This Carrot Apple Salad is a bright, refreshing side dish packed with crisp red and green apples, crunchy matchstick carrots, sweet dried cranberries, and juicy mandarin segments. Everything is tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.
It’s the kind of colorful salad that stands out on any table—perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick to prepare (about 20 minutes of prep)
- Make-ahead friendly
- Sweet and savory flavor combination
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, burgers, and more
After mixing, the salad needs to chill for at least 3 hours, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully and the texture to soften slightly while staying crisp.
Ingredients
- 1 Red Delicious apple, cut into matchsticks
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cut into matchsticks
- 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 matchsticks and place them in a bowl. Pour lemon juice over the apples and toss well to coat. Let them sit for 5 minutes to prevent 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 soaking, add the apples (with the lemon juice) to the bowl.
4. Make the Dressing
Add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Fold in the Mandarins
Gently stir in the drained mandarin segments.
6. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve
Stir once more before serving and transfer to a serving dish.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken or pork tenderloin
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Barbecue dishes
- Seafood
If you’re looking for an easy fruit slaw-style side dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor, this Carrot Apple Salad is a must-try!