Dessert

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe

Bymia larkspur October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

Introduction

This Carrot Apple Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish combining the sweetness of apples and mandarins with crunchy carrots and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect as a side for any meal or a light, refreshing snack.

A white bowl filled with a colorful fruit and vegetable salad sits on a white marbled texture. The salad has three main layers: thin, long orange carrot strips, green apple slices with skin, and creamy white chunks of pear. Bright red dried cranberries and small orange mandarin segments are scattered throughout. The salad looks fresh and lightly coated with a creamy dressing. A grey cloth is blurred in the background, adding softness to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 red delicious apple
1 granny smith apple
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups matchstick carrots (precooked bags work well)
1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Instructions

Step 1: Cut both apples into matchstick-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
Step 2: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat, preventing browning.
Step 3: Let the apples sit for 5 minutes to soak up the lemon juice.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots.
Step 5: Add the finely diced onion and dried sweetened cranberries to the mixing bowl.
Step 6: Once the apples have soaked, add them to the mixing bowl.
Step 7: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise to the bowl.
Step 8: Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper.
Step 9: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly.
Step 10: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments.
Step 11: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
Step 12: Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing carrot apple salad.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
If you like it tangier, increase the lemon juice or add a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving. Because of the fresh apples, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe to maintain its crisp texture. Reheating is not recommended.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a wooden spoon holding a colorful fruit and vegetable salad with thin slices and sticks. The salad includes bright orange carrot sticks, pale green apple slices with a hint of red skin, white apple or jicama sticks, shiny dark red dried cranberries, and small juicy orange segments, all mixed and lightly coated with a creamy dressing. The background shows more of the salad with the same mix of colors, placed on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute with any firm apple varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp. Mixing tart and sweet apples helps balance the flavors.

Is there a vegan alternative for this salad?

Absolutely! Replace the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based options like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo to keep the creamy texture without animal products.