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This crunchy sweet Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad is the kind of dish I love to make when I want something refreshing yet satisfying—perfect for picnics family cookouts or a colorful lunch anytime. The crisp apples and carrots mingle with juicy mandarins and tangy cranberries all brought together by a creamy yogurt dressing that is light but flavorful.
This was my go-to salad during a busy back-to-school week and my youngest insisted on having it in her lunchbox three days in a row. Every time I take this to a potluck neighbors ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Red apple: Matchstick cut for crisp texture and sweetness Choose firm apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for best crunch
- Green apple: Adds tart contrast to the salad Granny Smith holds up well and brings bright flavor
- Lemon juice: Prevents browning in apples and adds a touch of tang Use freshly squeezed for best taste
- Matchstick carrots: Bright color and soft crunch Pre-shredded bags save time but I sometimes buy whole carrots for extra sweetness
- Yellow onion: Very finely diced for a hint of bite Look for firm onions with dry skin for best flavor
- Dried cranberries: Sweet pops of chewy fruit Check they are soft and not overly dry
- Vanilla yogurt: Creamy and slightly sweet acts as the backbone for the dressing Full fat brings silkier texture
- Mayonnaise: Provides richness and helps bind the dressing together Choose a mayo without added flavors for clean taste
- Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the fruits Adjust to taste based on apple variety
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness Use fine sea salt for even seasoning
- Black pepper: Gives a slight warmth and depth Use freshly ground for best aroma
- Mandarin segments: Juicy bits that lighten up every bite Choose canned mandarins packed in juice for freshest flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apples:
- Cut both the red and green apples into thin matchstick pieces and immediately toss with lemon juice in a bowl mixing well to coat each piece evenly Let the apples sit for about five minutes so they soak up the lemon and stay crisp and white
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- Add matchstick carrots finely diced yellow onion and dried cranberries to a large mixing bowl This lets the flavors start mingling which balances the sweet and savory elements
- Add Apples to Mix:
- Transfer the lemon-soaked apple matchsticks into the mixing bowl with the carrots onions and cranberries Make sure any extra lemon juice gets in too for extra brightness
- Prepare Dressing:
- Spoon in the vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise then add the sugar salt and black pepper Stir the mixture slowly and thoroughly making sure every piece is coated in the creamy dressing
- Fold in Mandarins:
- Gently add the drained mandarin segments Fold carefully so the pieces stay mostly intact and do not release too much extra juice into the salad
- Chill and Marinate:
- Cover the bowl tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least three hours This chilling step is key because it lets all the flavors meld together and gives the salad a refreshing texture
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This salad always reminds me of my grandma’s big family reunions She would swap in whatever fruits were in season and serve this in a big wooden bowl that all the cousins gathered around I love the tart punch the green apple brings and the burst of sweetness from the cranberries is my secret favorite part
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days If making ahead wait to add mandarin segments until right before serving to keep them firm You might notice a little liquid separation after a day or two just stir to re-combine before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
No vanilla yogurt Try plain yogurt and add a splash of maple syrup or honey Swap out dried cherries for cranberries or chopped grapes Everyone loves it with a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled in
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad in lettuce cups for a light lunch Plate it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for an instant meal I also spoon it into mason jars for grab-and-go snacks at work or school
Cultural and Historical Context
Fresh salads with fruit and creamy dressings have roots in American cuisine especially in retro community cookbooks This version is a playful riff on Waldorf salad swapping in carrots and cranberries for a modern juicy twist
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This vibrant refreshing salad will quickly become a favorite at every table you bring it to—simple to make and absolutely delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does this apple carrot salad stay fresh?
This salad will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning too quickly.
- → Can I substitute the vanilla yogurt with plain yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute plain yogurt and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to achieve a similar flavor profile. You might want to increase the sugar slightly to compensate for the missing sweetness.
- → Are there any good alternatives to mandarin segments?
Fresh orange segments, pineapple chunks, or even sliced grapes make excellent alternatives to mandarin segments. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the salad while maintaining the fruity element.
- → How can I make this salad dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, replace the vanilla yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative like coconut or almond milk yogurt. You can also use vegan mayonnaise to make the salad completely dairy-free.
- → What can I serve this apple cranberry carrot salad with?
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or as part of a sandwich spread. It's also perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues as a refreshing side dish.
- → Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad actually benefits from being made in advance! Preparing it 3-24 hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.