Description
A refreshing and vibrant Carrot Apple Salad combining crisp matchstick apples and carrots with tangy mandarin segments and a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing, perfect as a light side or snack.
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
Dressing & Add-ins
- 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 red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick style slices. Place them in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside for 5 minutes to absorb the lemon flavor.
- Combine Vegetables and Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, dried sweetened cranberries, and the prepared apples.
- Make Dressing: Add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir thoroughly until the salad is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Add Mandarins and Chill: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments to avoid breaking them. Cover and refrigerate the salad for 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
- Serve: After chilling, serve the refreshing Carrot Apple Salad as a crisp side dish or healthy snack.
Notes
- Use fresh mandarin segments if possible for best flavor.
- You can substitute vanilla yogurt with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor and texture by allowing ingredients to meld.
- For a vegan version, replace mayo and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch if desired.
