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Delicious Apple Carrot Cranberry Salad with vibrant fruits and crunchy vegetables

Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad

A simple, bright salad featuring crisp apples, tart cranberries, and sweet carrot ribbons, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 2 medium apples, cored and diced Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for crunch and bright flavor.
  • 2 large carrots, grated Fresh, firm carrots grate easily; avoid limp or spotted ones.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries Look for cranberries with minimal added sugar.
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts Lightly toasting walnuts enhances flavor; pecans can be used as a substitute.
Dressing Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed is preferred for best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan version.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth to the salad.
  • Pinch salt Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by washing and drying all produce and preparing your workspace.
  2. Core and dice the apples into bite-size pieces. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor for fluffy shreds.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
  5. In a large bowl, toss apples, grated carrots, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts with the dressing.
  6. Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add walnuts just before serving if expecting the salad to sit for several hours.