Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe

Introduction

This Carrot Apple Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines crisp apples, sweet carrots, and tangy mandarins with a creamy dressing. It’s perfect as a light side or a healthy snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 red delicious apple
• 1 granny smith apple
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups matchstick carrots (precooked bags work well)
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 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 pepper
• 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut both apples into matchstick-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Step 2: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat, preventing browning.
3. Step 3: Let the apples sit for 5 minutes to soak up the lemon juice.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots.
5. Step 5: Add the diced onion and dried cranberries to the bowl with the carrots.
6. Step 6: After 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: Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper.
9. Step 9: Mix all the 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

• Try substituting Greek yogurt for the vanilla yogurt for a tangier dressing and added protein.
• You can swap dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots for different sweetness.
• Adding toasted walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch and boosts texture.
• For a dairy-free option, replace yogurt and mayo with a vegan alternative or avocado-based dressing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving if the ingredients have settled. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and fresh, and reheating is not recommended.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can substitute with any crisp apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Mixing tart and sweet varieties helps balance the flavors.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to blend nicely. However, avoid making it more than a day in advance to keep the apples from becoming too soft.

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarins Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 105 reviews

This refreshing Carrot Apple Salad combines crisp matchstick apples and carrots with sweet dried cranberries and juicy mandarin segments, all tossed in a creamy vanilla yogurt and mayo dressing. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that works wonderfully as a light snack, healthy side dish, or a delightful addition to your lunch or dinner spread.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits

• 1 red delicious apple
• 1 granny smith apple
• 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Vegetables

• 2 cups matchstick carrots
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced

Dressing & Others

• 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. Prepare Apples: Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick style pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Toss with Lemon Juice: Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces and toss well to coat all the apple slices. This prevents browning while imparting a fresh tang.
3. Let Apples Soak: Set the bowl aside and let the apples soak in the lemon juice for 5 minutes to maintain color and flavor.
4. Combine Carrots and Onions: Pour the matchstick carrots into a large mixing bowl, then add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries.
5. Add Apples to Mixture: After the apples have soaked, add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
6. Mix Dressing Ingredients: Add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper into the mixing bowl.
7. Stir Salad: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to combine the flavors and coat everything evenly with the dressing.
8. Add Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained canned mandarin segments into the salad so they remain intact.
9. Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir and serve as a fresh and flavorful side dish or snack.

Notes

• Using lemon juice on the apples helps prevent them from browning and keeps the salad looking fresh.
• For a tangier twist, consider swapping vanilla yogurt for plain Greek yogurt and adding a bit more lemon juice.
• You can substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits such as raisins or chopped apricots for variation.
• Feel free to prepare this salad a day in advance for extra flavor infusion and easy entertaining.
• This salad can be made vegan by substituting yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: carrot apple salad, creamy carrot salad, fruit and vegetable salad, healthy side dish, easy no-cook salad, autumn salad