Zesty Carrot Salad

As seen on: Fresh and Flavorful Salad Recipes

This colorful mix brings together juicy apples and shredded carrots with tart cranberries and mandarin segments in a smooth yogurt-mayo blend for a cool side option.
emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Sun, 11 May 2025 22:48:16 GMT
A vibrant bowl of sliced apples, shredded carrots, and bright cranberries, topped with green herbs, presented in a white dish. Save this
A vibrant bowl of sliced apples, shredded carrots, and bright cranberries, topped with green herbs, presented in a white dish. | emilyscooks.com

I wanna tell you about my go-to Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad that mixes crunchy and sweet tastes in every mouthful. It's amazing how these bright ingredients work together no matter what season it is.

Vibrant Stars

Crunchy apples tangy mandarins crisp carrots. Perfect balance creamy sauce dried cranberries.

Speedy Simple

Just chop and toss with dressing. Done in moments ideal for hectic schedules.

Nourishing Perks

Packed with vitamins antioxidants and fiber. Tasty and good for you daily option.

Adaptable Pick

Fits gatherings family meals and get-togethers. Tastes that win over any group.

A bowl of colorful salad featuring thinly sliced apples, carrots, and cranberries, garnished with parsley. Save this
A bowl of colorful salad featuring thinly sliced apples, carrots, and cranberries, garnished with parsley. | emilyscooks.com

Customize It

Throw in seeds herbs you fancy. Fits any eating style or likes.

Child Friendly

Colorful pieces sweet taste fun. Top with nuts yogurt for extra yum.

Proper Storage

Stays fresh in sealed bowl up to three days. Top with dressing when eating for best crunch.

Switch Things

Swap in chunks of pineapple for fun change. Sprinkle feta for extra tang.

Ideal Companions

Goes with any fish or grilled meat. Also fits with warm bread and leafy greens.

A vibrant bowl of salad featuring orange and apple slices, carrots, and cranberries, garnished with parsley. Save this
A vibrant bowl of salad featuring orange and apple slices, carrots, and cranberries, garnished with parsley. | emilyscooks.com

Crowd Pleaser

Tangy sweet and smooth everyone loves it. Better make lots it'll vanish fast.

Top Tips

Cut everything thin for best bite feel. Fresh orange segments give it extra zing.

Allergy Aware

Works with non dairy changes too. Plant based versions taste just as good.

Eye Catching

Rainbow ingredients make stunning dish. Serve in glass bowl to show off colors.

Breezy Refreshing

Great for hot day meals or as side dish. Brings freshness to heavy holiday foods.

A bowl of colorful salad featuring shredded apples, carrots, dried cranberries, and parsley, with two oranges in the background. Save this
A bowl of colorful salad featuring shredded apples, carrots, dried cranberries, and parsley, with two oranges in the background. | emilyscooks.com

Smart Prep

Fix ahead for quick grab later. Keep sauce on side till eating time.

Picnic Ready

Packs well in tight containers. Stands up nicely at outdoor meals.

Flavor Harmony

Tart cranberries juicy oranges smooth dressing. Makes your taste buds dance with joy.

Fresh Takes

Swap in sliced beets or pears for twist. Make your own special mix.

Family Staple

Easy flexible and always yummy. You'll come back to this one again and again.

A colorful salad featuring strips of apples, apricots, and cranberries, garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl. Save this
A colorful salad featuring strips of apples, apricots, and cranberries, garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Why soak apples in lemon juice?
Lemon juice's acid stops cut apples from turning brown and adds a nice zing to your salad mix.
→ Can I make this ahead?
You can prep it a day before. It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for around 3 hours.
→ What apples work best?
Mixing red and green varieties gives you pretty colors and balances sweet with tangy flavors.
→ Can I use fresh mandarin oranges?
You can try fresh ones, but the canned type won't fall apart as easily and they're softer in the mix.
→ Can I substitute the yogurt?
Regular yogurt works if you add a dash of vanilla, or try sour cream with a bit of honey for that creamy tang.

Crunchy Apple Mix

A zingy combo of crunchy apples, tart cranberries, shredded carrots and juicy mandarins mixed in a silky vanilla yogurt dressing.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
~
Overall Time
15 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Salads

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 6 Portions (1 large bowl)

Special Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly, Made Without Gluten

What You’ll Need

01 items 1 red apple, sliced into thin strips.
02 items 1 green apple, sliced into thin strips.
03 items 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
04 items 2 cups carrot sticks.
05 items ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion.
06 items ⅓ cup sweet dried cranberries.
07 items ½ cup plain vanilla yogurt.
08 items ¼ cup regular mayonnaise.
09 items 1 tablespoon white sugar.
10 items ¼ teaspoon table salt.
11 items ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
12 items 1 cup drained mandarin orange pieces.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Slice apples into thin sticks, mix with lemon juice and wait 5 minutes.

Step 02

In a big bowl, mix cranberries, onion, and carrots together.

Step 03

Throw in the apples with their lemon juice.

Step 04

Stir in mayo, yogurt, sugar, pepper and salt until everything's well blended.

Step 05

Carefully add the mandarin pieces.

Step 06

Keep in fridge for at least 3 hours before you serve it.

Extra Notes

  1. The lemon stops apples from turning brown.
  2. You can make this salad a full day ahead.
  3. It tastes better the longer it sits in the fridge.

Essential Tools

  • Big mixing bowl.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Yogurt contains dairy.
  • Mayo has eggs in it.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Total Carbs: ~
  • Protein Content: ~