The Crunchy Apple-Carrot Salad with Citrus Dressing is a refreshing dish that brings together the sweetness of apples, the crunch of carrots, and a zesty citrus dressing. It’s a versatile salad that can be served as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a healthy lunch option, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with flavors.

Crunchy apple-carrot salad served with a fresh citrus dressing

Why Make This Recipe

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of apples and carrots offers a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The citrus dressing adds a tangy twist that elevates the flavors, making this a satisfying choice for those who want to eat healthier. Moreover, it’s a colorful dish, making your meals more appealing and fun to eat!

How to Make Crunchy Apple-Carrot Salad

Ingredients:

1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces
1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups matchstick carrots
1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Directions:

Slice the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with lemon juice, and toss gently. Let the apples sit for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, finely diced onion, and dried cranberries.
Add the apples to the bowl with the other ingredients.
For the dressing, mix together the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
Gently fold in the mandarin segments into the dressing.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

How to Serve Crunchy Apple-Carrot Salad

This salad is best served chilled. You can plate it on a large serving dish or in individual bowls. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish and makes a fantastic addition to any picnic or potluck. For a decorative touch, try garnishing with additional mandarin segments or a sprinkle of nuts.

How to Store Crunchy Apple-Carrot Salad

To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If you’re making it ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients.

Tips to Make Crunchy Apple-Carrot Salad

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
If you prefer a creamier dressing, add more yogurt or mayonnaise.
For added crunch, consider tossing in some chopped nuts or sunflower seeds.
Always toss the apples in lemon juice to prevent them from browning.

Variation

For a different twist, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You might also consider substituting the dried cranberries with raisins or fresh berries for a change in sweetness. If you’re vegan, you can replace yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this salad in advance?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for the best taste and texture.

Q2: Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?
A2: Absolutely! You can use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise to make this salad dairy-free.

Q3: How can I add more protein to this salad?
A3: You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even cottage cheese to increase the protein content of the salad.

Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of this Crunchy Apple-Carrot Salad with Citrus Dressing!

Crunchy Apple-Carrot Salad

A refreshing salad featuring apples, crunchy carrots, and a zesty citrus dressing, perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 3

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Healthy

Servings 6 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces Use a sweet variety for best flavor.
1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces Use a tart variety for contrast.
2 tablespoons lemon juice Prevents apples from browning.
2 cups matchstick carrots
¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
⅓ cup sweetened dried cranberries
½ cup vanilla yogurt Can be substituted with dairy-free yogurt.
¼ cup mayonnaise Can be substituted with dairy-free mayo.
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Instructions

Preparation

Slice the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with lemon juice, and toss gently. Let the apples sit for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, finely diced onion, and dried cranberries.
Add the apples to the bowl with the other ingredients.

Dressing

For the dressing, mix together the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
Gently fold in the mandarin segments into the dressing.

Refrigeration

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Notes

This salad is best served chilled. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a decorative touch, garnish with additional mandarin segments or nuts. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Keyword Apple-Carrot Salad, Citrus Dressing, Fresh Ingredients, Healthy Salad, Quick Salad