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    TaraTeaspoon » Recipes » Salads

    Shredded Carrot Salad with Apple

    Published: Jul 11, 2023 · Updated: Jun 23, 2025 by Tara Teaspoon · This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Pin Recipe
    Shredded Carrot Salad
    Shredded Carrot Salad
    Shredded Carrot Salad

    This Shredded Carrot Salad with apple is a great make-ahead side dish that's healthy and full of fresh flavors. With just 6 ingredients, it completes any menu and is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

    When I worked at Martha Stewart, most days everyone in the test kitchen would pull out leftover ingredients and throw together new creations for lunch. We would all share what we made in a potluck sort of way (we never went hungry!).

    One day, with a lack of greens in the fridges for a fresh salad, my coworker pulled out some carrots and began shredding. She whipped up a quick carrot apple salad with a splash of homemade dressing.

    I loved it! It was sweet, acidic, healthy, and crunchy -- the perfect side dish or simple lunch.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    I've made this easy salad for gatherings with friends and family over the years, and it's always a total crowd-pleaser. The basic recipe only requires 6-ingredients, and it is endlessly customizable.

    I almost always have half a bag of carrots in the drawer, so this salad became my go-to fresh bite when there wasn't much in the test kitchen or my own fridge at home.

    There's more to love about this apple carrot salad:

    • Quick make-ahead recipe: It only takes 15 minutes to put this salad together. Enjoy immediately, or make it up to 12 hours in advance.
    • Great anytime of the year: The classic flavors in this dish are timeless and perfect for any season of the year.
    • Pairs well with most main courses: Whether you are enjoying a little grilled chicken, a sandwich, or even a bowl of soup, your dinner will be happier with a side of shredded carrot salad.
    • Customizable: The basic recipe combines shredded carrots and diced apples. Use your creativity and available ingredients to adjust the dressing and mix-ins to your taste.

    Looking for more ways to use up a half-bag of carrots? Try my Orange Glazed Carrots or Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Salad mix-ins
    • How to make shredded carrot salad with apple
    • Tara's top tips
    • Make ahead and storage
    • Equipment
    • What to serve with carrot apple salad
    • FAQ
    • More flavorful side dishes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Adding the lime juice and tart apple really made the difference in this simple salad. I brought it to a friend's house this past weekend for a pool party and everyone raved about it. Thanks for making me look good Tara!

    - Julie

    Ingredients

    Combine simple fresh ingredients into a flavorful side dish that's totally irresistible. Here's a few ingredient tips to keep in mind as you get started. See recipe card for quantities.

    • Carrots: Grate them or use a julienne peeler to cut them into thin pieces that will easily hold onto the light dressing.
    • Tart apple: For crunch and a pop of sweetness. I'd recommend using Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or any other sweet-tart apple you enjoy.
    • Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and herby flavor. You can also substitute chopped cilantro or arugula.
    • Lime juice: You can also use lemon juice if you don't have limes on hand.
    • Honey: The honey is a great sweetener, but feel free to use maple syrup, agave or even a stevia or monk fruit sweetener as a sugar-free alternative.
    • Kosher salt: Balances out the dressing and brings out the other flavors.
    • Olive oil: I like to use an extra-virgin olive oil for flavor. The oil is part of the flavor of the salad, so you could also use a nutty or spicy olive oil, if you have it, or something more mild like avocado oil.

    Salad mix-ins

    For additional chew and sweetness, add raisins, currants, cranberries, or other dried fruit like apricots.

    Shredded Carrot Salad with Apples and Lime in lime green bowl on turquoise placemat - close crop

    How to make shredded carrot salad with apple

    Let's get started! Learn to make this salad by following this easy step-by-step photo tutorial. See recipe card for comprehensive directions.

    making a lime juice dressing in a blue bowl with a whisk
    1. Step 1: Make the dressing by whisking together the lime juice, honey, and salt in a medium bowl. Then whisk in olive oil until fully combined. Set aside.
    shredding carrots with a julienne peeler on a cutting board
    1. Step 2: Peel and trim the carrots. Then use a box grater or julienne peeler to shred them into long thin strips.
    dicing an apple for shredded carrot salad.
    1. Step 3: Wash and core the apple. Slice and dice half of the apple into ¼-inch pieces.
    dice apples and shredded carrots in a bowl for salad.
    1. Step 4: Place the carrots and apples in a serving bowl.
    pouring dressing on shredded carrot salad.
    1. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad.
    adding herbs to shredded carrot salad before serving.
    1. Step 6: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and stir to combine.

    Tara's top tips

    Other spices and herbs to try: I love adding ground coriander to the dressing. You can swap the parsley for cilantro, basil, or even chopped arugula.

    Easily shred the carrots: I usually shred the carrots by hand on a box grater or with a julienne peeler. But, when I'm in a big hurry or need to make a large batch, I use a food processor with the grating attachment. It's easy to use and much faster than shredding by hand.

    Add to green salad: Dress up a traditional green salad by mixing in several spoonfuls of the carrot and apple salad. It tastes delicious all tossed together and is great for feeding a crowd.

    Make ahead and storage

    This is the perfect make-ahead salad. Simply prepare the salad, cover it, and store in the fridge for up to 12 hours before serving.

    Chilled salad can stay delicious for up to 2 days in the fridge. The dressing will slightly pickle the carrots and make them extra flavorful.

    Equipment

    For shredding carrots, I use this Oxo box grater. The grating holes are close together, and it has a little catch-all box.

    If you're making a larger batch, you can also shred them in a food processor with the grating attachment.

    To make a stronger shred with longer strips of carrot, use a julienne peeler. This makes for a crunchier textured salad, that also looks pretty.

    What to serve with carrot apple salad

    This grated carrot salad pairs well with most dinners! Try it in combination with other sides like my Roast Parsnips With Sage Butter, Fluffy Mashed Potatoes, or Cheesy Cornbread. Or, serve it with one of these delicious protein options:

    • grilled pork on platter with goat cheese and honey
      How To Grill Pork Tenderloin: Topped with Goat Cheese, Rosemary, and Honey
    • grilled flank steak with herb salsa verde
      Grilled Flank Steak with Herb Salsa Verde
    • lamb chops on a platter with a dish of green herb sauce.
      Baby Lamb Chops with Two Dipping Sauces
    • feature picture of sesame chicken and ginger cole slaw
      Sesame Chicken Skewers with Ginger Slaw

    FAQ

    Can you eat raw shredded carrots?

    Yes! Raw carrots are perfectly safe to eat. Just wash and peel them before shredding them.

    What recipes can I make with shredded carrots?

    Shredded carrots can add color, crunch, and extra nutrients to a variety of dishes. Add them to your favorite green salad or this Crunchy Chicken Noodle Salad.
    Or, check out these recipes (they all use shredded carrots): Asian Crunch Salad, Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps, and Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps with Black Beans and Veggies.

    What is the difference between grated carrots and shredded carrots?

    When carrots are grated, they turn into small pieces about the size of cooked rice or green peas. The exact size depends on the size of the holes on the box grater or food processor.
    When carrots are shredded, on the other hand, the resulting pieces are long and thin. The diameter of the shreds varies based on the size of the holes used to shred the carrots.
    This salad is great with shredded, or grated carrots.

    More flavorful side dishes

    Love tasty sides? These are some of my favorites:

    • sweet potato and yukon gold gratin
      Two Potatoes au Gratin with Gruyere
    • roasted miso carrots on white platter
      Miso Glazed Carrots with Sesame and Pomegranate
    • Square feature image of Boursin mashed potatoes.
      Boursin Mashed Potatoes
    • kale and beets with roasted carrots and goat cheese on a black platter
      Beet and Roasted Carrot Salad with Kale, Spicy Pecans and Goat Cheese

    Rate this recipe! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Scroll to the bottom of the page to rate and comment on this recipe. Leaving comments, questions, and ratings helps other too!

    📖 Recipe

    shredded carrots and apples in a bowl with a spoon feature image

    Shredded Carrot Apple Salad

    Tara Teaspoon
    This Shredded Carrot Salad with apple is a great make-ahead side dish that's healthy and full of fresh flavors. With just 6 ingredients, it completes any menu and is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
    4.42 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Work Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Servings 6 to 8 Servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • 1½ teaspoons honey
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • ¾ pound carrots (peeled, trimmed and shredded)
    • ½ tart green apple (cored and cut into ¼-inch dice)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley (chopped)

    Instructions
     

    • For dressing, in a medium bowl, whisk together juice, honey, and salt. Drizzle in oil, whisking constantly, until combined well; set aside.
    • In a medium bowl, combine carrots, apple, and parsley. Toss with dressing and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    Can be made ahead. Cover and refrigerate up to 12 hours.
    Feel free to add in dried fruit, like raisins or currants, if desired.
    This pairs so well with most dinners! A little grilled chicken, or any protein. A sandwich, and even soup are happier with a side of shredded carrot salad. I've even thrown a big spoonful into a green salad and tossed it all together. Delish!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 234mgPotassium: 212mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 9595IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.4mg
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    Tara in kitchen making salad

    Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!

    More about Tara

    Comments

      4.42 from 12 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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    1. Mary Bench says

      May 07, 2019 at 10:52 am

      Such a fresh salad!

      Reply
    2. Lindsay Steele says

      July 11, 2023 at 3:30 pm

      Such a perfect side dish. It's unique and tasty!

      Reply
    3. Julie says

      July 11, 2023 at 6:40 pm

      Adding the lime juice and tart apple really made the difference in this simple salad. I brought it to a friend's house this past weekend for a pool party and everyone raved about it. Thanks for making me look good Tara!

      Reply

    Hi, I'm Tara Teaspoon!

    I’ve been sharing my original ideas for years. What began as a passion, turned into a publishing career as Food Editor at Martha Stewart Living and Ladies’ Home Journal magazines.

    Now I write cookbooks, and share delicious recipes and expert cooking tips with you here! Thanks for stopping by Tara Teaspoon!

    More about me →

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