Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and freshness. The red and green apples provide a juicy sweetness, while the matchstick carrots offer a satisfying crunch. The creamy citrus dressing adds a rich, tangy flavor that ties everything together. It’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients that are perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side dish. Plus, the natural sweetness of the apples and carrots means it’s a kid-friendly option too!

Ingredients

  • 1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces
  • 1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cups matchstick carrots
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Apples and Carrots:
    In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick pieces of both the red and green apples. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning and toss gently.
  2. Add the Carrots and Onion:
    Add the matchstick carrots and finely diced yellow onion to the apples. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  3. Make the Creamy Citrus Dressing:
    In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the lemon and orange juice quantities to taste, depending on how tangy you want the dressing.
  4. Combine the Salad with Dressing:
    Pour the creamy citrus dressing over the apple, carrot, and onion mixture. Toss everything together gently until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill and Serve:
    For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing, crunchy salad!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional)
  • Total Time: ~40 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the salad will still taste good after being refrigerated, the apples and carrots may lose some of their crunch over time.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes, if you prefer, you can make a different dressing, such as a honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette, or even a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.

2. Can I add nuts to this salad?

Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds will give the salad an extra crunch and depth of flavor.

3. Can I use pre-cut apples and carrots?

Yes, you can use pre-cut matchstick apples and carrots to save time. Just be sure to drizzle the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.

4. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

To keep the salad crisp, toss the dressing right before serving. If you’re making it ahead of time, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving.

5. Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Yes, you can swap the apples for pears, or even try a combination of fruits like orange segments or grapes for a different flavor profile.

6. Can I make the salad in advance?

Yes, this salad can be made in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

7. How can I make this salad vegan?

To make the salad vegan, simply replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan mayo, and ensure the dressing ingredients are plant-based.

8. Can I use red onion instead of yellow onion?

Yes, you can use red onion, but keep in mind that red onions have a stronger flavor. You may want to use a smaller amount to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

9. How do I keep the apples from browning?

Drizzling the apples with lemon juice, as indicated in the recipe, helps prevent browning. You can also use a bit of lime juice if preferred.

10. Can I make this salad spicy?

For a spicy twist, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing, or mix in a few slices of jalapeño for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

This Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a deliciously refreshing dish that combines sweet, crunchy, and creamy elements into one vibrant salad. The apples provide natural sweetness, the carrots add texture, and the citrus dressing ties everything together with a burst of flavor. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or even a snack, this salad is a healthy and satisfying addition to any meal.

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Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad

Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad


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  • Author: Julia
  • Total Time: ~40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a refreshing, vibrant dish that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of apples, the crispness of carrots, and the tangy richness of a citrusy dressing. Ideal for a healthy side dish, snack, or light meal, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a delightful addition to any occasion!


Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces

1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 cups matchstick carrots

1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced

For the Creamy Citrus Dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pinch of salt


Instructions

  • Prepare the Apples and Carrots:

    • In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick pieces of both red and green apples. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning and toss gently.

  • Add the Carrots and Onion:

    • Add the matchstick carrots and finely diced yellow onion to the apples. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

  • Make the Creamy Citrus Dressing:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, orange juice, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the lemon and orange juice quantities to taste, depending on how tangy you want the dressing.

  • Combine the Salad with Dressing:

    • Pour the creamy citrus dressing over the apple, carrot, and onion mixture. Toss gently to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.

  • Chill and Serve:

    • For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Tip: To keep the salad fresh and crunchy, only add the dressing just before serving.

Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the apples and carrots may lose some crunch over time.

Substitutions: You can swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative to make the dressing lighter or vegan-friendly.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish, Snack
  • Method: Mixing, Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

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