Name: Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large carrots (peeled and shredded); 2 medium apples (cored and julienned or shredded); ½ cup chopped celery; ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans; ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional); juice and zest of 1 orange; 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; pinch of salt and pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is just the kind of vibrant recipe that instantly brightens up both your table and your day. Think: juicy apples, crisp carrots, and a jumble of chewy, nutty add-ins, all bound together by a zesty, creamy citrus dressing that begs you to take just one more bite. This dish is a festival of colors and textures that manages to be refreshing yet totally comforting, and it comes together in almost no time. Whether you’re looking to wow at a potluck or need a nourishing side to jazz up your weekly lunch routine, this is a salad you’ll want on repeat.

Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is key here, but each ingredient plays a unique role in shaping the taste, crunch, and liveliness of this salad. Fresh produce pairs with a few pantry staples for a medley that sings with flavor in every mouthful.

Carrots (2 large, peeled and shredded): Delivering sweet crunch and luscious color, they create the backbone of our salad.
Apples (2 medium, cored and julienned or shredded): Choose tart apples for a zippy contrast—these offer juiciness and brightness to every bite.
Celery (½ cup, chopped): Adds a refreshing, watery crunch that balances the richness of the dressing.
Walnuts or Pecans (¼ cup, chopped): These nuts bring deep flavor and an extra layer of crunch; toast them for even more intensity.
Raisins or Dried Cranberries (¼ cup): Little bursts of sweetness that contrast perfectly with the citrusy tang.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): For a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note—if you have it, use it!
Orange (juice and zest of 1): The essential citrusy lift that makes this salad irresistible.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream (2 tablespoons): This forms the base of the creamy dressing, adding richness without heaviness.
Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Gives the dressing a lovely, velvety body.
Honey or Maple Syrup (1 teaspoon): A touch of natural sweetness to round out the flavors.
Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Invites a hint of sharpness—don’t skip this if you love complexity.
Salt and Pepper (pinch): Essential for bringing it all together; season to taste.

How to Make Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

Step 1: Prep Your Fruits and Veggies

Start by grabbing your crisp carrots and apples. Peel and shred the carrots, then core and julienne or shred the apples. Chopping the celery adds to that delicious crunch. Prepping everything in similar-sized pieces means every forkful is a perfect mix of sweet, tart, and crunchy.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, apples, chopped celery, cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts, and parsley if you’re using it. You want to toss until everything is evenly distributed—just seeing that rainbow of colors already makes you hungry!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Citrus Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the juice and zest of your orange, along with Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and ultra-creamy. The aroma is pure sunshine thanks to that orange zest!

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the luscious creamy citrus dressing all over your salad base. Use your biggest spoon to gently toss everything until every piece glistens with flavor. The combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy is absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (though longer is great, too). This gives time for the flavors to meld, transforming a good salad into a phenomenal one. Serve cold and savor every fresh bite.

How to Serve Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

Garnishes

To make your Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing look as good as it tastes, try sprinkling a few extra chopped nuts, a handful of sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or even more fresh parsley over the top right before serving. A light grating of fresh orange zest will also add sparkle and aroma.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a side for anything from roasted chicken to grilled fish or plant-based mains. Pile it up next to a sandwich, or even scoop it onto sliced baguette for a crunchy open-faced lunch. Its bright, refreshing flavor makes it a star at potlucks and cookouts alongside heartier fare.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve your Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing in hollowed-out apple halves or mound it on a bed of baby greens. You can even use lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer option. For lunchboxes, pack individually with extra dressing on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors become even more harmonious with a short rest, though the apples may lose some of their crispness after a day or so.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this salad. The fresh textures of apples and carrots tend to break down and lose their satisfying crunch after thawing, and the creamy dressing might separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary! If it’s been in the fridge for a while, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so the flavors become more pronounced, then give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after resting in the fridge for a little while. Just assemble everything, toss with the dressing, and refrigerate. Add garnishes like nuts or seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Which apple varieties work best for this salad?

Tart apples such as Granny Smith offer a delightful sour-sweet counterpoint to the creamy dressing and sweet carrots, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady also work well if you prefer a sweeter profile. Try a combo for extra flavor and color.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Definitely! Simply swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for your favorite vegan alternatives and use maple syrup instead of honey. The result is every bit as creamy and scrumptious as the classic version.

What other mix-ins can I add?

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Toss in sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a hint of tanginess. Chopped dried apricots, chives, or even shredded red cabbage make fun additions.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

The dressing’s citrus juice naturally helps slow down browning, but if you’re prepping the apples ahead of time, tossing them with a splash of lemon or orange juice as you slice will help keep their color vibrant until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Final Thoughts

If you love a side dish that pops with color, flavor, and crunch, give this Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing a go. It’s so cheerful, impossibly easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let it bring a little sunshine to your next meal!

Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of apples and carrots with the crunch of walnuts and the tangy citrus dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch option.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

2 large carrots (peeled and shredded)
2 medium apples (cored and julienned or shredded)
½ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Dressing:

juice and zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
pinch of salt and pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots, apples, celery, walnuts, raisins, and parsley if using.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill: Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Serve cold as a side dish or light lunch.