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