Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 21 reviews

Hey friend! I just have to tell you about this absolutely refreshing and vibrant Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe I’ve been making lately. It’s that perfect sweet-tangy crunch combo that’s so simple but irresistibly good. Whether you’re looking for a stunning side dish to elevate your dinner or a quick, healthy snack, this recipe nails it every single time. Stick around—I’m going to share all my tips and tricks so you can make it a new favorite in your kitchen too!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance: The sweet apples and mandarins meet tart cranberries and lemon juice for a colorful flavor punch.
  • Crunch & Creaminess: Matchstick carrots and onion add texture, while the vanilla yogurt and mayo give it a smooth, creamy touch.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it for a few hours and the flavors marry beautifully—great for busy days or entertaining.
  • Simple Ingredients: Easy to find at any grocery store, no exotic items—plus, super quick to pull together.
Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin, healthy fruit salad, easy fruit salad recipe, refreshing side dish, vibrant salad with cranberries - 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

Every ingredient in this Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe brings something special to the bowl. The blend of sweet and tart, crunchy and creamy, is what makes it stand out. When shopping, try picking apples that are firm and fresh to ensure crispness, and grab those pre-cut matchstick carrots if you want to save a little time.

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin, healthy fruit salad, easy fruit salad recipe, refreshing side dish, vibrant salad with cranberries - 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 a lovely red color to brighten up the salad.
  • Granny Smith Apple: Its tartness balances out the sweet ingredients perfectly.
  • Lemon Juice: Keeps the apples from browning and gives a subtle tang that lifts all the flavors.
  • Matchstick Carrots: Bring that satisfying crunch and a mild sweetness—use precut for convenience!
  • Yellow Onion: Finely diced for a gentle bite—it’s just enough to add depth without overpowering.
  • Dried Sweetened Cranberries: Boosts sweetness with chewy texture and a pop of vibrant color.
  • Vanilla Yogurt: Brings creaminess with a hint of vanilla that’s unexpectedly delightful.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds richness that helps bind the salad together for a luscious mouthfeel.
  • Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness without overwhelming.
  • Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to sharpen flavors and balance the salad’s profile.
  • Canned Mandarin Segments: Juicy bursts of citrus that brighten every bite and add a beautiful splash of color.
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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to suit your taste. Whether you want it tangier, creamier, or with a crunchier bite, I encourage you to experiment with what you love!

  • Variation: I sometimes swap the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up and add a touch more tang—totally delicious and healthier.
  • Add Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts bring a nice crunch and earthy flavor in case you want some extra texture.
  • Seasonal Tweaks: Try swapping mandarins with fresh orange segments in winter for a fresher taste.
  • Dressing Twist: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dressing adds a warm note, especially around the holidays.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Apples for Maximum Freshness

First up, cut both apples into matchstick-style pieces (thin little strips). I find that’s the perfect size for each bite to get a little crisp sweetness without overwhelming. Toss these apples in lemon juice right away—that trick keeps them bright and crisp, so no one ends up with a brown mushy apple bite later. Set them aside for at least 5 minutes so the lemon juice can work its magic.

Step 2: Combine the Crunch and Sweet Elements

In a large bowl, dump in your matchstick carrots (I love using the precut kind to save time!) Then add finely diced onion and the sweetened dried cranberries. Mixing these before adding the apples helps everything blend evenly.

Step 3: Mix in Apples, Dressing, and Seasoning

Once those apples have soaked in lemon juice, add them to your big bowl. Pour in the vanilla yogurt and mayo, then sprinkle sugar, salt, and pepper over everything. Stir really well so the dressing coats each piece—this ensures every bite is creamy, sweet, and a bit tangy. Finally, fold in the drained mandarin segments gently—they’re delicate and juicy, so treat them with care!

Step 4: Chill & Let the Flavors Come Together

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least three hours. This wait time? Totally worth it. It lets all those fresh flavors meld together, giving you that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy with every forkful.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Apple Prep Hack: Tossing apples in lemon juice immediately after slicing keeps them vibrant and prevents that unappetizing browning.
  • Don’t Skip the Chill: Give it at least three hours in the fridge to allow flavors to meld—it makes a huge difference!
  • Gentle Mandarin Handling: Add mandarins last and fold in carefully to keep those juicy segments intact and prevent mushiness.
  • Use Pre-cut Carrots: Saves prep time and ensures uniform, thin strips for that perfect crunch every time.

How to Serve Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin, healthy fruit salad, easy fruit salad recipe, refreshing side dish, vibrant salad with cranberries - 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 a few extra dried cranberries or a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I even toss a few toasted almonds over the salad for an added crunch and nutty flair that’s just lovely.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a veggie-forward main like quinoa patties. I’ve also served it alongside a big savory pasta or a hearty sandwich, and it cuts through those heavier dishes so nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or holidays, try serving the salad in hollowed-out orange halves or crystal bowls to showcase the beautiful colors. Layered in a glass trifle dish with a bit of granola on top makes for a stunning yet easy-to-eat presentation that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the fresh fruit and yogurt, it’s best enjoyed within 2 days—after that, the apples soften quite a bit. I usually bring it to work for lunch on day two and it’s still fresh and delicious.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad since the texture of yogurt, apples, and mandarins doesn’t hold up well once thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh and keep it refrigerated instead.

Reheating

No need to reheat this one—it’s a refreshing cold salad! Just give leftovers a gentle stir and they’re good to go. If you’d like it at room temperature, take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of apples in this Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe?

    Absolutely! I love using both sweet and tart apples for balance. If you don’t have Red Delicious or Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work wonderfully. Just make sure the apples are firm for the best texture.

  2. Is this salad suitable for making ahead of time?

    Yes, it’s perfect for making a few hours ahead and tastes even better after chilling. Just keep it covered tightly in the fridge and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

  3. Can I make this salad vegan?

    Definitely! Swap the mayo for a vegan mayonnaise and use a plant-based yogurt alternative like coconut or almond yogurt. The salad’s flavor and texture stay just as fantastic.

  4. Any tips for preventing the salad from getting soggy?

    Use fresh, crisp apples and don’t skip the lemon juice soak—it slows browning and softening. Also, fold the mandarins in gently just before chilling and serve within a couple of days to keep everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe is honestly one of those easy go-to dishes that has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s quick enough to whip up on a busy day, yet fancy enough to impress family and guests. The combo of flavors and textures makes it so satisfying, and I think you’ll find it just as delightful as I do. Give it a try and let me know how it becomes part of your regular table rotation!

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Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 21 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and sweet carrot apple salad combining crunchy apples and carrots with creamy yogurt and mayo dressing, accented by dried cranberries and mandarin oranges. Perfect as a light side dish or snack, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Produce

  • 1 red delicious apple
  • 1 granny smith apple
  • 2 cups matchstick carrots
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Dried Fruit

  • ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries

Dairy & Condiments

  • ½ cup vanilla yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

Others

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Cut both 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 pieces evenly.
  3. Let apples soak: Set the bowl aside for 5 minutes to let the apples absorb the lemon juice, preventing browning.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: Pour the matchstick carrots into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries to this bowl.
  5. Add apples to mix: After the apples have soaked for at least 5 minutes, add them to the mixing bowl with carrots and other ingredients.
  6. Mix dressing: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise into the bowl.
  7. Season the salad: Sprinkle sugar, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the bowl.
  8. Stir well: Thoroughly stir all ingredients together ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly.
  9. Add mandarins: Fold in the drained canned mandarin segments carefully into the salad.
  10. Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
  11. Serve: After chilling, serve the carrot apple salad chilled and enjoy this fresh, sweet, and tangy dish.

Notes

  • Using matchstick carrots saves prep time, but you can finely julienne whole carrots if needed.
  • Letting the apples soak in lemon juice prevents them from browning and keeps the salad visually appealing.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute vegan yogurt and vegan mayo.
  • Adjust sugar according to taste or use a natural sweetener as preferred.
  • Ensure mandarins are well-drained to avoid watery salad.
  • This salad tastes best when served chilled, so don’t skip the refrigeration step.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg

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