Description
This refreshing Carrot Apple Salad combines crisp matchstick apples and carrots with sweet dried cranberries and mandarin segments, all tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this no-cook salad is easy to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1 red delicious apple, cut matchstick style
- 1 granny smith apple, cut matchstick style
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Dressings and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick style pieces. Place them in a bowl, toss with the lemon juice to prevent browning, and let them sit for 5 minutes to absorb the citrus flavor.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, dried cranberries, and the lemon-coated apples to mix the fresh and sweet elements together.
- Add Dressing: Add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients, balancing sweetness and tanginess.
- Incorporate Mandarins and Chill: Gently stir in the canned mandarin segments to add juicy bursts of flavor. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle toss and serve. Enjoy this light, crisp, and creamy Carrot Apple Salad as a nutritious side dish or snack.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute vanilla yogurt with a plant-based alternative and use vegan mayo.
- To reduce sugar, consider omitting the added sugar or using a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
- Make sure to drain the mandarin segments well to avoid a watery salad.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- You can sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutrition.
