Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 76 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This refreshing Carrot Apple Salad blends crisp matchstick carrots with sweet apples and mandarin oranges, enhanced by a creamy dressing of vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise. Perfectly balanced with hints of lemon juice, dried cranberries, and subtle seasoning, this salad is a delightful and healthy side dish, ideal for gatherings or a light snack.

Ingredients

Fruits and Vegetables

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

Dressing and Seasonings

  • 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 Apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick-sized pieces and place them into a bowl.
  2. Coat Apples with Lemon: Pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the cut apples and toss well to evenly coat all pieces. This helps prevent browning and adds a slight tang.
  3. Let Apples Soak: Set the bowl aside and let the apples soak in the lemon juice for about 5 minutes to absorb flavor and maintain freshness.
  4. Add Carrots to Large Bowl: Transfer 2 cups of matchstick carrots into a larger mixing bowl as the base of the salad.
  5. Mix in Onion and Cranberries: Add the finely diced 1/4 cup yellow onion and 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries to the carrots and stir gently to combine.
  6. Incorporate Apples: After the apples have soaked for 5 minutes, add them to the large mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
  7. Add Creamy Dressing: Pour in 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt and 1/4 cup mayonnaise to the bowl to create a creamy texture in the salad.
  8. Season the Salad: Add 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the bowl to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  9. Combine Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together well to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.
  10. Add Mandarin Oranges: Gently fold in 1 cup of drained canned mandarin segments for a juicy, citrusy burst.
  11. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
  12. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve the salad cold as a fresh side dish or light snack.

Notes

  • Using lemon juice on the apples prevents them from browning and keeps the salad visually appealing.
  • Matchstick-cut vegetables and fruits create a nice texture contrast in the salad.
  • This salad benefits greatly from chilling, which enhances melding of flavors.
  • You can substitute vanilla yogurt with plain yogurt and add a little honey for sweetness if preferred.
  • For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise alternative.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/carrot-apple-salad-with-cranberries-and-mandarin-recipe/