Description
This Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for any occasion! With sweet apples, carrots, and a creamy citrus dressing, it’s a light, healthy, and flavorful addition to your meals.
Ingredients
-
For the Salad:
- Red apple: 1, cut into matchstick pieces; sweet and crisp.
- Green apple: 1, cut into matchstick pieces; tart and refreshing.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons; helps prevent browning and adds freshness.
- Matchstick carrots: 2 cups; crunchy and colorful.
- Yellow onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced; adds a mild, sweet flavor.
- Dried cranberries (sweetened): 1/4 cup; for a sweet and chewy texture.
- Vanilla yogurt: 1/4 cup; for creaminess and a hint of sweetness.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup; for a rich and smooth dressing.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon; to balance the tartness.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon; enhances the flavor.
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon; adds a mild spice.
- Canned mandarin segments: 1 cup, drained; for a juicy citrus kick.
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples:
- Slice the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour lemon juice over the apples. Toss well to coat and let them sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the lemon juice.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, diced yellow onion, and dried cranberries.
- Add the Apples:
- After the apples have soaked in the lemon juice, add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
- Make the Dressing:
- In the same bowl, add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
- Finish with Mandarins:
- Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments to avoid breaking them up too much.
- Chill:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg