Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad
This vibrant and healthy salad combines the crispness of apples, the sweetness of dried cranberries, the crunch of shredded carrots, and the creaminess of a tangy yogurt dressing. It’s a delightful medley of flavors and textures, perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), diced
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, toasted for extra crunch)
¼ cup dried raisins or golden raisins (optional)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream for richer flavor)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Optional additions: mixed greens or spinach, crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash, core, and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. To prevent browning, toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Peel and shred the carrots using a box grater or food processor for uniform texture. If using fresh cranberries, chop them roughly for easier eating; dried cranberries can be added as-is.
- Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more honey or tanginess with additional orange juice.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, shredded carrots, cranberries, walnuts (if using), and raisins. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Be careful not to bruise the apples or carrots.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with extra nuts, crumbled cheese, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Use dairy-free yogurt and maple syrup for a vegan option.
Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for a gluten-free salad.
Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dressing for a spicy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
