Apple Carrot Salad is a tasty, crunchy, tangy, and refreshing salad that’s great for a light lunch or a side dish. I love making it with homemade lemon vinaigrette for picnics and potlucks. It’s super easy to make and doesn’t need a lot of ingredients.

Usually, I grate both the apple and carrot to speed up the salad prep, especially for big gatherings. But if we’re going to eat it right away, I prefer to grate them fresh.

For the best salad, choose a firm, crisp apple. Luckily, there are lots of varieties available in the market with that perfect crunch, and they come in different flavors from sweet to tangy to tart.

Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

This Carrot Apple Salad Recipe puts sweet carrots and crisp apples in the spotlight, perfect for big gatherings or quick dinners! It's super simple to whip up, and everyone adores its sweet and tangy dressing. The mix of crunchy carrots and crisp apples gives a delicious twist of flavor and texture. To make it a light lunch, throw in some prosciutto slices and serve it with crusty bread. When I think of a classic carrot salad recipe, this one always comes to mind first. And raisins are a must-have addition, in my opinion.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 98 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Vegetable peeler
Knife
Cutting Board
Mixing spoon or spatula

Ingredients

3 medium-sized Carrots grated (about 2 cups)
2 medium-sized Apples cored and diced
1/4 cup Raisins
2 tbsp Lemon juice
2 tbsp Honey
2 tbsp Olive oil
Salt according to taste
Black pepper according to taste
1/4 cup Chopped nuts optional, such as walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Wash, peel, and grate the carrots.
Core and dice the apples.
Mix the grated carrots, diced apples, and raisins in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the carrot, apple, and raisin mixture.
Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Optionally, cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Give it a final toss and serve chilled.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite nuts.
Use mayonnaise instead of the suggested dressing if you prefer.
Add fresh herbs like mint, basil, or coriander for extra flavor.
Choose any type of apple, whether red or green.
Adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your taste.
If not eating immediately, sprinkle with lemon juice and store in the fridge until ready to eat. Remember to consume it the same day.

Nutrition Facts:

Nutrition	Value
Carbohydrate	12g
Calories	98 kcal
Sugar	8g
Fiber	3g
Protein	2g
Iron	1mg
Potassium	208mg
Calcium	54mg
Fat	6g

Which Apple Should You Pick?

It depends on what you’re making! If you want a sweet, crunchy snack, go for Gala or Fuji apples. But if you’re baking and need a tangy taste with a firm texture, Granny Smith apples are great. Each type has its own flavor and texture, so choose based on what you like and what you’re cooking.

How Long Does Carrot Apple Salad Last?

It’s best to eat it right away, but if you store it in a sealed container in the fridge, it should stay good for at least a day. Just make sure to add the apple right before serving or when you’re ready to eat.

Can I Make the Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! If you’re packing it for lunch, you can prep it the day before. Just wait until the morning to add the apple. You can cut it into cubes instead of grating it if you prefer. If you do decide to add the apple the night before, add extra lemon juice to keep it from turning brown.