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.
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.