Name: Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups peeled carrots - shredded; 3 cups peeled apples (about 3) - shredded and drained; 1/2 cup currants or raisins; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

There's something incredibly refreshing about the crisp combo of sweet apples and earthy carrots combined in a salad that’s both light and satisfying. This Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want a quick, no-fuss side that brightens up any meal with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors.

A white bowl filled with a two-layer salad; the bottom and top layers consist of thinly shredded orange carrots and pale, creamy shredded vegetable, mixed with small black raisins and scattered chopped green parsley leaves. The salad texture looks fresh and slightly creamy, with small black specks of pepper. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface partially covered by a blue cloth, with lemon slices at the bottom left corner next to the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have a soft spot for this salad because it’s so simple yet full of texture and flavor — it never fails to liven up the plate. Whether I’m making it for a weekday dinner or a casual weekend gathering, it always gets great feedback and disappears fast!

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want something fresh without fuss.
Bright, Balanced Flavors: The tartness from the apples and lemon juice pairs beautifully with the sweet carrots and subtle tang from the dressing.
Vibrant and Healthy: Loaded with fresh produce and a touch of sweetness, it’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
Versatile Side Dish: Goes well with everything from weeknight roasts to BBQs or even as a light lunch itself.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this salad plays a key role in building that perfect harmony of taste and texture. When shopping, I always make sure my apples and carrots are super fresh—this really makes all the difference!

Flat lay of a neat pile of bright orange shredded carrots, a mound of pale cream shredded apples, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark currants, a small bunch of fresh green chopped parsley sprigs, a small white bowl containing creamy white mayonnaise, another small white bowl with clear white vinegar, a small white bowl holding fresh lemon wedges and a splash of lemon juice, a tiny white bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl filled with granulated white sugar, and a tiny white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged with 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

Carrots: Fresh, peeled, and shredded, carrots bring sweet earthiness and a crisp texture that’s essential to this salad.
Apples: I use peeled and shredded apples—choosing a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Fuji gives that wonderful tart-sweet pop.
Currants or Raisins: These little gems add bursts of natural sweetness and chewy contrast that I love.
Fresh Parsley: It adds a mild herbaceous note that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing that ties all the flavors together without overpowering them.
White Vinegar: This provides acidity to balance out the sweetness and brighten the entire dish.
Lemon Juice: A quick splash keeps the apples from browning and adds fresh citrus zing.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—bring out the flavors without making the salad too salty or bland.
Sugar: Just a little to enhance the natural sweetness, but feel free to adjust to your taste!

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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 the best parts about this Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is how flexibly you can tailor it to your tastes. I often swap in dried cranberries instead of raisins to add a fresher tang, or toss in some toasted nuts for an extra crunch.

Variation: For a lighter take, I’ve used Greek yogurt in place of mayo—still creamy but with a little tang that’s delicious.
Seasonal twist: Adding diced celery and a dash of cinnamon can ramp up the flavor for fall gatherings.
Make it vegan: Simply swap the mayonnaise for a vegan-friendly alternative or a creamy avocado dressing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of shredded orange carrots and white shredded vegetable or cheese, mixed with dark raisins and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The salad looks fresh and lightly seasoned with pepper visible on top. Around the bowl, there are fresh green herbs and two lemon slices on a wooden board. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and part of a blue cloth is seen near the bowl. In the background, another white bowl with the same salad is slightly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Shred and Drain the Fresh Ingredients

I always start by peeling my carrots and apples, then shredding them finely using a box grater. Here’s my tip—after shredding the apples, I let them sit in a fine mesh strainer or squeeze gently with paper towels to drain excess juice. This keeps the salad from getting too soggy and preserves that crisp texture.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Bits

Next, toss your shredded carrots and drained apples into a big bowl, then sprinkle in the currants and chopped parsley. The fruit and herb mix already smells amazing here.

Step 3: Whisk the Luscious Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, sugar, and freshly ground pepper until smooth and well-blended. The dressing brings everything together with a tangy, slightly sweet undertone.

Step 4: Dress and Toss Gently

Pour the dressing over your carrot and apple mix. I always give it a gentle toss with a fork or spoon so everything gets evenly coated without turning mushy. Feel free to serve it immediately for a fresh taste, or chill it in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors meld.

Top Tip

Having made this salad dozens of times, I’ve learned that the key to its success is managing moisture and freshness. Here are a few insider tips I swear by to keep it crisp and flavorful.

Drain the Apples Well: Don’t skip draining—excess juice can water down the salad and make it soggy quickly.
Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in brightness and depth; dried just won’t cut it here.
Adjust Sweetness Last: Taste your salad before adding extra sugar; the apples and raisins usually provide enough natural sweetness.
Mix Gently: Toss carefully to keep the shredded ingredients from turning into mush—texture is half the joy.

How to Serve Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish the salad with a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds or a few extra fresh parsley leaves on top—it adds that final pop of texture and color that makes it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even a slab of BBQ ribs. I often serve it alongside a simple green salad or warm cornbread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I’ve scooped the salad into hollowed-out apple halves or served it in small glass jars for a pretty, portable option that guests love. It’s great for picnics or potlucks when you want something that's easy to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The salad holds up well, though the apples may darken slightly—squeezing extra lemon juice before storing helps prevent that.

Freezing

Because of the fresh texture and mayonnaise dressing, I don’t recommend freezing this salad—it tends to lose its crunch and can become watery upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If it’s chilled too long, I let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to bring back some of the fresh flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare this salad a few hours ahead of time and keep it chilled. Just be sure to drain the apples well and squeeze a little lemon juice on them to prevent browning. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and crunch.

What type of apples work best for this salad?

I recommend using tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their texture well when shredded and provide a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples, as they won’t add the right crunch.

Can I substitute mayonnaise in the dressing?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter or vegan option, Greek yogurt or vegan mayo work beautifully. Avocado blended with a little lemon juice and vinegar is another tasty alternative that gives a creamy texture without mayo.

What can I serve with this salad?

This Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe is wonderfully versatile. I often serve it alongside grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, pork, or brisket. It also complements vegetarian mains and pairs nicely with bread or crackers for a simple lunch.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe has become one of my kitchen staples because it delivers fresh flavor with minimal effort. I love how it brightens meals and always brings smiles to the table. Give this salad a try—you might be surprised how such a simple dish can become a favorite so quickly!