Description
A refreshing and sweet Carrot Apple Salad combining crisp apples, matchstick carrots, and juicy mandarin segments in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing with a hint of tangy lemon juice, perfect for a light side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 granny smith apple
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Dressing and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Cut both apples into matchstick style slices and place them in a bowl.
- Coat Apples with Lemon Juice: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces in the bowl and toss well to coat all the apples, preventing browning.
- Let Apples Soak: Set the bowl aside and let the apples soak in the lemon juice for 5 minutes.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Pour matchstick carrots into a large mixing bowl and add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries.
- Add Apples to Mixing Bowl: After the apples have soaked, add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
- Add Dressing Ingredients: Add vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise to the bowl, followed by sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Salad: Stir all ingredients together well to combine evenly.
- Incorporate Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments to the salad.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy this fresh and creamy carrot apple salad.
Notes
- Using lemon juice helps prevent apples from browning and keeps the salad fresh-looking.
- Matchstick carrots can be pre-bought for convenience or you can julienne carrots yourself.
- Vanilla yogurt adds a subtle sweetness; plain yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative.
- Adjust sugar quantity to your taste preference or substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- The salad tastes best after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- For a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- To make it vegan, substitute mayo and yogurt with plant-based versions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
