Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe

Introduction

This Carrot Apple Salad is a refreshing blend of crisp apples, sweet carrots, and tangy mandarin oranges, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish that combines crunch and sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 red delicious apple
• 1 granny smith apple
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups matchstick carrots (you can usually buy precut bags at the grocery store)
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut both apples into matchstick style and place the pieces in a bowl.
2. Step 2: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat all the apples.
3. Step 3: Let the apples soak in the lemon juice for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots.
5. Step 5: Add the diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries to the bowl.
6. Step 6: Once the apples have soaked, add them to the mixing bowl.
7. Step 7: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise to the bowl.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper.
9. Step 9: Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
10. Step 10: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments.
11. Step 11: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
12. Step 12: Serve chilled and enjoy your fresh Carrot Apple Salad!

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans before serving.
• Use plain yogurt instead of vanilla for a less sweet version.
• Swap out cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots for different sweetness.
• Prepare the salad a day ahead to deepen the flavors, but add mandarins just before serving to keep them fresh.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may thin slightly over time; give the salad a good stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits and dressing will be affected.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties for this salad?

Yes, you can substitute with any crisp apple like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Mixing a sweet and tart apple adds balanced flavor.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely. Replace the yogurt and mayo with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt and vegan mayonnaise for a vegan-friendly salad.

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

This vibrant Carrot Apple Salad combines the crisp sweetness of apples with the refreshing crunch of matchstick carrots, accented by dried cranberries and juicy mandarin segments. Tossed with a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing, lightly sweetened and seasoned, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a refreshing, easy-to-make side dish ideal for any season.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 1 red delicious apple
• 1 granny smith apple
• 2 cups matchstick carrots (precut or fresh)
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Dressing & Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cut and Prepare Apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl.
2. Toss with Lemon Juice: Pour the lemon juice over the cut apples and toss well to coat thoroughly, which helps prevent browning.
3. Let Apples Soak: Set the bowl aside and allow the apples to soak in the lemon juice for about 5 minutes.
4. Prepare Main Salad Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, and dried sweetened cranberries.
5. Add Apples to Salad Bowl: After the apples have soaked, add them to the mixing bowl with carrots, onion, and cranberries.
6. Add Dressing Ingredients: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise to the salad bowl.
7. Season the Salad: Add sugar, salt, and black pepper to the ingredients in the bowl.
8. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together well to combine the flavors evenly.
9. Add Mandarin Segments: Add the drained canned mandarin segments to the bowl and gently fold them into the salad.
10. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
11. Serve: After chilling, serve the carrot apple salad cold and enjoy as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

• Use lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning and maintain a fresh look.
• You can substitute vanilla yogurt with plain yogurt mixed with a little vanilla extract if preferred.
• For a tangier taste, substitute half the mayo with sour cream.
• This salad is best served chilled and can be made a day ahead.
• Use fresh matchstick carrots or pre-shredded bags for convenience.

Keywords: carrot apple salad, fruit salad, healthy side dish, creamy salad, apple carrot recipe, yogurt dressing salad