Zesty Carrot Cranberry Slaw: A Refreshing Salad Recipe

Bursting with vibrant colors and a tantalizing crunch, this shredded carrot salad with cranberries brings a refreshing twist to your everyday side dish.

Sweet and earthy carrots dance with tart cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors that sing on your plate.

Each delicate strand of carrot carries a light, zesty dressing that enhances the natural sweetness of the ingredients.

The cranberries add a pop of ruby-red brightness, turning a simple salad into a stunning culinary experience.

Packed with nutrients and incredibly easy to assemble, this salad works perfectly as a quick lunch or a delightful accompaniment to grilled proteins.

The combination of textures and tastes will have you coming back for seconds, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Dive into this delectable salad and let your taste buds celebrate a fresh, wholesome delight.

Tools That Make Shredded Carrot Salad with Cranberries

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and tossing salad ingredients.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the creamy dressing.
• Cheese grater or food processor: Quickly shreds carrots into uniform, thin strips.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping apple and nuts.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop walnuts and apple precisely.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate dressing ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing salad and dressing thoroughly.

Instructions to Prepare Shredded Carrot Salad with Cranberries

Carrot Cranberry Delight

• Creamy Dressing Base

Whisk together a velvety mixture of tangy mayo, bright lemon juice, hint of sweetness, and a touch of salt until silky smooth.

• Veggie and Fruit Symphony

Grab a spacious bowl and tumble in freshly shredded carrots, crisp apple chunks, ruby-red cranberries, and crunchy golden walnuts.

• Flavor Fusion

Drizzle the luscious dressing over your colorful medley, then gently toss until every morsel gleams with creamy goodness.

• Chill and Savor

Let the salad rest briefly in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to dance and mingle, then serve this vibrant, refreshing creation that sings with texture and zest.

Variations for Shredded Carrot Salad with Cranberries

• Carrot Crunch Boosters: Elevate your salad game with these expert tips and tasty twists.
• Nutty Alternatives: Swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor profile. Each nut brings its own unique crunch and nutritional punch.
• Herb Harmony: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley, mint, or dill to add a bright, fresh dimension to the salad. These green additions will lift the entire dish with their aromatic touch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant. Store shredded carrots and dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to two days.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, canned tuna, or crumbled feta cheese. These protein additions turn the salad into a satisfying and nutritious lunch option.

Serve Shredded Carrot Salad with Cranberries at Any Event

• Picnic Perfect Plate Pairing: Lay this vibrant carrot salad alongside grilled chicken breasts or cold roasted turkey slices for a complete and balanced meal that brings delightful textures and flavors together.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve this colorful salad as a refreshing side dish during weekend brunch gatherings, complementing egg dishes, quiches, or frittatas with its tangy and sweet profile.
• Gourmet Garnish Adventure: Sprinkle some extra toasted walnuts or fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving to add an elegant touch and provide an extra crunch that elevates the salad's visual appeal and taste complexity.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack this salad in individual containers for a quick and nutritious lunch option that stays fresh for 1-2 days, making it an excellent choice for work or school meal preparations.

Store Shredded Carrot Salad with Cranberries for Later

• Refrigerator Readiness: Store this vibrant salad in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, keeping the crisp texture and bright flavors intact. Tip the container gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
• Quick Prep Strategy: Shred carrots and chop apples in advance, storing separately in sealed containers to streamline meal planning. Prepare dressing separately and combine just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
• Flavor Enhancement Technique: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving, allowing ingredients to blend and develop a more robust taste profile. The dressing will softly marinate the carrots and apples.
• Smart Portion Control: Divide the salad into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick side dishes. These portions stay fresh and can be enjoyed within 48 hours of preparation, ensuring delicious and convenient eating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Shredded Carrot Salad with Cranberries

• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that binds and enriches the salad's flavor, choose a high-quality, smooth variety for best results.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that adds zesty freshness and balances the richness, select ripe, juicy lemons for maximum tang.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetener that harmonizes the dressing's flavor profile, opt for fine granulated sugar for smooth incorporation.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances and elevates the overall taste, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Carrots: Vibrant, nutrient-packed base providing crisp texture and natural sweetness, select firm, bright orange carrots for optimal freshness.
• Apple: Adds juicy sweetness and extra crunch, choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for best flavor and texture.
• Dried Cranberries, Raisins: Chewy, sweet elements that introduce bursts of concentrated flavor, look for plump, moist dried fruits without added preservatives.
• Walnuts: Crunchy, nutritious topping that provides rich, earthy undertones, toast beforehand to intensify nutty flavor and enhance crispness.

Zesty Carrot Salad

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean shredded carrot salad blends sweet cranberries with zesty herbs for a refreshing side dish. Crunchy carrots and tangy dressing make this simple recipe perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (960 ml/32 fl oz) shredded carrots
• 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) dried cranberries
• 1 large apple, cut into small pieces
• 0.25 cup (30 g/1 oz) chopped toasted walnuts
• 0.5 cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) lemon juice
• 0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml/0.25 fl oz) sugar
• 0.25 tsp (1.25 ml/0.04 fl oz) salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grate carrots into delicate strands using a box grater, ensuring uniform texture while maintaining their vibrant color and crisp quality.
2. Chopping: Dice apple into precise cubes, immediately mixing with carrots to prevent oxidation and preserve fresh appearance.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, and salt until smooth, developing a creamy and tangy flavor profile that will complement the salad’s ingredients.
4. Nut Transformation: Toast walnuts in a dry skillet, carefully stirring until they release a rich, nutty fragrance and achieve a golden-brown complexion.
5. Ingredient Fusion: Combine grated carrots, diced apple, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a visually stunning and texturally diverse salad base.
6. Final Toss: Gently drizzle prepared dressing over the mixture, folding carefully to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated and flavor is distributed throughout.
7. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow ingredients to harmonize, enhancing overall taste and allowing dressing to slightly soften the vegetables.

Notes

• Grate Carrots Precisely: Use a box grater or food processor to create uniform, delicate carrot strands for consistent texture and appearance.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Dice apple immediately into the mixing bowl to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, crisp color.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: Stir walnuts constantly in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, avoiding burnt edges.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend and develop a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg