Apple Carrot Sweet Tangy

This fresh apple carrot salad brings a bright and crunchy burst of flavor to any table. Combining sweet Honeycrisp and tart Granny Smith apples with crisp carrots, all tossed in a lively lemonmaple dressing, this salad is as refreshing as it is beautiful. It’s perfect for spring gatherings, picnics, or an everyday side that adds color and a touch of sweetness.

I first made this salad for a family brunch and was amazed how fast it disappeared. Now it’s always requested for holidays because it balances sweet and tangy so well.

Ingredients

• Honeycrisp apple: One medium julienned to provide natural sweetness and crisp texture look for firm fruit with vibrant skin
• Granny Smith apple: One medium julienned for tartness and refreshing bite select bright green and unbruised apples
• Carrots: Two medium julienned for vibrant color and crunchy contrast fresh, firm carrots work best
• Fresh parsley: Two tablespoons chopped to add a mild herbaceous note and freshness
• Fresh lemon juice: One tablespoon to prevent apple browning and add zesty brightness
• Lemon zest: One teaspoon for fragrant citrus flavor that lifts the salad
• Olive oil: Two tablespoons for richness and to bind the dressing
• Pure maple syrup: One tablespoon to balance acidity with natural sweetness
• Dijon mustard: Half teaspoon to help emulsify the dressing and give subtle depth
• Sea salt: Pinch to enhance all the flavors
• Freshly ground black pepper: Pinch for gentle spice and complexity

Instructions

Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables:

Julienne the Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples with their skins on to retain color and texture. Immediately toss them in lemon juice to keep them from browning. Next, julienne the carrots to the same size as the apples so every bite has a consistent crunch and appearance.

Mix the Dressing:

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk together thoroughly until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth to ensure every salad piece is evenly coated.

Combine and Toss:

In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the julienned apples, carrots, and chopped parsley. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss delicately to avoid bruising the apples or crushing the carrots.

Serve:

Transfer the salad to a serving dish or platter. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a few thin apple slices to make it look extra inviting. Serve immediately for the best fresh crunch.

One of my favorite memories with this salad is serving it at a summer garden party where everyone raved about its crisp textures and sunny flavors.

Storage Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh because the apples and carrots keep their crunch. If you need to prepare ahead, store the julienned fruits and vegetables in an airtight container with lemon juice and keep the dressing separate. Toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using pears in place of Honeycrisp apples for a floral sweetness and juicy crunch. Orange blossom honey makes an elegant swap for maple syrup, adding gentle citrus and floral notes. Cilantro can replace parsley if you want a bolder, more herbaceous salad.

Serving Suggestions

Sprinkle toasted walnuts or spiced pumpkin seeds over the salad for extra crunch and complexity. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish or roast chicken and works as a vibrant topping for grain bowls. Adding a handful of arugula or microgreens deepens the flavor profile.

This bright salad is a fast, versatile side that adds color and freshness to any meal. Serve immediately to preserve the crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How do I keep the apples from browning?

Toss sliced apples immediately in lemon juice to slow oxidation and maintain their bright color.

→ Can the salad be made in advance?

Julienne apples and carrots ahead and store with lemon juice separately. Add dressing just before serving to keep textures crisp.

→ What is the best method to julienne apples and carrots safely?

Use a sharp chef's knife or mandoline while keeping fingers safe, optionally wearing a cut-resistant glove for extra protection.

→ Will refrigeration make the salad watery?

To avoid watery texture, store dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep vegetables crisp.

→ What are good substitutions for ingredients?

Pear can replace apples for a floral sweetness, orange blossom honey in place of maple syrup adds citrus notes, and cilantro can substitute parsley for a zesty twist.