’s something special about recipes like Carrot Apple Salad. They’re not fussy. They don’t require fancy equipment. They just quietly deliver every single time.

It’s the kind of dish that makes your table look beautiful without stressing you out. The kind you can throw together between school pickup and dinner prep. The kind that reminds you cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel meaningful.

So the next time you need a fresh, colorful side that’s both creamy and crisp, give this Carrot Apple Salad a spot on your menu. Your kitchen will smell sweet and citrusy, your fridge will hold a ready-to-serve gem, and your family might just ask for seconds.

And honestly? That’s the best kind of win.

More Fresh Favorites to Try Next

If you loved this Carrot Apple Salad, here are a few more bright, flavorful dishes that would feel right at home on your table. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread, a Sunday dinner, or just want something fresh and colorful in the fridge, these recipes pair beautifully.

Try the crisp and seasonal Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad for another apple-filled favorite with a slightly savory twist.
Serve this salad alongside Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for a sweet-and-savory dinner that feels special but couldn’t be easier.
For something hearty and vibrant, the Brussels Sprout Kale Apple Salad adds extra crunch and makes a beautiful addition to any gathering.
If you’re building a festive menu, don’t miss the creamy, nostalgic layers in Cranberry Pretzel Salad. It’s always a hit at potlucks and holidays.
And for a slightly different take with a nutty crunch, you might enjoy this variation: Carrot Apple and Walnut Salad. It’s another delicious way to enjoy this classic flavor combo.

Mix and match a few of these, and you’ve got yourself a fresh, colorful spread that feels effortless and inviting.