Can I use pre-shredded carrots for this recipe?

Absolutely! Pre-shredded carrots are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure they're fresh and not dried out. If your pre-shredded carrots seem a bit dry, soak them in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using.

How can I make this salad dairy-free?

You can easily make this dairy-free by substituting the vanilla yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond milk yogurt. For the mayo, several brands offer vegan versions that work beautifully. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

Will the apples brown if I make this ahead of time?

The lemon juice in the recipe acts as a natural preservative that prevents browning. As long as you thoroughly coat the apple pieces as directed, they will maintain their color nicely, even when made a day ahead.

Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?

Definitely! This salad becomes a fantastic complete meal with the addition of protein. Try adding diced cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. About 1½ cups of protein will work well with the proportions in this recipe.

Carrot Apple Salad Recipe

Description

A refreshing and delicious Carrot Apple Salad made with fresh apples, tangy yogurt, sweet cranberries, and juicy mandarin segments. Perfect for a healthy snack or a light side dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Fruits

- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 granny smith apple
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

Vegetables

- 2 cups matchstick carrots (you can usually buy pre-cut bags at the grocery store)
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced

Other Ingredients

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

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Instructions

Prepare the apples: Cut both apples matchstick style and place the pieces in a bowl. Pour the lemon juice over the apple pieces in the bowl and toss well to coat all of the apples. Let the apples soak up the lemon juice for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
Mix the vegetables: Pour the matchstick carrots into a large mixing bowl. Add the diced onion and sweetened dried cranberries to the bowl.
Combine the apples: Once the apples have sat for at least 5 minutes, add them to the mixing bowl with the carrots and onions.
Add yogurt and mayo: Add the vanilla yogurt and mayo to the bowl, ensuring they coat all the ingredients evenly.
Season the salad: Add the sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir all of the ingredients together well to achieve a uniform mix.
Add mandarins: Gently stir the mandarin segments into the salad, ensuring they remain intact.
Refrigerate and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least three hours. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance for an enhanced flavor as the ingredients meld together.
If you prefer a lighter salad, you can substitute the mayo with additional yogurt.
For extra crunch, you could add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Ensure the mandarin segments are well-drained to avoid excess liquid in the salad.