If you’re looking for a salad that’s bursting with vibrant colors, delightful textures, and a burst of refreshing flavors, this Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe is your new go-to. It perfectly balances the natural sweetness of apples and mandarins with the tang of lemon and a luscious, creamy citrus dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Whether as a refreshing side or a light, satisfying snack, this salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients combined in the most delicious way.

Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe. Each component adds its own splash of flavor, crunch, or creaminess, making this salad much more than the sum of its parts.

1 red apple: Adds a sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, cut into matchstick pieces for even bites.
1 green apple: Brings a tart contrast to balance the sweetness of the red apple, also in matchstick form.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Prevents browning on the apples and adds a fresh zesty kick.
2 cups matchstick carrots: Provide natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch that brightens every forkful.
½ cup yellow onion, finely diced: Offers subtle sharpness that contrasts nicely with the sweeter ingredients.
½ cup dried cranberries, sweetened: Contribute chewy bursts of tart sweetness that complement the fresh produce.
½ cup vanilla yogurt: Adds creamy smoothness with a hint of sweetness to the dressing.
½ cup mayonnaise: Richens the dressing and helps to bind all the ingredients together.
1 tablespoon sugar: Enhances the overall sweetness and balances tart flavors.
½ teaspoon salt: Elevates the savory notes and balances the dressing perfectly.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a touch of spice for depth.
1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained: Offer juicy, sweet citrus bursts that brighten the salad.

How to Make Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by slicing both the red and green apples into delicate matchstick pieces. Toss them gently in lemon juice to keep their beautiful colors vibrant and to add a refreshing citrus tang. Let them rest for about 5 minutes; this not only prevents browning but also gently infuses the apples with lively lemon flavor.

Step 2: Combine the Carrots, Onion, and Cranberries

In a large mixing bowl, gather your matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onions, and sweetened dried cranberries. These crunchy and chewy elements form the heart of the salad’s texture and sweetness profile, creating a fantastic foundation for the next steps.

Step 3: Add the Apples

After the apples have had their lemon juice soak, fold them into the carrot mixture. This step melds the crisp apple flavors with the earthy sweetness of carrots and the punch of onions and cranberries, creating a beautiful medley of textures and tastes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Citrus Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper until everything is luxuriously smooth and creamy. This dressing is the magic that ties the salad together, offering a sweet, tangy, and silky coating that elevates each bite.

Step 5: Finish with Mandarin Segments

Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments. These little bursts of juicy citrus add freshness and a lovely bright sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy dressing and crunchy veggies.

Step 6: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. This chilling time is essential — it allows every ingredient to soak up the creaminess and citrus notes, resulting in a deeply flavorful and perfectly textured Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe.

How to Serve Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans adds an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness that complements the salad’s sweetness. Fresh mint leaves also bring a cool, herbaceous brightness that pairs beautifully with the citrus dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a fresh side with roasted chicken or grilled fish, where its crisp and creamy qualities balance out richer mains. It also pairs wonderfully with hearty sandwiches or wraps for a refreshing lunch boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out apple halves or petite lettuce cups for a bite-sized, elegant appetizer. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass bowl or trifle dish highlights the stunning colors and textures, making it a showstopper at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, but be mindful the apples may soften slightly over time.

Freezing

This salad isn’t suitable for freezing due to the fresh fruits and creamy dressing, which can separate and lose their perfect texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days when chilled.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, give it a gentle stir after refrigeration to redistribute the dressing before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this salad?

Absolutely! While red and green apples are recommended for their balanced sweetness and tartness, feel free to choose any crisp apple variety you enjoy. Just remember to slice them thinly and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the vanilla yogurt with a dairy-free or coconut yogurt and use a vegan mayonnaise. This will still provide creaminess while keeping the salad dairy-free.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

Preparing the salad a few hours ahead is ideal to enhance the flavors. Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator and toss gently before serving to refresh the dressing.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the salad?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds introduces a wonderful nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the salad’s existing textures.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries?

If you don’t have dried cranberries, raisins or dried cherries make excellent substitutes, providing similar sweetness and chewiness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making this Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe enough—it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, a picnic, or a potluck, it’s sure to impress and delight. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for it time and again.

Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe

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4.4 from 80 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant combination of crisp apples, sweet carrots, and tart mandarin oranges tossed in a luscious vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise dressing. Perfectly balanced with a hint of citrus and sweetness, this chilled salad makes a delightful side dish or light snack that’s easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits & Vegetables

1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces
1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces
2 cups matchstick carrots
½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Dressing & Other Ingredients

2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup dried cranberries, sweetened
½ cup vanilla yogurt
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Slice the red and green apples into matchstick-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour the lemon juice over the apples. Toss gently to coat and let them sit for 5 minutes to prevent browning and maintain their crisp texture.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, and sweetened dried cranberries. Mix the ingredients evenly to combine the flavors.
Add the Apples: After the apples have soaked in the lemon juice, add them to the large bowl with the carrots, onions, and cranberries. Toss gently to mix all the components thoroughly.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will serve as the dressing that ties the flavors together.
Finish with Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained canned mandarin segments into the salad mixture. Be careful to avoid mashing the delicate mandarins; folding preserves their shape and juiciness.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad before serving.

Notes

Using lemon juice on apples keeps them from browning and preserves their fresh crunch.
Chilling the salad enhances the flavor meld and texture; do not skip refrigeration.
You can substitute vanilla yogurt with plain yogurt and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract if desired.
Adjust sugar and seasoning according to your taste preference.
For a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American