Description
Crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Carrot Apple Salad is a refreshing mix of sweet, tart, and tangy elements. It’s the perfect choice for a quick breakfast, healthy snack, or a light addition to your dinner ideas. With crunchy carrots, juicy apples, vibrant mandarin oranges, and chewy cranberries all tossed in a light poppy seed dressing, this is an easy recipe that’s both nourishing and beautiful. Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or weekly meal prep, this salad brings energy to the table and is ready in just minutes.
Ingredients
2 large carrots, julienned or shredded
1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and julienne the carrots. Thinly slice the apple and red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine carrots, apples, onions, mandarin oranges, and cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey/maple syrup, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if using.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Side Dish