Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Introduction

This refreshing Carrot Apple Salad brings together crisp apples, sweet carrots, and juicy mandarins in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal or a light, healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 1 red delicious apple
• 1 granny smith apple
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups matchstick carrots (you can usually buy precut bags at the grocery store)
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut both apples into matchstick-style pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Step 2: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat all of the apples.
3. Step 3: Let the apples sit for 5 minutes to absorb the lemon juice, which helps prevent browning.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the matchstick carrots.
5. Step 5: Add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries to the carrots.
6. Step 6: After the apples have soaked, add them to the mixing bowl.
7. Step 7: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise to the bowl.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper.
9. Step 9: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
10. Step 10: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments.
11. Step 11: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
12. Step 12: Serve chilled and enjoy your fresh Carrot Apple Salad!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans just before serving.
• Try substituting plain yogurt for vanilla yogurt for a less sweet version.
• Use fresh mandarins instead of canned for a more natural sweetness and texture.

Storage

Store the Carrot Apple Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh as the apples may soften and discolor over time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Refrigerating it for at least three hours helps the flavors meld, but eating it within two days is best for freshness.

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! You can substitute with any crisp apple variety such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, but using a mix of sweet and tart apples like in the recipe adds a nice balance of flavors.

Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 120 reviews

A refreshing and colorful Carrot Apple Salad featuring a mix of sweet and tart apples, crunchy matchstick carrots, dried cranberries, and mandarin segments all tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing. Perfect as a healthy side dish or light snack.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Ingredients

• 1 red delicious apple
• 1 granny smith apple
• 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Vegetables

• 2 cups matchstick carrots (precooked or fresh)
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Cut both red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Add Lemon Juice: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat all the apples evenly. This helps prevent browning.
3. Soak the Apples: Set the bowl aside and let the apples soak in the lemon juice for about 5 minutes to retain freshness and color.
4. Combine Carrots and Onion: Pour the matchstick carrots into a large mixing bowl, then add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries.
5. Add Apples to Bowl: After the apples have soaked, add them to the mixing bowl with carrots, onion, and cranberries.
6. Add Dressing Ingredients: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise to the bowl, followed by sugar, salt, and pepper.
7. Mix the Salad: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to combine flavors and dressing evenly.
8. Incorporate Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments to the salad.
9. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled.
10. Serve: Remove from refrigerator, give the salad a gentle stir, and enjoy as a refreshing side dish or snack.

Notes

• You can use pre-cut matchstick carrots to save preparation time.
• The lemon juice step is crucial to prevent the apples from browning, preserving the salad’s vibrant appearance.
• For a tangier salad, reduce or omit sugar depending on your taste preference.
• This salad can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
• Use plain yogurt if vanilla yogurt is not available, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Keywords: carrot apple salad, fruit salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, no-cook salad, side dish, easy salad recipe