Description
A vibrant and refreshing salad that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. The crisp apples and crunchy carrots create a delightful texture, while the creamy dressing brings everything together for a nutritious and satisfying dish.
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
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries, sweetened
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Slice both the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a bowl, pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces, and toss well to coat. Let the apples sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the lemon juice, which prevents browning and adds a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, diced yellow onion, and dried cranberries. The carrots provide crunch, while the onion adds a subtle savory note and the cranberries contribute bursts of sweetness throughout the salad.
- Add the Apples: After the apples have soaked in lemon juice, transfer them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Be sure to include any remaining lemon juice from the bowl as it will enhance the dressing flavor.
- Make the Dressing: Add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the creamy dressing. The yogurt and mayonnaise create a perfect balance of creaminess and tang.
- Finish with Mandarins: Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments to avoid breaking them up too much. The mandarins add a juicy sweetness and vibrant color to complete the salad.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to let the flavors meld. This resting time allows the dressing to penetrate the ingredients and the flavors to harmonize.
Notes
- For best results, use crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. You can substitute Greek yogurt for vanilla yogurt for a tangier flavor and higher protein content. This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg