Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Red Delicious and Granny Smith provide a nice sweet-tart balance, feel free to use your favorite apples. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala all work wonderfully. Just remember that softer varieties might break down more quickly in the dressing.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this salad?

Yes, you can make this dairy-free by substituting the vanilla yogurt with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free vanilla yogurt alternative. For the mayo, there are several vegan options available that work perfectly in this recipe.

How can I add more protein to make this a complete meal?

This salad becomes a complete meal with the addition of diced cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Toss in about 1-2 cups of your protein of choice just before serving.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time without mixing them?

Yes! You can cut the apples (toss with lemon juice), carrots, and onions and store them separately in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing in a separate container as well. Combine everything and add the mandarins just before you plan to serve the salad.

Crunchy Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Description

This Carrot Apple Salad is a refreshing and vibrant blend of sweet apples, crisp carrots, tangy cranberries, and juicy mandarin segments, tossed in a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a healthy side dish, it’s easy to make, bursting with flavor and color, and satisfies both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Produce

- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 granny smith apple
- 2 cups matchstick carrots (precut bags can be used)
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Dressing

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup mayo
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick-style pieces and place them in a bowl.
Prevent Browning: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss thoroughly to coat. Set the bowl aside and allow apples to soak in the lemon juice for 5 minutes; this step keeps them from browning.
Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, diced yellow onion, and dried cranberries.
Combine Apples: After the apples have soaked for at least 5 minutes, add them to the mixing bowl with the carrots, onions, and cranberries.
Add Dressing Ingredients: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise to the bowl, then sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper.
Mix the Salad: Stir all the ingredients together very well, ensuring the apples and carrots are evenly coated.
Add Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments so they are evenly distributed but not broken up.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least three hours to let the flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly.
Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir and serve cold. Enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute Greek yogurt for vanilla yogurt for a tangier flavor and more protein.
For a vegan option, use plant-based yogurt and egg-free mayo.
Toss apples in lemon juice immediately after slicing to avoid browning.
This salad is best made ahead to allow flavors to blend, but leftovers stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 110
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 3mg