Apple Carrot Cranberry Salad

Description

This Apple Carrot Cranberry Salad is a refreshing, colorful, and naturally sweet salad that’s perfect for lunch, potlucks, or as a healthy side dish. Crisp apples, crunchy carrots, and chewy dried cranberries are tossed in a light honey-lemon dressing, creating a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s quick to prepare and packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
• 3 medium carrots, grated
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or mint

For the Honey Lemon Dressing

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced apples, grated carrots, dried cranberries, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Stir in the fresh parsley or mint.
5. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Chill Time

15 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Servings

6

Q & A

Q: What type of apples work best?
A: Crisp, sweet-tart apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady are excellent choices.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, it can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Add the nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A: Dried cranberries are recommended for sweetness, but chopped fresh cranberries can be used for a more tart flavor.

Q: How long does this salad last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.