Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful side that brightens any meal, I’ve got just the thing for you — my Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe. It’s this amazing mix of crunchy carrots, crisp apples, sweet mandarins, and tart cranberries all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that feels like a hug in bowl form. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s so simple, yet so irresistibly delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!

💛

Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet apples and mandarins contrast beautifully with the tart cranberries and tangy lemon juice.
  • Crunch and Creaminess: Crisp carrots and apples marry perfectly with the creamy yogurt-mayo dressing for satisfying texture.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors meld together beautifully after chilling, making it an ideal dish to prep in advance.
  • Easy & Accessible Ingredients: No need for fancy items here — almost everything is readily available at your local grocery store.
Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins, healthy fruit salad, easy fruit salad recipe, citrus carrot salad, colorful veggie and fruit side dish - 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 Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe is in the harmony between fresh produce and the simple creamy dressing. Each ingredient brings something special, so grab the freshest items you can find — it really makes a difference!

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins, healthy fruit salad, easy fruit salad recipe, citrus carrot salad, colorful veggie and fruit side dish - 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: Sweet and juicy, it adds great color and softness that contrasts nicely with the tart granny smith.
  • Granny Smith Apple: Its crisp tartness brightens the salad and balances the sweeter elements.
  • Lemon Juice: This keeps the apples from browning and adds a fresh citrus pop.
  • Matchstick Carrots: Pre-cut is a time saver! They add a perfect crunchy texture without much prep.
  • Yellow Onion: A little sharpness adds depth without overpowering.
  • Dried Sweetened Cranberries: Tart and chewy, they bring bursts of flavor and a perfect contrast to the creamy dressing.
  • Vanilla Yogurt: The creaminess with a hint of sweetness helps tie everything together.
  • Mayo: Adds richness and smooth texture.
  • Sugar: Just enough to balance tartness and bring harmony.
  • Salt & Pepper: Classic enhancers that bring out all the flavors.
  • Mandarin Segments: Juicy, bright, and naturally sweet, they’re the final lovely touch.
📝
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

This salad is really versatile — I love to play around with it depending on what’s fresh or what mood I’m in. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

  • Variation: I sometimes swap out yellow onion for green onions if I want a milder, slightly fresh onion flavor that doesn’t dominate.
  • Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayonnaise to keep things plant-based while maintaining creaminess.
  • Add Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a lovely extra crunch and a bit of earthiness.
  • Seasonal Swap: In winter, dried cherries or even pistachios can make interesting, tasty swaps for cranberries or mandarins.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Apples Just Right

Start by cutting your red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick-style pieces. I like using a mandoline slicer for this because it speeds things up and keeps the cuts uniform. Toss the apple slices in lemon juice right after cutting — this little trick not only prevents browning but also adds a fresh brightness that really lifts the salad.

Step 2: Build Your Salad Base

Pour those crunchy matchstick carrots into a large bowl, then add the finely diced yellow onion and the sweetened cranberries. This combo is the heart of the flavor and texture contrasts — the sweet, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite.

Step 3: Mix In the Creamy Dressing

After letting the apples soak in their lemon juice for at least five minutes, toss them into your big mixing bowl. Add the vanilla yogurt and mayo next — this duo gives the salad just the right creamy body with a hint of sweetness. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper, then stir everything together until well combined. Finally, gently fold in those drained mandarin segments, and you’re almost done!

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least three hours. This resting time lets all those flavors marry beautifully, so don’t skip it. Plus, it lets the carrots soak up a touch of that creamy dressing, making each bite even better. When ready, give it a quick stir and serve—it’s a showstopper!

💡

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

  • Fresh Apples Are Key: Using the freshest apples you can find makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Skip the Chill: The salad tastes way better after it’s had time to rest — give those flavors at least three hours to mingle.
  • Balance the Sweetness: If your mandarins or cranberries are extra sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly so it doesn’t get too sugary.
  • Gentle Folding: When you add mandarins at the end, fold gently to avoid breaking them apart and keep their juicy segments intact.

How to Serve Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins, healthy fruit salad, easy fruit salad recipe, citrus carrot salad, colorful veggie and fruit side dish - 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 toasted slivered almonds or some fresh chopped parsley on top before serving — both add a nice pop of color and an extra layer of texture or flavor without overcomplicating things.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, especially on warmer days when you want something light but satisfying. It also works great alongside a hearty ham or turkey plate during holiday meals — it cuts through rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served this salad in hollowed-out orange bowls made from fresh mandarins — it’s such a charming presentation that guests always ask for the recipe! You can also layer it in clear glass cups or jars to show off the vibrant colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your first round, pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and delicious for up to two days — just give it a quick gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and juices.

Freezing

Because this salad relies on fresh fruit and creamy dressing, freezing isn’t really recommended — the texture changes quite a bit after thawing. I’d save it fresh and enjoy within a couple of days instead.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t recommend reheating it. Just take it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! While I recommend red delicious and granny smith for their sweetness and tartness balance, feel free to swap in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples based on what you prefer or have on hand. Just remember to toss them in lemon juice quickly to prevent browning.

  2. Can I substitute the mayo and yogurt for a lighter dressing?

    Yes! If you want to lighten it up, try using just plain Greek yogurt or even a mixture of Greek yogurt and a little olive oil or honey for sweetness. Just keep in mind the creamy texture will be less rich than with mayo.

  3. How far in advance can I make this salad?

    I’d say you can make this salad up to a day ahead. The flavors improve after chilling, but waiting longer than 24 hours may cause the apples and carrots to get a bit soggy. For best texture, serve within two days.

  4. Can this salad be made vegan?

    Definitely! Use vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) instead of dairy. The balance of flavors stays intact, and it still feels creamy and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for good reason — it’s fresh, easy, and surprisingly comforting. I love how it adds a pop of color and flavor to any meal, whether it’s a quiet dinner or a big family gathering. I’m so excited for you to try making it yourself because once you do, it’ll become one of your go-to salads too. Grab those apples and carrots, and let’s get tossing!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • 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 crisp apples, crunchy carrots, and tangy mandarins in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing. Perfectly balanced with dried cranberries and a hint of sugar and lemon juice, this salad is a delightful side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Fruit and Vegetables

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

Dressing and Mix-ins

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • ½ cup vanilla yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick style pieces. Place these apple pieces into a bowl.
  2. Toss with lemon juice: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces in the bowl and toss well to coat all of the apples. This helps prevent browning. Let the apples soak for 5 minutes.
  3. Combine base ingredients: Pour the matchstick carrots into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries to the bowl.
  4. Add apples: After the apples have soaked for at least 5 minutes, add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
  5. Add dressing components: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise into the bowl.
  6. Season the salad: Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper.
  7. Mix everything: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
  8. Add mandarins: Gently fold in the drained canned mandarin segments into the salad.
  9. Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Serve: After chilling, serve the carrot apple salad chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute plain yogurt mixed with a little vanilla extract for the vanilla yogurt if unavailable.
  • Use fresh carrots and shred them into matchstick size if pre-cut carrots are not available.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute the yogurt and mayo with plant-based alternatives.
  • Adjust sugar to taste based on the sweetness of your fruit and cranberries.
  • Ensure mandarins are well drained to avoid excess liquid in the salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star