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Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

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This fresh, vibrant salad is the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and crunch! With crisp apples, matchstick carrots, and a creamy citrus dressing, this salad is not only refreshing but also bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light snack, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

This salad is made with wholesome, fresh ingredients that combine for a delightful mix of textures and flavors:

  • Red Apple: Adds sweetness and a beautiful color to the salad.
  • Green Apple: Offers a slightly tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the red apple.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents the apples from browning while adding a tangy freshness to the salad.
  • Matchstick Carrots: A crunchy and sweet addition, giving the salad a nice crunch.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the fruits.
  • Dried Cranberries: These sweetened berries provide a chewy texture and a pop of sweetness.
  • Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy and slightly sweet, it adds a smooth texture to the dressing.
  • Mayonnaise: Helps bind the dressing together, adding a creamy richness.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the dressing to balance the tartness from the apples and lemon juice.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice that balances the sweetness and richness.
  • Mandarin Segments: Canned mandarin oranges add a burst of citrus flavor and a sweet, juicy element.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to bring everything together:

  1. Prepare the Apples: Slice both the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a bowl, pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces, and toss well to coat. Let the apples sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the lemon juice, which helps prevent browning.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, diced yellow onion, and dried cranberries.
  3. Add the Apples: After the apples have absorbed the lemon juice, add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
  4. Make the Dressing: Add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined and the ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Finish with Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments to keep them intact and avoid breaking them up.
  6. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and chill the salad.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
  • This salad is best served chilled, so make sure to allow enough time for it to rest in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/crunchy-apple-carrot-salad-with-creamy-citrus-dressing/