Maple-Glazed Carrot and Apple Salad
A refreshing, sweet-savory salad with caramelized carrots, crisp apples, and a maple-vinaigrette, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This american-inspired salads ready in about 23 minutes pairs carrots, honeycrisp apple, maple syrup 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 390 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 lb carrots
- 1 honeycrisp apple
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and slice 1 lb carrots into 1/4-inch thick coins. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add carrots. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Step 2: Whisk 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette.
- Step 3: Thinly slice 1 honeycrisp apple and toss with 1/4 cup walnuts in a large bowl.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups mixed greens to the bowl, then pour the maple vinaigrette over the top and toss gently to coat.
- Step 5: Add the cooked carrots to the salad and toss again. Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese over the top just before serving.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while the carrots are still warm for the best texture contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Carrot and Apple Salad take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Carrot and Apple Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Carrot and Apple Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Glazed Carrot and Apple Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple-Glazed Carrot and Apple Salad?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
