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Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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