I love a light and tasty dish, especially when it combines crunch and sweetness. The Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad is a perfect example of this. It’s simple, refreshing, and makes for a great side or light meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies.

When I was a kid, my sister Jennifer and I used to help Mom Eva make salads for family gatherings. I remember how she always encouraged us to mix different flavors. This recipe brings back those good memories of laughter and delicious food.

Your Ingredients List

Fresh apples, diced (about 2 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Dried cranberries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
Shredded carrots (or 2 medium carrots, shredded)
Chopped walnuts
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

My Go-To Equipment

A large mixing bowl
A small mixing bowl for the dressing
A whisk
A grater or peeler for shredding carrots
A knife and cutting board

The Simple Steps to Follow

Wash the apples and carrots thoroughly.
Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces.
Peel and shred the carrots if using whole ones.
In a large bowl, combine diced apples, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to mix.
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice with salt and pepper. Add honey for extra sweetness if desired.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Chill in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Healthy Twists on a Classic

You can easily add or replace ingredients for a healthier option. Try using a variety of nuts like almonds or pecans for a different taste. If you want to boost the nutrition, you can add some spinach or arugula for extra greens. This salad is versatile, so feel free to get creative with toppings.

Serving Suggestions From My Table

I love to serve this salad on the side of grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a whole grain roll for lunch. For a fun twist, I sometimes add a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for a salty contrast to the sweet apples and cranberries.

Getting It Just Right

For the best flavor, use fresh apples and cranberries. You can choose any nuts you love, but make sure they are chopped to avoid big chunks. Feel free to adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to your taste. A little bit of honey can also enhance the sweetness if you prefer a sweeter salad.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within a day to keep the apples crisp. The dressing can make the salad soggy, so you might want to keep it separate if you plan to store it.

Enjoy Every Moment

Sharing a refreshing dish like this salad is a great way to enjoy good food and good company. I hope you take the time to savor each bite and enjoy making memories in the kitchen, just like I did with my family.

A Few Common Questions

How can I make the Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad dairy-free?

This salad is naturally dairy-free! You don’t need any dairy ingredients. Just focus on the fruits, veggies, and nuts.

Can I make the Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a few hours before serving. I recommend adding the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

What other fruits can I add to the Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad?

You can add a variety of fruits like grapes, orange segments, or even sliced pears. Just make sure they complement the other flavors!

Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad

Author: sarah
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A light and tasty dish that combines crunch and sweetness, perfect as a side or light meal. Enjoy fresh fruits and veggies in a simple salad.

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, diced
Dried cranberries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
2 medium carrots, shredded
Chopped walnuts
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Wash the apples and carrots thoroughly.
Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces.
Peel and shred the carrots if using whole ones.
In a large bowl, combine diced apples, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to mix.
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice with salt and pepper. Add honey for extra sweetness if desired.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Chill in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Notes

Versatile salad that can accommodate various nuts and greens. Serve as a refreshing side dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: salad, apple, cranberry, carrot, healthy, quick, refreshing