Description
This fresh and vibrant Carrot Apple Salad combines shredded carrots, crisp apples, and a sweet-tangy dressing for a quick and easy side dish or light snack. Enhanced with raisins or dried cranberries and optional nuts, this salad is both nutritious and flavorful, perfect for a healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, sliced apples, raisins or dried cranberries, and nuts if using, ensuring even distribution of all components.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth and well emulsified.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the carrot and apple mixture and toss gently until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill for optimal taste and texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled, either as a refreshing side dish or a light, healthy snack.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute the honey with maple syrup and use vegan mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Chopping nuts finely can help distribute their flavor more evenly throughout the salad.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet elements.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated.
