Description
A refreshing and crunchy salad combining the sweetness of apples and mandarin oranges with the earthiness of carrots, all tossed in a creamy citrus dressing made from vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Dried Fruit
- ½ cup dried cranberries, sweetened
Dressing
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
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, finely diced yellow onion, and sweetened dried cranberries.
- Add the Apples: After the apples have soaked in the lemon juice, add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients and mix gently.
- 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 the drained mandarin segments into the salad to incorporate them without bruising.
- Chill: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to fully coat the ingredients before serving.
Notes
- To keep the apples from browning longer, you can soak them in cold water with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be prepared a day in advance.
- For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and protein.
