Description
This bright, refreshing salad brings together the natural sweetness of apples and carrots with the tangy zip of a creamy citrus dressing. A pop of dried cranberries and juicy mandarin segments makes every bite a delicious balance of textures and flavors. Perfect as a side for picnics, potlucks, or a light, feel-good lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ¼ 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples:
Slice the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Toss them with lemon juice in a bowl to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Let sit for 5 minutes. - Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries. - Add the Apples:
Once the apples are coated and rested, add them to the bowl with the carrot mixture. - Make the Dressing:
Stir in the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. - Finish with Mandarins:
Gently fold in the mandarin segments, being careful not to break them apart too much. - Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to allow all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the yogurt and mayo with plant-based alternatives.
- This salad holds up well in the fridge for 1–2 days—perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Try adding chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and protein.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Tossed
- Cuisine: American, Fresh
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: crunchy salad, apple carrot salad, creamy citrus dressing, potluck salad, summer salad