Description
A vibrant and refreshing Carrot Apple Salad that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the crispness of fresh carrots. This quick and easy salad is packed with flavor, nutrients, and a delightful crunch, making it perfect for healthy lunches, snacks, or side dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 2 cups fresh carrots, peeled and grated
- 2 medium crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), cored and sliced into thin matchsticks or grated
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or mint), chopped
- 1/4 cup dried fruits (raisins or cranberries)
- 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas or 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for vinaigrette twist)
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage or beetroot
Instructions
- Prepare the Produce: Wash and peel the carrots, then grate them finely using a box grater or food processor. Core and slice the apples into thin matchsticks or grate them similarly for easy mixing and consistent texture. Toss the apples immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice and honey or maple syrup until well combined. For a tangier dressing, substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar if desired.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the grated carrots and apples with the dressing. Fold in optional nuts, herbs, dried fruit, chickpeas, feta, or spices according to your preference to evenly distribute flavor and texture.
- Serve or Chill: Enjoy the Carrot Apple Salad immediately at its freshest, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving. Garnish with extra nuts, herbs, or seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Fuji to keep the salad crunchy and fresh.
- To prevent browning, toss sliced apples in lemon juice right after slicing.
- Grate carrots and apples uniformly for balanced texture.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup to customize sweetness.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Freezing is not recommended as it will make the salad soggy.
- Reheating is not advised because it changes texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: carrot apple salad, healthy salad, quick salad, vegetarian salad, gluten free salad, vegan salad option, fresh salad, nutritious snack