Carrot Apple Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the crispness of apples with the crunch of carrots, all brought together with a creamy dressing. It's a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal or a standalone snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I find this salad to be incredibly versatile and satisfying. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet red apples provides a balanced flavor profile, while the carrots add a satisfying crunch. The creamy dressing, enhanced with vanilla yogurt and mayo, ties everything together beautifully. Plus, the addition of dried cranberries and mandarin segments introduces a delightful sweetness and texture contrast.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots (you can usually buy precut bags at the grocery store)
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Directions
- I start by cutting both apples into matchstick-style pieces and placing them in a bowl.
- I pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat all of them. This step helps prevent browning.
- I set the bowl aside to let the apples soak up the lemon juice for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, I combine the matchstick carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries.
- After the apples have soaked, I add them to the mixing bowl.
- I then add the vanilla yogurt and mayo to the bowl.
- I sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper.
- I stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Finally, I add the mandarin segments and gently stir them into the salad.
- I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and I recommend chilling the salad for at least 3 hours before serving, bringing the total time to around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Variations
- Fruit Substitutions: I sometimes swap out the mandarin segments for pineapple tidbits or add raisins instead of cranberries for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Addition: For added crunch, I like to include chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If I prefer a natural sweetener, I replace the sugar with honey.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-4 days. Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn't necessary.
FAQs
How can I prevent the apples from browning?
I find that tossing the apple slices in lemon juice immediately after cutting them effectively prevents browning.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, I often prepare it a day ahead. In fact, chilling it for several hours enhances the flavors.
What can I use instead of vanilla yogurt?
If I don't have vanilla yogurt on hand, I use plain yogurt and add a bit of honey or vanilla extract to achieve a similar taste.
Is there a vegan alternative for the dressing?
For a vegan version, I substitute the yogurt and mayo with plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! I sometimes add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
Carrot Apple Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that I enjoy preparing for various occasions. Its versatility allows me to tweak the ingredients based on what's available, and it's always a hit with family and friends. Whether as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is a refreshing choice that I keep coming back to.
Carrot Apple Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Carrot Apple Salad blends the crisp sweetness of apples with the crunch of carrots, tossed in a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing. Dried cranberries and mandarin oranges add a pop of flavor and color, making it a refreshing and healthy side dish or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Instructions
- Cut both apples into matchstick pieces.
- Toss apples with lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine carrots, onion, and cranberries.
- Add apples to the bowl.
- Mix in yogurt and mayo.
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Gently fold in mandarin segments.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Notes
- Chill thoroughly for best flavor.
- For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Pineapple tidbits or raisins can replace mandarins or cranberries.
- Use honey in place of sugar for a natural sweetener.
- To make it vegan, use plant-based yogurt and mayo.
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