Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant side dish perfect for any meal. Packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and a zesty creamy dressing, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures.

Ingredients

• 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and grate the carrots into a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: Core the apples and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Add them immediately to the bowl with the grated carrots to prevent browning.
3. Step 3: Finely shred the red cabbage and add it to the bowl along with raisins or dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, and fresh parsley.
4. Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey as needed.
7. Step 7: If possible, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
8. Step 8: Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra chopped nuts or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.
• Swap the mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Use dried cranberries instead of raisins for a tart twist.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing for a warm spice note.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the salad to soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If the salad becomes soggy, give it a good toss before serving. Reheat is not recommended; serve cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, any crisp apple variety like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady works well. Just choose ones that are firm to retain crunch.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

This recipe contains Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, so it is not vegan as written. To make it vegan, substitute with plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo.

Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 146 reviews

A refreshing and crunchy salad combining grated carrots, crisp apples, and shredded red cabbage, tossed with a creamy citrus dressing made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and fresh citrus juices. Enhanced with nuts and dried fruit for added texture and flavor, this salad is perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Creamy Citrus Dressing

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits: Peel and grate the carrots directly into a large mixing bowl to save time and keep everything tidy.
2. Dice the Apples: Core and chop the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Add them immediately to the bowl with the carrots to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
3. Add Remaining Salad Ingredients: Finely shred the red cabbage and add it to the bowl along with the raisins or dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, and freshly chopped parsley to build layers of flavors and textures.
4. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
5. Toss the Salad: Pour the creamy citrus dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring every bite is coated evenly with the dressing.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or honey if needed to balance the flavors to your liking.
7. Chill and Meld Flavors: If you have time, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and enhance the overall taste.
8. Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional chopped nuts or parsley if desired for extra crunch and presentation.

Notes

• Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
• Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans according to preference.
• If you want a vegan version, replace the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
• The salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
• Adjust the amount of honey depending on the sweetness of your apples and personal taste.

Keywords: apple carrot salad, creamy citrus dressing, healthy salad, crunchy salad, vegetarian salad, side dish