Carrot Apple Salad is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful side dish that combines crisp apples, crunchy carrots, tart cranberries, and juicy mandarins, all tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory—ideal for summer cookouts, potlucks, or as a refreshing side to any family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Colorful & refreshing – a mix of red and green apples with carrots and mandarins makes it vibrant and fun.
- Quick to prepare – just 20 minutes of prep, then let it chill in the fridge.
- Make ahead friendly – it gets even better after resting a few hours.
- Versatile side dish – pairs well with pork, seafood, burgers, or grilled chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots (store-bought or hand-cut)
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Instructions
- Prep the Apples
- Slice both apples into thin matchsticks.
- Place them in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, add the carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries.
- Combine Everything
- Add the apples to the bowl. Stir in the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Add the Mandarins
- Gently fold in the mandarin orange segments.
- Chill & Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Tips & Variations
- Sweetener Swap – use honey instead of sugar for a natural touch.
- Fruit Variations – substitute pineapple tidbits for mandarins.
- Crunch Factor – add walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Dried Fruit Swap – use raisins instead of cranberries.
- Dairy-Free Option – swap yogurt and mayo for plant-based alternatives.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–4 days. Stir before serving again.
Serving Ideas
This Carrot Apple Salad is light and refreshing—perfect with:
- Pork tenderloin
- Grilled fish or shrimp
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Summer barbecue plates
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, sweet, and tangy salad that brightens up any table, this Carrot Apple Salad is a must-try. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and full of texture and flavor. Perfect for holidays, barbecues, or weeknight dinners!