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Refreshing apple cranberry carrot salad with vibrant colors and healthy ingredients

Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad

A crisp, quick side salad featuring apples, cranberries, and shredded carrots, perfect for busy days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 3 medium crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji) cored and thinly sliced or chopped
  • 2 cups shredded carrots about 3 medium carrots, or pre-shredded if in a rush
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts optional, for crunch
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise or half-and-half of each
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice to keep the apples bright
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup more or less to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon optional, for gentle warmth
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh mint or parsley for garnish optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and core the apples, then slice or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with the lemon juice to keep them from browning.
  2. Shred the carrots if needed, using either coarse or fine shredding depending on your texture preference.
Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), honey, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust the flavors to your liking.
Combine and Serve
  1. In a large bowl, mix the apples, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and nuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
  2. Let it chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to combine or serve immediately. Garnish with mint or parsley if desired.

Notes

Make ahead for up to a day, adding the nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy. Great alongside grilled salmon or chicken, or as a topping for grain bowls.