Fresh shredded apples make this carrot salad recipe stand out from the rest.

Most carrot salad recipes call for raisins, pineapple or a combination of the two. This carrot salad recipe uses equal amounts of shredded carrots and shredded apples for a fresh, clean taste that is both unexpected and delicious.

Serve this carrot apple salad at your next backyard picnic, summer barbecue or just for an average mid-week dinner. This carrot apple salad also makes a great take-along dish for pot lucks and parties. And this carrot salad recipe is a great way to get small children to eat something a little different from the typical raw veggies and dip.

Don't be fooled by the simplicity of this carrot apple salad. It packs a whopping 186% of the recommended daily requirement for vitamin A and 22% of the recommended daily requirement for vitamin C. Even better: This carrot apple salad recipe has absolutely no fat and no cholesterol.

Use a firm, tart apple for best results in this carrot salad recipe. Granny Smith apples work very well.

Serve this carrot apple salad with barbecued chicken or roasted salmon quesadillas for a delicious and easy summer dinner. Add some oven fried zucchini or tempura style broccoli on the side and serve strawberry fruit pizza for dessert, and you've got a tasty feast that will be hit with any crowd.

Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

• 2 cups firmly-packed shredded apple
• 2 cups shredded, firmly-packed carrots
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. non-fat sour cream
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp. honey

In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded apples, carrots and raisins (if using) together. Whisk together the lemon juice, sour cream, vanilla and honey. Pour the dressing over the apple carrot salad and toss well. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Per serving (with raisins, based on 4): 134 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 35 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 1 g protein, 186% vitamin A, 22% vitamin C, 4% calcium, 3% iron

For more healthy and delicious salad recipes, see also: Carrot Raisin Salad, Broccoli Salad Recipe, Grilled Watermelon Salad Recipe, Jicama Salad Recipe, Ranch Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe and Oriental ColeSlaw.