Some salads feel like sunshine in a bowl—bright, crunchy, and surprisingly refreshing.

This Apple Carrot Slaw with Yogurt Dressing is one of my favorites to make when I want something light yet satisfying.

With sweet apples, juicy mandarins, and a tangy vanilla yogurt dressing, it’s the perfect balance of texture and taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

The crunch from apples and carrots is so satisfying.

It’s sweet, tangy, and creamy all at once.

Easy to prep ahead for potlucks or weekday lunches.

A healthier twist on classic coleslaw—no heavy dressing here!

The colors alone make it feel like a celebration.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Red and green apples – A mix of sweet and tart for balance.

Lemon juice – Keeps apples from browning and adds brightness.

Matchstick carrots – Crunchy and colorful.

Yellow onion – Adds a subtle sharpness that cuts the sweetness.

Dried cranberries – A chewy, sweet-tart surprise in every bite.

Vanilla yogurt & mayo – Create a creamy, lightly sweet dressing.

Mandarin oranges – Juicy bursts of citrus to finish.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Cut apples right before tossing with lemon juice to keep them crisp.

Use a mandoline slicer for quick, uniform matchsticks.

Sweetened cranberries work best—unsweetened may be too tart.

Don’t skip the chilling step—it really helps the flavors meld.

Fold mandarins in gently to keep them whole and juicy.

How to Make Apple Carrot Slaw with Yogurt Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Cut the red and green apples into thin matchsticks.

Toss with lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes to prevent browning.

Step 2: Combine the Veggies

In a large bowl, combine matchstick carrots, finely diced onion, and dried cranberries.

Step 3: Add the Apples

Drain excess lemon juice if needed, then add apples to the veggie mixture.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Add vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper directly into the bowl.

Stir until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Fold in the Mandarins

Gently fold in the drained mandarin orange segments so they stay intact.

Step 6: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Serve chilled and enjoy the crunch!

What to Serve It With

Grilled chicken or salmon

Pulled pork sandwiches or BBQ ribs

Quiche or savory breakfast casseroles

Burgers or sliders as a fresh side

A picnic spread with wraps and lemonade

Variations / Substitutions

Swap vanilla yogurt for plain Greek yogurt and add a dash of honey.

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Use purple carrots for a fun color twist.

Try lime juice instead of lemon for a citrusy spin.

Add chopped celery for even more crunch.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Do not freeze – The texture won’t hold up.

Stir before serving – Liquids may settle at the bottom.

Make-ahead friendly – Great for prepping the night before.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Yes! Matchstick carrots or shredded carrots both work well.

Will the apples turn brown?
Not if coated in lemon juice—they’ll stay fresh for hours.

Is this salad sweet or savory?
It’s a little of both—naturally sweet fruit, tangy yogurt, and a hint of onion for balance.

Can I use flavored yogurt?
Vanilla works best, but honey or fruit-flavored yogurt can also be delicious.

How long does it need to chill?
At least 3 hours, but overnight is even better.

Can I leave out the onion?
Yes, if you prefer a sweeter version, simply omit it.

Is this salad kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the fruit, creamy dressing, and bright colors.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Carrot Slaw with Yogurt Dressing is proof that salads can be fun, colorful, and full of flavor.

It’s light yet creamy, sweet yet balanced, and always a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re looking for a refreshing side that’s both pretty and practical, this one’s it.