This Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is the perfect vibrant and refreshing side dish. With the crispness of apples, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the tangy citrus dressing, this salad is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a light lunch, it’s sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is not only bursting with fresh, crunchy flavors but also packed with nutrients. The mix of apples, carrots, and mandarin segments gives it a natural sweetness, while the creamy citrus dressing adds a tangy, smooth finish. It’s quick to make, easy to prepare ahead of time, and the perfect side dish to complement any meal. Plus, it’s light, healthy, and full of wholesome ingredients!

Ingredients

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
½ cup vanilla yogurt
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Apples: Slice both the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour the lemon juice over the apples. Toss well to coat, and let them sit for about 5 minutes to prevent browning.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries.
Add the Apples: After the apples have soaked in the lemon juice, add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Finish with Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments, being careful not to break them up too much.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 3 hours (to chill)

Variations

Nuts: Add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
Swap the Dressing: Use Greek yogurt instead of vanilla yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed dressing.
Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a savory element to balance the sweetness.
Make it Vegan: Substitute the mayonnaise and yogurt with plant-based versions like vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best served chilled.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this salad—just enjoy it straight from the fridge!

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! You can swap the apples with pears, grapes, or even peaches for a different flavor.

2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries might be too tart, but you can try using them if you sweeten them up a bit with sugar or maple syrup.

3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare it a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes, you can experiment with a vinaigrette or a creamy ranch dressing if you prefer. The citrus dressing, however, adds a light and fresh element to this salad.

5. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little heat.

6. Can I add more veggies to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, cucumber, or spinach for more texture and flavor.

7. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

8. Can I substitute the mayonnaise for something else?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt to make it healthier and lighter.

9. Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples work best for this salad, but you can use canned apples if you prefer, just make sure to drain and rinse them well.

10. Is this salad suitable for kids?

Yes, this salad is kid-friendly, and the sweetness from the apples and cranberries makes it appealing to younger taste buds.

Conclusion

This Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a delightful combination of sweetness, crunch, and refreshing citrus flavor. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a light lunch, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Quick to make, healthy, and bursting with flavor, this salad will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection! Enjoy the vibrant colors and the deliciously tangy dressing!

Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

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Print Recipe

Enjoy a refreshing and vibrant side dish with this Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing! Packed with fresh apples, sweet dried cranberries, and crisp carrots, this salad is perfectly complemented by a tangy, creamy citrus dressing. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a healthy addition to any meal—ideal for gatherings, light lunches, or as a crisp side dish!

Total Time: 3 hours (to chill)
Yield: 6 servings

Instructions

- Prepare the Apples: Slice the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour the lemon juice over the apples. Toss to coat and let sit for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries.
- Add the Apples: After the apples have soaked in the lemon juice, add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Finish with Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Swap the Dressing: Use Greek yogurt instead of vanilla yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version.
- Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a savory element to balance the sweetness.
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based mayo and dairy-free yogurt for a vegan-friendly salad.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish, Healthy Meals
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian