Description
A refreshing and vibrant Carrot Apple Salad combining crunchy matchstick-cut apples and carrots with sweet cranberries and mandarin segments, all tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or snack, this salad offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors with a hint of citrus from lemon juice.
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
Other Ingredients
- 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. Immediately toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, dried sweetened cranberries, and the lemon-coated apple matchsticks.
- Make Dressing: To the bowl, add the vanilla yogurt, mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well-coated.
- Finish Salad: Gently stir in the drained mandarin segments to incorporate them without breaking them apart. Cover and refrigerate the salad for 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir and serve chilled. Enjoy this crisp, creamy, and sweet Carrot Apple Salad!
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, substitute vanilla yogurt with plain Greek yogurt and add a touch of honey if desired.
- To make this salad vegan, replace mayo and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans just before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
