Super fresh, crunchy, sweet & tangy—and ready in 10 minutes!
👋 Hey there!
This salad is one of those sneaky-good ones. Looks simple, but every bite hits with a pop of flavor. The thin slaw-style carrot strips, crisp apple slices, chewy cranberries, and sweet-tart dressing all come together like chef’s kiss. It’s fresh, light, and ridiculously easy to throw together.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 2 red apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups carrots, julienned slaw-style
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
This salad has been a go-to ever since I tried it at a friend’s backyard BBQ. It’s now a regular in my meal prep.
- Comes together in 10 minutes
- Crunchy, sweet, tangy, and fresh
- No stove, no oven—just slice and mix
- Stays good in the fridge
- Looks pretty enough for a party, simple enough for lunch
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Toss apples with lemon juice ASAP to stop browning.
- Julienne the carrots nice and thin for the perfect texture.
- Use a good olive oil—it makes a difference in the dressing.
- Chill the salad for 10–15 minutes for best flavor blend.
- Toast the walnuts first for extra flavor and crunch.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Julienne peeler or mandoline
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Small whisk or fork
- Cutting board
- Serving spoon
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- No walnuts? Use almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
- No honey? Swap with maple syrup.
- Add protein: grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas.
- Want it creamy? Stir in some Greek yogurt or mayo.
🧊 Make-Ahead Tip
You can prep this up to 1 day in advance. Just leave out the walnuts and parsley until serving so they stay crunchy and fresh. Stir well before eating.
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice the Apples
Thinly slice apples and toss immediately with lemon juice in a large bowl.
2. Add Carrots & Cranberries
Add the julienned carrots and dried cranberries to the bowl.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss the Salad
Pour dressing over the apple-carrot mix. Toss gently until everything is coated. Add chopped walnuts and parsley if using.
5. Chill Before Serving
Stick the whole bowl in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving. This gives the carrots and apples time to soak up all that bright, tangy-sweet dressing. The flavors settle in, and everything gets even more refreshing. It’s a small step, but makes a big difference!
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Stir before serving again.
- It actually tastes better after sitting a few hours!
⏱️ Servings, Time & Macros
- Servings: 4
- Time: 10 minutes
- Macros (per serving):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 11g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness.
- Julienned carrots absorb dressing better and keep things crisp.
- Cranberries add chew and contrast to the crunch.
- Simple dressing lightly coats without making it soggy.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken or turkey sandwiches
- Baked salmon
- Butternut squash soup
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Toasted sourdough or whole grain bread
🚫 Common Mistakes
- Slicing apples too thick → harder to mix and chew
- Forgetting lemon → apples turn brown fast
- Too much dressing → salad gets soggy
- Not chilling → flavor won’t blend as well
❓ FAQ
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
You can, but julienned fresh ones taste better and look prettier.
Can I skip the oil?
Yes—try a light vinaigrette or Greek yogurt if you want a creamy version.
Can I use green apples?
Totally! Granny Smith adds extra tartness if that’s your vibe.
Is it vegan?
Swap honey for maple syrup and you’re good to go!
🎉 Wrap-Up
This Apple Cranberry Carrot Slaw is the easiest way to make your plate pop—so colorful, crisp, and fresh. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes no time at all.
Try it out and let me know how it goes in the comments! Got a question or made a fun twist? I’m all ears! 🥕🍏💬