Description
The Carrot Apple Delight is a vibrant and invigorating salad that artfully combines the natural sweetness of apples and cranberries with the crisp texture of carrots. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of fresh flavors that can elevate any meal or occasion. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy yet satisfying eating option.
Ingredients
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 granny smith apple
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick style pieces. Place these pieces in a bowl, and pour two tablespoons of lemon juice over them. Toss well to coat all the apple pieces and set aside for 5 minutes to allow the lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour the matchstick carrots. Add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries.
Step 3: Incorporate Apples and Dressing
After the apples have sat in lemon juice, add them to the large mixing bowl with the carrots, onion, and cranberries. Follow with vanilla yogurt and mayo. Then sprinkle the sugar, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
Step 4: Add Mandarins and Mix
Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments into the salad to keep them intact. Stir all the ingredients together until well mixed.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least three hours. This allows the flavors to meld together creating a more harmonious taste.
Servings & Preparation Time
The Carrot Apple Delight recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional chilling time of three hours.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container. It is best consumed within 2-3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. If left out at room temperature for over 2 hours, it is recommended to discard to avoid any food-borne illnesses.
Conclusion
The Carrot Apple Delight is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can be transformed into a delightful dish that is both nutritious and flavorful. It blends crunchiness, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness, making it a versatile salad that can complement a wide range of meals. Whether it is a special celebration or a simple family dinner, this salad promises to be a refreshing addition to your dining table.
PrintCarrot Apple Delight
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
The Carrot Apple Delight is a vibrant and invigorating salad that artfully combines the natural sweetness of apples and cranberries with the crisp texture of carrots. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of fresh flavors that can elevate any meal or occasion. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy yet satisfying eating option.
Ingredients
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 granny smith apple
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Apples Cut both the red delicious and granny smith apples into matchstick style pieces. Place these pieces in a bowl, and pour two tablespoons of lemon juice over them. Toss well to coat all the apple pieces and set aside for 5 minutes to allow the lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, pour the matchstick carrots. Add the finely diced yellow onion and dried sweetened cranberries.
- Step 3: Incorporate Apples and Dressing After the apples have sat in lemon juice, add them to the large mixing bowl with the carrots, onion, and cranberries. Follow with vanilla yogurt and mayo. Then sprinkle the sugar, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Step 4: Add Mandarins and Mix Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments into the salad to keep them intact. Stir all the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Step 5: Chill and Serve Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least three hours. This allows the flavors to meld together creating a more harmonious taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes