Description
A refreshing and colorful Carrot Apple Salad combining crisp apples, sweet carrots, tangy cranberries, and creamy yogurt dressing, perfect as a light side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 granny smith apple
- 2 cups matchstick carrots (precut)
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick style pieces. Place the cut apples in a bowl.
- Toss with Lemon Juice: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat. This step is vital to prevent the apples from browning.
- Soak Apples: Let the apples sit for at least 5 minutes to absorb the lemon juice fully.
- Combine Carrots and Add-ins: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the matchstick carrots. Add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries.
- Add Apples to Bowl: After soaking, add the lemon-coated apples to the mixing bowl with carrots and cranberries.
- Prepare the Dressing: Add vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise to the bowl.
- Season the Salad: Sprinkle the sugar, salt, and pepper into the bowl.
- Mix All Ingredients: Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even coat of the dressing.
- Add Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled as a refreshing side or healthy snack.
Notes
- Using lemon juice on apples prevents them from browning and adds a tangy flavor.
- Chilling the salad for several hours enhances the flavor combination.
- Substitute vanilla yogurt with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and higher protein content.
- Use fresh mandarin segments if canned ones are unavailable.
- You can adjust sugar amount to taste depending on the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
