Honey-Glazed Carrot and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-28 · Updated 2026-07-28

A refreshing salad combining sweet honey-glazed carrots and crisp apples with crunchy toasted pecans and a tangy lemon dressing. This american-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs large, peeled and shredded carrots, large, cored and julienned apple, roughly chopped pecans into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 3 large, peeled and shredded carrots
• 1 large, cored and julienned apple
• 1/2 cup, roughly chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp, chopped (optional) fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 3 large peeled and shredded carrots and 1 large cored and julienned apple. Pour the honey-lemon dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the toasted pecans and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley if using, and toss lightly again. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a bright side salad.