Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Carrot Apple Salad is a refreshing, sweet, and tangy side dish that combines crisp apples, crunchy carrots, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, holiday gathering, or a healthy snack any time of year.

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 and place the pieces 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: Set the bowl aside to let the apples soak up the lemon juice for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
4. Step 4: Pour the matchstick carrots into a large mixing bowl.
5. Step 5: Add the diced onion and sweetened dried cranberries to the bowl.
6. Step 6: Once the apples have soaked for at least 5 minutes, add them to the mixing bowl.
7. Step 7: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayo to the bowl.
8. Step 8: Add the sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
9. Step 9: Stir all of the ingredients together well.
10. Step 10: Add the mandarin segments and gently fold them into the salad.
11. Step 11: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
12. Step 12: Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing carrot apple salad!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute Greek yogurt for vanilla yogurt to reduce sweetness and add extra protein.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use fresh orange segments instead of canned mandarins for a fresher taste.
• To make it vegan, replace mayo and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again. For best texture, consume within the first day as the apples and carrots may soften over time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, refrigerate it for at least three hours before serving, but it’s best enjoyed within one to two days to maintain freshness.

What can I use if I don’t have vanilla yogurt?

You can substitute plain or vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt or even sour cream, though the flavor and sweetness may vary slightly.

Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 350 reviews

A refreshing and sweet carrot apple salad combining crisp apples, crunchy matchstick carrots, and tangy dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing with a hint of sweetness and citrus.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Vegetables

• 1 red delicious apple
• 1 granny smith apple
• 2 cups matchstick carrots
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Dressing and Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 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

Instructions

1. Prepare apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples matchstick style. Place the apple pieces in a bowl.
2. Add lemon juice: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat all the apples. This helps to prevent browning.
3. Let apples soak: Set the bowl aside for 5 minutes to let the apples absorb the lemon juice.
4. Combine carrots and other ingredients: Pour the matchstick carrots into a large mixing bowl, then add the finely diced yellow onion and sweetened dried cranberries.
5. Add apples to mixture: Once the apples have soaked for at least 5 minutes, add them to the large mixing bowl with other ingredients.
6. Add dressing ingredients: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayo into the bowl.
7. Season the salad: Add sugar, salt, and pepper into the bowl for balanced sweetness and spice.
8. Mix thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together well to ensure even coating and flavor blending.
9. Add mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments to the salad.
10. Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
11. Serve: Remove from fridge, serve chilled, and enjoy this fresh, flavorful salad.

Notes

• Using both red delicious and granny smith apples balances sweet and tart flavors.
• Matchstick carrots can be bought pre-cut to save preparation time.
• The lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a slight tang.
• You can substitute vanilla yogurt with plain or Greek yogurt if desired.
• The salad tastes best after chilling for several hours but can be served sooner if needed.

Keywords: carrot apple salad, healthy salad, fruit and vegetable salad, creamy fruit salad, easy no-cook salad