Creamy Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries

Total 15 minMakes 4 side servingsResting, soaking, chilling or cooling 0 min
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Creamy carrot apple salad is a finely grated slaw with apple pieces and dried cranberries.

Creamy carrot apple salad is a finely grated slaw with apple pieces and dried cranberries. A small amount of onion gives the sweet vegetables a savoury edge, while lemon keeps the mayonnaise dressing bright. This is the creamy counterpart to the walnut-and-raisin salad at row 63, with a different cut and dressing. Grate carrots coarsely so they retain a little bite. Toss apple into the dressing as soon as it is cut to reduce browning.

Recipe at a glance

Yield: 4 side servings. Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 0 minutes. Total: 15 minutes, including 0 minutes of additional resting, cooling, chilling or draining where stated. Times are estimates; follow the doneness checks.

Equipment

Grater, knife, whisk and mixing bowl

Ingredients and directions

Recipe card

Creamy Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries

Prep 15 minCook 0 minTotal 15 minYield 4 side servingsResting, soaking, chilling or cooling 0 min

Total includes the additional waiting time stated in the directions. Appliance times are estimates.

Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Grater, knife, whisk and mixing bowl

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mix dressing

    Whisk mayonnaise, lemon, sugar, salt and pepper in a bowl.

  2. Prepare produce

    Wash and grate carrots. Core and dice apple, then add it to dressing promptly. Add onion and cranberries.

  3. Fold together

    Mix carrot through the dressed fruit. Serve immediately or refrigerate covered until needed.

Doneness checks

Helpful tips

  • Grate carrots coarsely.
  • Dice apple just before mixing.
  • Chop onion very finely.
  • Use dressing only to coat.

Troubleshooting

  • No. The separate carrot apple walnut salad at row 63 has an oil dressing and raisins.
  • Grate carrots coarsely.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with roast chicken.
  • Pair with sandwiches.
  • Offer beside baked potatoes.
  • Add to a cold lunch plate.

Substitutions

Use vegan mayonnaise for an egg-free variation if its label is suitable. Replace cranberries with raisins for a sweeter result.

Variation

Add 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds at serving time for extra crunch.

Make ahead

Grate carrots and mix dressing ahead, keeping chilled. Add apple and cranberries near serving.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate up to 2 days. Stir before serving; apple releases a little juice. Do not freeze.

Food safety

Use clean utensils and wash produce. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly, within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 32°C (90°F).

Frequently asked questions

Does this contain walnuts?

No. The separate carrot apple walnut salad at row 63 has an oil dressing and raisins.

Can I prepare it a day ahead?

Yes, keep it refrigerated; the apple becomes a little softer and may release juice.

Tips

  • Grate carrots coarsely.
  • Dice apple just before mixing.
  • Chop onion very finely.
  • Use dressing only to coat.

Troubleshooting

  • No. The separate carrot apple walnut salad at row 63 has an oil dressing and raisins.
  • Grate carrots coarsely.

Substitutions

  • Use vegan mayonnaise for an egg-free variation if its label is suitable. Replace cranberries with raisins for a sweeter result.

Variations

  • Add 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds at serving time for extra crunch.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with roast chicken.
  • Pair with sandwiches.
  • Offer beside baked potatoes.
  • Add to a cold lunch plate.

Make ahead

Grate carrots and mix dressing ahead, keeping chilled. Add apple and cranberries near serving.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 2 days. Stir before serving; apple releases a little juice. Do not freeze.

Food safety

Use clean utensils and wash produce. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly, within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 32°C (90°F).

Frequently asked questions

Does this contain walnuts?

No. The separate carrot apple walnut salad at row 63 has an oil dressing and raisins.

Can I prepare it a day ahead?

Yes, keep it refrigerated; the apple becomes a little softer and may release juice.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

More from Hez Arslan

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