Sweet carrots and crisp apples take center stage in this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe, which is perfect for large get-togethers or busy weeknights! This salad is so easy to make, and thanks to its sweet and tangy dressing, everyone loves it.
Craving a fresh salad? Then my Tomato Cucumber Salad or Classic Waldorf Fruit Salad is just what you need!
In This Post
Have you ever seen those county cookbooks printed with a community member’s name and recipe? As a young girl, they were a staple in my house, and my mother always contributed. I always looked forward to Mom’s Macaroni Salad and this Carrot Apple Salad recipe because of their creamy and tangy dressing, which just keeps you coming back bite after bite.
After having my own family, I started making my version of this fresh and crunchy salad. I make a homemade dressing, then combine it with the vibrant colors of thinly shredded carrots and sweet apples, for a new, family-favorite recipe that my sons love!
What Makes This Carrot Salad So Special?
- It’s fresh, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
- You can customize it with your favorite seasonal ingredients.
- This salad is easy to double for family gatherings and is perfect for potlucks.
Ingredients for Carrot And Apple Salad
- Carrots: Shred my own carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- Apples: Honeycrisp is my favorite. It’s sweet, slightly tart, and crunchy enough to withstand the mayo-based dressing.
- Raisins: You can also use currants or dried cranberries to add this sweet burst of flavor. Or you can omit this ingredient if you are not a fan.
- Fresh Parsley: I love the fresh pop of flavor that fresh herbs bring.
- Lemon Juice: My go-to fresh ingredient that helps lighten the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: A classic ingredient for the dressing. I recommend Duke’s mayo as the best quality, but a vegan mayonnaise will also work.
- White Vinegar: A splash of white vinegar—champagne vinegar works, too —helps thin out the dressing and provides more tang.
- Sugar: Added for sweetness, helping to mellow the acid from the lemon juice and vinegar.
- Salt and Pepper
Variations And Additions
- Make the salad vegan by using a vegan mayonnaise.
- Don’t have apples? You can also use sliced grapes in this salad.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little spicy kick.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or green onions. This is a great way to use up veggies in the fridge!
How To Make Apple Carrot Salad With Creamy Dressing
- First, shred the carrots and apples and place them in a dish towel or paper towels. Squeeze out any juices from them, then place in a medium-size mixing bowl. Add in the raisins and fresh chopped parsley.
- Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Cover and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Make Ahead Salad Success Tip
This healthy side dish is best served cold making it the perfect option for making ahead of time. Give the salad at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
Questions And Answers
Apples that have some texture to them and that don’t turn brown right away are best. For this salad, the apples need to withstand being coated in the creamy dressing. Honeycrisp, Jazz, First Kiss, Fuji, and even Granny Smith Apple are all great options.
You can prevent the apples from turning brown by coating them with a little acid. This stops the natural oxidization that leads to brown spots. Thankfully, the dressing for this salad has lemon juice in it already to prevent browning.
Yep, this salad is a great gluten-free option for a family meal or a nutritious snack.
What To Serve With Carrot Apple Salad
If you want to make this salad part of a full meal, here are a few serving ideas. Crock Pot Chicken Thighs and Air Fryer Baby Potatoes make an easy weeknight meal. Air Fryer Hot Dogs and Home Run Hot Dog Chili make for a fun Friday night gathering with friends.
Craving More? Try These Salad Recipes
If you tried this Carrot Apple Salad Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
- Box Grater
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 3 cups peeled carrots – shredded
- 3 cups peeled apples (about 3) – shredded and drained
- ½ cup currants or raisins
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Using a box grater, shred carrots and apples.
- Place grated apples in a fine mesh strainer or paper towels and press to drain off juice.
- In a large bowl, add carrots, apples, currants and parsley.
- Add remaining ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together until blended.
- Pour dressing over carrots and apples.
- Mix gently.
- Can be served immediately or chilled until ready to serve.
Crisp & Quick: Best Air-Fryer Recipes!
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Joy
You come up with the best recipes! My mother used to make this but I never go her recipe. Thank you Donya
Thank you so much, Joy! I am happy to bring back a good memory of a beloved recipe.
XO,
~Donya
Linda C.
I’ve made this several times – so crisp and crunchy. Made it last night with some craisins I needed to use up….yum. So glad I found your recipe.
Thank you, Linda!
~Donya
miss bee
Yummy enjoyed it last night.
Donya
Hey there!
I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, it’s perfect for this time of year and it’s super versatile. Thank you so much for your kind words of support, if you ever have any questions about a recipe, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
~Donya
Barbara Evans
Absolutely Love This Ever Since I Was A Little Girl