Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 8 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing, sweet-and-tangy dish that’ll brighten up any meal or potluck, then you absolutely need to try this Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe. Trust me, it’s that fan-freaking-tastic combination of crisp apples, crunchy carrots, and luscious mandarins all brought to life with a creamy, lightly sweetened dressing. It’s one of those salads I go back to time and again because it’s simple, satisfying, and gets rave reviews every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tart granny smith and sweet red apples play beautifully off the creamy yogurt and mayo dressing to create a salad that’s never cloying.
  • Crunch & Juiciness: Matchstick carrots add a satisfying snap while mandarin segments bring bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
  • Easy to Prep Ahead: Letting the salad chill overnight melds all the flavors and makes it an effortless make-ahead dish for busy days or gatherings.
  • Customizable Ingredients: From the type of apples to the amount of sugar or switching up the cranberries, you can tweak it easily to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries, healthy fruit salad, easy summer salad, fresh fruit salad recipes, tangy carrot apple salad - A wooden spoon holds a colorful mix of salad with several layers: thin, long orange carrot strips, off-white apple slices, small bright orange mandarin pieces, and shiny dark red dried cranberries, all coated in a creamy dressing. Below, a clear glass bowl is filled with the same mix, showing a dense, fresh, and juicy texture with different colors like green apple skin peeking through. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe lies in combining fresh, crisp ingredients with a creamy, tangy dressing balanced by just the right touch of sweetness. Each ingredient not only adds flavor and texture but brings nutrition and vibrancy that make this salad more than just a side dish. Here’s why each one is key.

Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries, healthy fruit salad, easy summer salad, fresh fruit salad recipes, tangy carrot apple salad - Flat lay of a whole red delicious apple, a whole granny smith apple, a small white bowl of bright lemon juice, a simple white bowl filled with matchstick-cut fresh orange carrots, a small pile of finely diced yellow onion, a neat handful of dried sweetened cranberries, a small white bowl of creamy vanilla yogurt, a small white bowl of smooth mayonnaise, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, small piles of salt and black pepper, and a simple white bowl with vibrant mandarin orange segments, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Red Delicious Apple: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the tartness of the green apple.
  • Granny Smith Apple: For that bright tart crunch that keeps the salad lively and fresh.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apples from browning and gives a fresh citrus zing.
  • Matchstick Carrots: Pre-cut makes prep quick – they add crunch and a subtle earthiness that’s essential here.
  • Yellow Onion: Finely diced for a gentle sharpness that cuts through the creaminess.
  • Dried Sweetened Cranberries: Give a fruity burst and a chewy contrast to the crunchy veggies and fruits.
  • Vanilla Yogurt: Adds creaminess plus a hint of vanilla sweetness which lingers delightfully.
  • Mayo: Balances the yogurt and adds richness without heaviness.
  • Sugar: Just a touch to heighten the fruit’s natural sweetness without overpowering.
  • Salt & Pepper: Small seasoning adjustments to enhance all the flavors.
  • Canned Mandarin Segments: Juicy little bursts of citrus that keep each bite interesting and refreshing.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I adore about this Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adjust it so it feels perfectly “you.” Whether you prefer a tangier dressing or want to swap out some ingredients, it’s all good – and honestly, it just makes the salad more interesting each time.

  • Variation: I sometimes toss in toasted pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness that my family really loves.
  • Dietary Modifications: To keep things lighter, use Greek yogurt instead of vanilla, or swap mayo for a vegan alternative and watch it work just as well.
  • Seasonal Twists: In late fall, I sub dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots or cherries, which gives the salad a slightly different fruit flavor that’s delightful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Keep Them Bright

Start by slicing both your red delicious and granny smith apples matchstick style—it’s easier if you cut them into thin sticks instead of small cubes. As soon as they’re cut, toss them in a bowl with fresh lemon juice. This little trick prevents browning and keeps the apples looking vibrant and fresh for hours. Let them soak for around 5 minutes while you move on to prepping the other ingredients.

Step 2: Combine the Carrots, Onion, and Cranberries

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your matchstick carrots—if you buy them pre-cut, it saves tons of time. Stir in finely diced yellow onion and those sweetened dried cranberries. This combo brings a lovely range of texture and flavor; the onions add a bit of bite without overpowering, and the cranberries balance the savory elements with a touch of fruity sweetness.

Step 3: Add the Apples and Mix Your Creamy Dressing

Once the apples have soaked long enough, add them to the bowl with the carrots, cranberries, and onion. Now it’s time for the dreamy dressing: stir together vanilla yogurt, mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper right in the bowl. Mixing it all together here means every bite gets coated evenly in that creamy, lightly sweet dressing we’re aiming for.

Step 4: Fold in the Mandarins and Chill

Gently fold in the canned mandarin segments—that juicy citrus burst elevates the whole salad with fresh brightness in every forkful. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least three hours. This chill time lets the flavors marry and the salad cool into something truly refreshing. If you can make it the day before, you’re in even better shape for gathering or meal prep.

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Pro Tips for Making Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe

  • Use Fresh, Crisp Apples: The texture is key here—wilted apples will drag down the salad’s freshness, so pick firm, fresh apples.
  • Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge blends the flavors and softens the onions a bit, making the salad taste way better.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Preference: I often start with less sugar and add more only if needed after tasting the dressing because different yogurts and mandarin cans vary in sweetness.
  • Gentle Mixing Preserves Texture: Fold the mandarins in carefully to avoid breaking them up and keep that perfect juicy pop in the salad.

How to Serve Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe

Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries, healthy fruit salad, easy summer salad, fresh fruit salad recipes, tangy carrot apple salad - A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful salad sits on top of a wooden salad spoon and fork resting on a gray patterned cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. The salad shows layers of thin orange carrot strips, creamy white slivers of apple, green apple slices, bright orange mandarin pieces, and dark red dried cranberries or similar fruit mixed throughout. Two small white bowls in front also hold the salad, showing the same colorful mixture with vibrant orange, green, red, and creamy white pieces clearly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh mint or a few more dried cranberries on top when serving—it adds a fresh aroma and a pretty pop of color. Toasted nuts like pecans also make a lovely garnish if you want more crunch and visual contrast.

Side Dishes

This salad is a fantastic companion to grilled chicken or fish, especially during summer BBQs. I also love serving it alongside roasted turkey for a nice, light twist on the usual holiday sides. It pairs well with almost any savory dish because it adds a fresh, sweet crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancied-up presentation, try layering the salad in individual glass jars or clear bowls so your guests can see the beautiful colors and textures. Another fun idea is scooping it into hollowed-out apple halves or serving it as a colorful bed under seared scallops or roasted pork medallions for a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, though I recommend eating it sooner for the best texture. The apples may soften slightly but still taste fantastic.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the yogurt-based dressing and fresh fruits lose their crispness when thawed. I’d suggest making it fresh or just storing leftovers in the fridge for a couple of days instead.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let it warm slightly and bring out all those lovely flavors.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute different kinds of apples in the Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe?

    Absolutely! While red delicious and granny smith apples are what I use for the balance of sweet and tart, you can swap in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples depending on your preference. Just aim for firm, crisp apples to maintain the salad’s refreshing crunch.

  2. Is it necessary to soak the apples in lemon juice?

    Soaking apples in lemon juice is highly recommended to prevent them from browning quickly. It also adds a subtle citrus note that brightens the salad. If you skip this step, the apples might turn an unappetizing brown color after sitting.

  3. Can I make this Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe vegan?

    Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the vanilla yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and using vegan mayo instead of traditional mayo. The flavor might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious and creamy.

  4. How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

    You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. The flavors actually improve after resting in the fridge for a few hours, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for parties or busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe is one of those “keeper” dishes I’m always happy to have in my rotation. Its bright flavors, creamy dressing, and delightful textures make it feel like a special treat while still being simple and approachable. If you’re looking for a salad that’s refreshing, a little sweet, and perfect for any season, give this recipe a try—I think you’ll fall in love with it just like I did!

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Carrot Apple Salad with Yogurt and Cranberries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and sweet carrot apple salad combining crisp apples, matchstick carrots, tangy cranberries, and creamy vanilla yogurt dressing, perfect for a light side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 red delicious apple
  • 1 granny smith apple
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cups matchstick carrots
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Dressing

  • ½ cup vanilla yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick-style pieces and place them in a bowl.
  2. Toss with Lemon Juice: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat all the apple pieces evenly, preventing browning.
  3. Soak Apples: Set the bowl aside and let the apples soak in the lemon juice for 5 minutes to maintain their crispness and color.
  4. Combine Vegetables and Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the matchstick carrots, diced yellow onion, and sweetened dried cranberries.
  5. Add Apples: After the apples have soaked, add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
  6. Add Dressing Ingredients: Add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
  7. Mix Salad: Stir all ingredients together well to ensure the dressing coats everything evenly.
  8. Add Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained canned mandarin segments to the salad.
  9. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Serve: After chilling, serve the salad chilled and enjoy its refreshing flavors.

Notes

  • Using lemon juice on the apples prevents them from browning and keeps the salad looking fresh.
  • You can substitute the yellow onion with red onion for a milder flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute vanilla yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use a vegan mayo.
  • Pre-cut matchstick carrots save prep time but fresh carrots can be julienned if preferred.
  • The salad tastes best after chilling as the flavors meld and the dressing slightly thickens.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg

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