Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Carrot Apple Salad is a refreshing blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a creamy dressing that adds just the right touch. It’s perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, combining crisp apples, crunchy carrots, and juicy mandarins for a vibrant taste.

Ingredients

• 1 red delicious apple
• 1 granny smith apple
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups matchstick carrots (precut bags work well)
• ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
• ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
• ½ cup vanilla yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut both apples into matchstick-style pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Step 2: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat them evenly. Set aside for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries.
4. Step 4: After the apples have soaked, add them to the mixing bowl.
5. Step 5: Add vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
6. Step 6: Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
7. Step 7: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments.
8. Step 8: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
9. Step 9: Serve chilled and enjoy your fresh, flavorful carrot apple salad!

Tips & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt instead of vanilla yogurt for a tangier dressing with extra protein.
• Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nuttiness.
• For extra sweetness, swap dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins.
• Try fresh orange segments instead of canned mandarins for a fresher citrus flavor.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving again. The apples may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day for optimal crunch. If it thickens after chilling, you can mix in a little extra yogurt to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes great after chilling for at least three hours to let the flavors meld. Just keep it refrigerated and consume within two days for the freshest texture.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?

Absolutely! You can replace mayonnaise with extra yogurt or use a light sour cream to keep the salad creamy but lighter.

Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 288 reviews

A refreshing carrot apple salad combining sweet and tangy flavors, with crunchy matchstick carrots, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and mandarin segments, all tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or healthy snack.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Fruits and Vegetables

• 1 red delicious apple
• 1 granny smith apple
• 2 cups matchstick carrots (precooked or fresh)
• ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Dressing and Mix-ins

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
• ½ cup vanilla yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick-style pieces. Place them in a bowl, pour lemon juice over the apple pieces, and toss well to coat. Let the apples soak for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
2. Combine Vegetables and Cranberries: Pour the matchstick carrots into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries to the bowl.
3. Add Apples to Mix: After the apples have soaked for 5 minutes, add them to the mixing bowl with the carrots, onions, and cranberries.
4. Prepare Dressing: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise to the bowl. Then sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and black pepper.
5. Mix Salad: Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine and evenly coat everything with the dressing.
6. Add Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained canned mandarin segments to the salad.
7. Chill: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
8. Serve: Once chilled, serve the carrot apple salad as a refreshing side or light snack and enjoy.

Notes

• Using lemon juice is essential to keep apples from browning and maintain a bright color.
• Vanilla yogurt adds a subtle sweetness that complements the fruit, but plain yogurt could be substituted for a less sweet version.
• Refrigeration time is important for flavor development, so do not skip chilling the salad.
• This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
• For a vegan version, substitute the yogurt and mayo with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: carrot apple salad, creamy carrot salad, fruit and vegetable salad, matchstick carrots, cranberry salad, mandarin salad