Description
This Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that combines the natural sweetness of apples and carrots with a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick, no-cook meal or an easy addition to any picnic or lunch, it’s packed with texture and bright flavors, making healthy eating both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 large carrots (peeled and shredded)
- 2 medium apples (julienned or grated)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Creamy Citrus Dressing
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or more yogurt for lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots, julienned or grated apples, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss the mixture to evenly distribute all components.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey or maple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy citrus dressing over the carrot and apple mixture. Toss thoroughly until every ingredient is well coated with the dressing for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Chill and Marinate: Place the dressed salad in the refrigerator and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become even more refreshing.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley if desired, adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note to the dish.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a refreshing contrast or sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- This salad holds up well for several hours, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or outdoor picnics.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy-free yogurt for Greek yogurt and omit mayonnaise or use a vegan alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
