Carrot Apple Salad – Fresh, Crunchy & Naturally Sweet

Some salads are leafy and green, while others are crunchy, sweet, and bursting with freshness. This Carrot Apple Salad belongs to the latter category. Made with crisp carrots, juicy apples, and a tangy honey-yogurt dressing, this salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

It’s quick to prepare, versatile enough for lunch or as a side dish, and naturally packed with vitamins and fiber. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, bringing it to a picnic, or simply enjoying it as a light meal, this salad is a refreshing upgrade from the usual.

Ingredients

• 3 large carrots, peeled and grated
• 2 apples (red or green), julienned or cut into matchsticks
• ½ cup raisins (or dried cranberries)
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the base: Grate the carrots and cut the apples into thin matchsticks. Place in a large salad bowl.
2. Add mix-ins: Stir in raisins and parsley for added flavor and color.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the carrot-apple mixture and toss gently to coat.
5. Chill & serve: Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Why This Salad Works

• Crisp & refreshing: Fresh carrots and apples bring crunch with natural sweetness.
• Healthy yet satisfying: High in fiber and vitamins, with a creamy dressing that doesn’t feel heavy.
• Make-ahead friendly: The flavors meld beautifully if prepared a little in advance.
• Versatile pairing: Works with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a picnic spread.

Pro Tips

• Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for a sharper flavor, or sweeter ones (like Honeycrisp) for balance.
• Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for variety.
• Add sunflower seeds, walnuts, or pecans for a nutty crunch.

Storage

• Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Best served fresh, as apples may brown slightly (lemon juice helps slow this).

Carrot Apple Salad

A crisp, refreshing salad with shredded carrots, crunchy apples, raisins, and a creamy honey-yogurt dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or picnic favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 cups

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Fusion

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main

• 3 carrots peeled and grated
• 2 apples julienned or cut into matchsticks
• 0.5 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 0.25 cup parsley chopped, optional
• 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise optional
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Grater
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Grate carrots and cut apples into matchsticks. Place in a large bowl.
2. Add raisins and parsley. Toss lightly.
3. Whisk yogurt, mayo, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Pour dressing over carrot-apple mixture and toss to combine.
5. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Add toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.