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Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 148 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant Carrot Apple Salad combines the crispness of red delicious and granny smith apples with sweet matchstick carrots, tangy lemon juice, juicy mandarin segments, and a creamy dressing made from vanilla yogurt and mayo. Enhanced with dried cranberries, yellow onions, and a touch of sugar and seasoning, this refreshing salad is a perfect side dish for any meal or a light, healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 1 red delicious apple
  • 1 granny smith apple
  • 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Vegetables

  • 2 cups matchstick carrots (precut if preferred)
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced

Dressing & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • ½ cup vanilla yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick-style pieces. Place the cut apples in a bowl.
  2. Toss with Lemon Juice: Pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat all apple pieces, preventing browning and adding brightness.
  3. Soak Apples: Set the bowl aside for at least 5 minutes to allow the apples to soak up the lemon juice fully.
  4. Combine Vegetables and Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the 2 cups of matchstick carrots, add the finely diced ¼ cup yellow onion and ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries.
  5. Add Apples: After soaking, add the lemon-coated apple pieces to the mixing bowl with the carrots, onion, and cranberries.
  6. Add Dressing: Add ½ cup vanilla yogurt and ¼ cup mayo to the bowl.
  7. Season the Salad: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper over the mixture.
  8. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together well so that the dressing and seasoning evenly coat the salad components.
  9. Add Mandarins: Gently fold in 1 cup of drained canned mandarin segments, preserving their shape and juiciness.
  10. Chill: Cover the bowl securely and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
  11. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve the Carrot Apple Salad as a refreshing and sweet-savory side or light meal.

Notes

  • Using lemon juice on apples prevents oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh and appetizing.
  • Chilling the salad for several hours enhances flavor blending and texture.
  • Matchstick carrots can be bought pre-cut to save prep time.
  • This salad can be customized by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute yogurt and mayo with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Find it online: https://comfortplates.com/carrot-apple-salad-with-cranberries-and-mandarin-recipe/