This vibrant salad combines crisp apples, sweet cranberries, crunchy carrots, and juicy mandarins, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this sala-d brings together a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy elements. The crisp apples and carrots provide a satisfying crunch, while the dried cranberries add a chewy sweetness. The mandarins offer a juicy burst of citrus, and the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. It’s quick to prepare, visually appealing, and versatile enough to serve as a side dish, snack, or even a light dessert.

Ingredients

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 sweetened cranberries
½ cup vanilla yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Slice the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place them in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the tangy citrus flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, and dried cranberries.
Add the lemon-soaked apples to the bowl and gently toss to combine with the other ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Carefully fold in the drained mandarin segments, being gentle to avoid breaking them up too much.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: At least 3 hours
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make the salad suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Spices: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dressing for a warm, spiced flavor.
Fresh Mandarins: If available, use fresh mandarins instead of canned for a more vibrant taste.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept for a short period.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

How can I prevent the apples from browning?

Tossing the sliced apples with lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a touch of tanginess to the salad.

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! A combination of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, adds depth of flavor and texture to the salad.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, substitute the yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, preparing the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light standalone meal. It’s also a great addition to holiday spreads.

Conclusion

I find this Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad to be a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s quick to prepare, visually appealing, and versatile enough to suit various occasions. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or light dessert, it’s sure to be a hit. I encourage you to try it and enjoy the refreshing taste it brings to your table.