Bright, crisp, and full of flavor, this Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad is a refreshing side dish perfect for any occasion. The sweet and tangy combination of apples, cranberries, and mandarin segments pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing made with vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or a quick lunch, this salad is an easy crowd-pleaser that balances sweet, savory, and tart flavors effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries, sweetened
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples : Slice the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Combine the Vegetables and Fruit : Add the matchstick carrots, diced yellow onion, dried cranberries, and mandarin segments to the bowl with the apples. Mix gently to combine.
- Make the Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Toss the Salad : Pour the dressing over the apple and carrot mixture. Toss gently until all the ingredients are well-coated.
- Chill and Serve : Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light snack.
Conclusion
This Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad is a vibrant medley of flavors and textures that’s both nutritious and delicious. The sweet crunch of apples, the tangy burst of cranberries, and the creamy dressing make it a versatile dish for any meal or event. Whether you’re looking for a light and healthy side or a standout addition to your table, this salad is sure to be a hit!
Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad
Ingredients
- 1 red apple cut into matchstick pieces
- 1 green apple cut into matchstick pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup yellow onion finely diced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries sweetened
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples : Slice the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Combine the Vegetables and Fruit : Add the matchstick carrots, diced yellow onion, dried cranberries, and mandarin segments to the bowl with the apples. Mix gently to combine.
- Make the Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Toss the Salad : Pour the dressing over the apple and carrot mixture. Toss gently until all the ingredients are well-coated.
- Chill and Serve : Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light snack.