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Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 20 reviews

If you’re looking for a refreshing, colorful salad that bursts with natural sweetness and just the right hint of tang, I can’t recommend this Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a cozy hug on your plate — perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply brightening up your weekday meals. The mix of crunchy apples and carrots, juicy mandarins, and tart cranberries all tossed in a creamy, subtly sweet dressing? Absolute magic. Keep reading and I’ll show you every delicious step to nail it.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet apples and mandarins meet tart cranberries and zesty lemon juice for a bright, refreshing taste.
  • Crunchy and creamy textures: The crisp carrots and apples combined with a creamy vanilla yogurt dressing create the ultimate mouthfeel.
  • Easy to prep ahead: Letting it chill for a few hours develops flavor and softens the onions just right.
  • Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Works as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck favorite with minimal effort.
Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins, healthy fruit salad recipes, refreshing citrus and apple salad, colorful seasonal salads, easy fruit salad ideas - 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 ingredients come together like a dream: fresh, crisp apples and carrots provide crunch while sweet mandarins and tangy cranberries bring pops of juicy flavor. The creamy dressing, with a touch of mayo and vanilla yogurt, keeps everything nicely moist and adds a subtle sweetness balanced by lemon juice. Here’s why each component makes this salad special–and some shopping tips.

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins, healthy fruit salad recipes, refreshing citrus and apple salad, colorful seasonal salads, easy fruit salad ideas - 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, this apple adds natural sugar and a softer crunch that balances the tartness of the Granny Smith.
  • Granny Smith apple: Adds a firm, tangy crunch that keeps the salad bright and fresh without being too sweet.
  • Lemon juice: Essential for preventing the apples from browning and infusing a fresh citrus zing.
  • Matchstick carrots: Pre-cut ones are a great time-saver; they bring a nice snap and vibrant orange color.
  • Yellow onion: Finely diced, it adds a gentle bite and depth—just enough to complement without overpowering.
  • Dried sweetened cranberries: These give bursts of chewy, tart-sweet flavor that balances the creaminess.
  • Vanilla yogurt: Not plain yogurt! The vanilla adds subtle sweetness and pairs beautifully with the fruit.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the salad without weighing it down.
  • Sugar: A little extra sweetness helps the flavors sing together.
  • Salt & pepper: The basic seasonings that sharpen and round out the flavors perfectly.
  • Canned mandarin segments: Sweet, juicy, and super convenient—just drain and fold in for instant freshness.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe is super forgiving and easy to make your own. Personally, I sometimes swap out the onion for green onions or add a sprinkle of toasted nuts to up the crunch. The best part? You can adjust the sweetness or tartness depending on your mood or what you’ve got in the fridge.

  • Add some heat: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce gives it a surprising kick I adore on chilly days.
  • Make it dairy-free: Swap the yogurt and mayo for vegan mayo and coconut yogurt; still creamy but allergy-friendly.
  • Seasonal swaps: In fall, I like mixing in chopped pears instead of apples for a warm twist.
  • Extra crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before serving for nutty texture.

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

Step 1: Slice and soak the apples

I start by cutting both the red delicious and Granny Smith apples into matchstick-sized pieces. This keeps the texture light and crunchy, perfect for salads. Toss them immediately with lemon juice—this little trick stops the apples from turning brown and dull. Letting them soak for about 5 minutes really helps the flavor soak in and keeps the apples looking beautiful.

Step 2: Mix the base ingredients

While the apples rest, I pour the matchstick carrots into a large bowl, then add the finely diced yellow onion and dried cranberries. This combo brings together sweetness, crunch, and a bit of zing. When the apples are ready, toss them into the bowl, making sure to include any lemon juice left behind—it adds brightness.

Step 3: Make the dressing and combine

Next, I add the vanilla yogurt and mayo right on top of the mix, then sprinkle sugar, salt, and pepper to balance everything. Stir gently but thoroughly so every carrot and apple strip is coated with the creamy dressing. Finally, the canned mandarin segments go in last to keep them from mushying too soon—fold them in carefully so they stay intact and juicy.

Step 4: Chill and serve

This salad really shines after a good chill. I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least three hours (or overnight if I have time). The flavors marry beautifully, the onion softens just enough, and the whole salad tastes fresh and vibrant. When you serve it, give it one last gentle stir to redistribute the juice.

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

  • Keep apples crisp: Use lemon juice immediately after cutting and don’t let the apples sit more than 10 minutes before mixing to keep that perfect crunch.
  • Drain mandarins well: Excess syrup from canned mandarins can water down your salad, so let them drain thoroughly before folding in.
  • Use plain or vanilla yogurt thoughtfully: I find vanilla yogurt adds a lovely sweet undertone, but plain yogurt works well if you want it tangier and less sweet.
  • Chill for best flavor: Don’t skip the refrigeration step—it softens the onion bite and lets all flavors meld delightfully.

How to Serve Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins, healthy fruit salad recipes, refreshing citrus and apple salad, colorful seasonal salads, easy fruit salad ideas - 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 topping this salad with a few extra dried cranberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley to add a splash of color and a little fresh herb brightness. Sometimes I also toss a few toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans on top—it adds a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the fruit and creamy dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch. I often serve it alongside roasted turkey or pork during holidays, where it cuts through richer flavors beautifully. It’s also fantastic as part of a picnic spread with fresh bread, cheese, and cold cuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe in clear glass cups or mason jars for a layered effect — it makes such a pretty presentation! You can also spoon it into hollowed-out apple halves for an adorable, edible bowl that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where the salad stays fresh and flavorful for about 2 days. The texture will soften a bit over time, so I recommend eating it sooner rather than later to enjoy that fresh crunch.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the texture of the fruits and creamy dressing can get weird after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short period.

Reheating

No reheating needed here — this is a cold salad best served chilled straight from the fridge. Just give it a good stir and enjoy!

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least three hours before serving so the flavors can meld and the onions mellow out. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to eat.

  2. What can I substitute for vanilla yogurt?

    If you don’t have vanilla yogurt, plain Greek yogurt works well too but the salad will be less sweet. You can add a touch more sugar or a splash of vanilla extract to mimic that flavor.

  3. Is this salad suitable for kids?

    Definitely—kids usually love the sweetness from the apples and mandarins, plus the creamy dressing makes it very approachable. Just keep the onion finely diced and minimal so it’s not too sharp.

  4. Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned?

    Yes! Fresh mandarins are fantastic if you peel and segment them carefully to avoid mess. Just make sure they’re juicy and sweet to keep the salad balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years because it’s just so simple yet incredibly delicious. I love how it brings a mix of textures and flavors that brighten up any meal. You’ll find it’s not only easy to make but also a go-to crowd-pleaser that feels like a little bit of sunshine in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again—and again.

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Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • 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 colorful Carrot Apple Salad featuring a crisp combination of red delicious and granny smith apples, matchstick carrots, dried cranberries, and mandarin segments tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing. This salad is perfect as a light snack or a vibrant side dish.

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 red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick style pieces and place them into a mixing bowl.
  2. Toss with lemon juice: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat all pieces, then set aside for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
  3. Combine vegetables and dried fruit: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, and dried sweetened cranberries.
  4. Add apples to the mix: Once apples have soaked for 5 minutes, add them to the large mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
  5. Prepare the dressing: Add vanilla yogurt, mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper to the mixing bowl.
  6. Mix ingredients: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
  7. Add mandarins: Fold in the drained mandarin segments and gently stir them into the salad.
  8. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Serve: After chilling, serve the salad chilled and enjoy this crisp, sweet, and tangy treat.

Notes

  • Use fresh matchstick carrots or pre-cut matchstick carrots from the store for convenience.
  • The lemon juice prevents apple slices from browning and adds a fresh tartness.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute the vanilla yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use vegan mayo.
  • Adjust the sugar amount depending on the sweetness of your apples and mandarins.
  • This salad can be prepared a day ahead to enhance the flavors further.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg

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