Name: Fresh Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces.; 1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces.; 2 tablespoons lemon juice.; 2 cups matchstick carrots.; ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced.; ⅓ cup dried cranberries, sweetened.; ½ cup vanilla yogurt.; ¼ cup mayonnaise.; 1 tablespoon sugar.; ¼ teaspoon salt.; ¼ teaspoon black pepper.; 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained.

A colorful salad made with sliced apples, carrots, and cranberries, garnished with green herbs, served in a white bowl. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad that brings together sweet crunchy refreshing flavors in every bite. I love how this colorful combination works perfectly year round.

Fresh Stars

Sweet apples crisp carrots juicy mandarins. Dried cranberries creamy dressing perfect mix.

Quick Easy

Simple chopping easy dressing. Ready minutes perfect busy days.

Healthy Benefits

Full fiber antioxidants vitamins. Delicious nutritious everyday salad.

Versatile Choice

Great family dinners potlucks parties. Flavors please every crowd.

A bowl of colorful salad featuring thinly sliced apples, carrots, and cranberries, garnished with parsley. | cookingwithcasey.com

Make It Yours

Add nuts herbs your taste. Adapts dietary needs preferences.

Kids Love It

Bright colors fruity fun. Add yogurt nuts special touch.

Store Right

Keep airtight container three days. Add dressing serve time fresh.

Mix It Up

Try pineapple tropical twist. Add feta cheese savory note.

Perfect Pairs

Serve grilled chicken fish. Great crusty bread green salads.

A vibrant bowl of salad featuring orange and apple slices, carrots, and cranberries, garnished with parsley. | cookingwithcasey.com

Party Ready

Sweet tangy creamy crowd pleaser. Make extra disappears quickly.

Best Results

Slice thin best texture. Fresh mandarins extra zesty taste.

Diet Friendly

Easy dairy free swaps. Vegan options taste great too.

Beautiful Bowl

Colorful ingredients stunning presentation. Clear bowl shows rainbow colors.

Light Fresh

Perfect summer lunch light side. Refreshing holiday meal balance.

A bowl of colorful salad featuring shredded apples, carrots, dried cranberries, and parsley, with two oranges in the background. | cookingwithcasey.com

Plan Ahead

Prep advance ready anytime. Keep dressing separate stays fresh.

Travel Well

Easy transport covered container. Holds up well longer events.

Perfect Balance

Sweet cranberries tangy mandarin creamy dressing. Every bite tastes amazing.

New Ideas

Try pears beets different tastes. Create your unique combinations.

Recipe Keeper

Simple versatile always delicious. Becomes favorite go to salad.

A colorful salad featuring strips of apples, apricots, and cranberries, garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why soak apples in lemon juice?: The citric acid in lemon juice prevents the cut apples from browning and adds a bright flavor to the salad.
→ Can I make this ahead?: Yes, prepare up to a day ahead. The flavors actually improve after chilling for at least 3 hours.
→ What apples work best?: Using both red and green apples provides nice color contrast and balance of sweet and tart flavors.
→ Can I use fresh mandarin oranges?: Fresh mandarins can be used, but canned segments are more tender and easier to incorporate without breaking.
→ Can I substitute the yogurt?: Plain yogurt can be used with added vanilla extract, or sour cream with a touch of honey for similar creamy tanginess.

Fruity Carrot Salad