Description
A refreshing and vibrant Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad tossed with a luscious creamy citrus dressing that balances sweet, tart, and creamy flavors. Quick to prepare, nutritious, and perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced or chopped
- 2 cups freshly shredded carrots
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Produce: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Core and thinly slice or chop them into bite-sized pieces for a perfect crunch. Peel and shred fresh carrots with a grater or food processor to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Make the Creamy Citrus Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, fresh lemon or orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy, ensuring the citrus flavors shine through.
- Toss the Salad: Combine the apple slices and shredded carrots in a large bowl. Pour the creamy citrus dressing over the top and toss gently to coat every piece evenly. If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds for an added layer of crunch.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad rest in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled for an extra refreshing bite that’s perfect on its own or alongside your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Pick firm apples to maintain crispness and avoid sogginess.
- Taste and adjust the honey and citrus juice in the dressing to balance sweetness and tartness.
- Use freshly shredded carrots for enhanced moisture and crunch over pre-shredded varieties.
- Chill the salad before serving to help flavors develop and meld.
- Add nuts or seeds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: apple salad, carrot salad, creamy citrus dressing, healthy salad, quick salad, gluten free, side dish, refreshing salad, vegan optional