If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing side dish, this Carrot Apple Salad delivers all that and more. It’s a delightful mix of crisp apples, crunchy carrots, juicy mandarin segments, sweet cranberries, and a creamy vanilla yogurt dressing that ties it all together.
Whether you’re prepping a healthy addition for a summer BBQ or a festive winter potluck, this salad’s flavors shine no matter the season. It’s simple to make, easy to scale, and always a hit with both kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Apple Salad
- Vibrant & colorful: An eye-catching dish for any table
- Sweet and tangy: Apples, mandarins, and cranberries make each bite burst with flavor
- Creamy but light: The vanilla yogurt-mayo combo is rich without being heavy
- Prep-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge
- Great for gatherings: Serves 8 and scales easily for more
Ingredients
Serves 8
- 1 red delicious apple, cut into matchsticks
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cut into matchsticks
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (prevents browning)
- 2 cups matchstick carrots (store-bought or julienned by hand)
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
How to Make Carrot Apple Salad
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Cut both apples into matchsticks and place in a bowl. Pour lemon juice over the apples and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries.
Step 3: Add Apples and Dressing
Add the soaked apple matchsticks to the large bowl. Then add vanilla yogurt, mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 4: Finish with Mandarins
Gently fold in the mandarin segments. Be careful not to break them apart too much.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the flavors meld. Stir before serving and enjoy cold.
Tips for Success
- Use crisp apples: Red Delicious and Granny Smith give a sweet-tart contrast
- Adjust sweetness: Add a touch more sugar if your apples are especially tart
- Go dairy-free: Use a plant-based yogurt and mayo to make it vegan
- Add crunch: Sprinkle with chopped nuts or sunflower seeds before serving
- Flavor variations: Try adding raisins, pineapple chunks, or a dash of cinnamon
Serving Ideas
- As a side at BBQs, holiday dinners, or brunches
- On a bed of greens for a heartier salad
- Alongside roasted chicken or grilled sausages
- As a light lunch paired with whole-grain bread
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Stir before serving to re-emulsify the dressing
- Not freezer-friendly due to the yogurt and apple texture
A Salad for All Seasons
This Carrot Apple Salad is proof that simple ingredients can come together in the most delicious way. With its bright colors, sweet-tart flavor, and creamy texture, it’s a winning salad that works just as well in summer heat as it does on a holiday table.
Whether you’re looking to lighten up your meal or impress your guests with a unique side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Carrot Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 1 red delicious apple cut into matchsticks
- 1 Granny Smith apple cut into matchsticks
- 2 tbsp lemon juice prevents browning
- 2 cups matchstick carrots store-bought or julienned by hand
- ¼ cup yellow onion finely diced
- ⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments drained
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Cut both apples into matchsticks and place in a bowl. Pour lemon juice over the apples and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries.
Step 3: Add Apples and Dressing
- Add the soaked apple matchsticks to the large bowl. Then add vanilla yogurt, mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 4: Finish with Mandarins
- Gently fold in the mandarin segments. Be careful not to break them apart too much.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the flavors meld. Stir before serving and enjoy cold.
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