Description
A refreshing and crunchy salad featuring crisp apples and carrots, complemented by a creamy citrus dressing with a hint of sweetness. This vibrant salad combines fresh fruit, vegetables, and a tangy-citrusy yogurt mayonnaise dressing, making it perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries, sweetened
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Dressing
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Slice both the red and green apples into thin matchstick pieces. Place them in a bowl, pour the lemon juice over them, and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the apples sit for 5 minutes to prevent browning and retain crispness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, and sweetened dried cranberries. Mix these ingredients well to combine flavors.
- Add the Apples: After the apples have been coated in lemon juice, add them into the large bowl with the other vegetables and dried fruit, tossing gently to combine without bruising the apples.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy with consistent texture.
- Finish with Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained canned mandarin segments into the salad mixture, taking care not to break up the delicate fruit.
- Chill: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to develop a refreshing taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh apples and cut them just before preparing to maintain crunch and freshness.
- Lemon juice not only prevents browning but also adds a subtle tanginess.
- For a vegan option, substitute vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing according to your sweetness preference.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
