Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for any season. Packed with crisp apples, shredded carrots, and a tangy, creamy dressing, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
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
- Step 1: Peel and grate the carrots into a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Core the apples and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Add immediately to the bowl with the grated carrots to prevent browning.
- Step 3: Finely shred the red cabbage and add it to the bowl along with the raisins or dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, and fresh parsley.
- Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey as needed.
- Step 7: If possible, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 8: Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra chopped nuts or parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or toasted almonds for extra crunch.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing for a warm spice note.
- For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may brown slightly over time, but the flavor will remain fresh. Toss gently before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature. The salad is best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day before serving. For best texture, dress the salad just before serving or shortly before and refrigerate.
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and honey pairs well if you prefer a lighter option.
PrintCrunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing Recipe
This Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish combining grated carrots, diced apples, shredded red cabbage, raisins, and nuts. Tossed in a tangy yet creamy dressing made of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh orange and lemon juice, and honey, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures. It’s an ideal healthy side or light meal that can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 15 minutes chilling time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad 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
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
- Prepare Vegetables and Fruits: Peel and grate the carrots into a large mixing bowl to create the base of your salad.
- Dice Apples: Core the apples and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Add them immediately to the bowl with the grated carrots to prevent browning and keep the salad fresh-looking.
- 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 fresh chopped parsley. This combination provides varied textures and flavors.
- Prepare 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 the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the creamy citrus dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or honey if necessary to balance the flavors according to your preference.
- Chill and Meld Flavors: For best results, cover the salad and refrigerate it for about 15 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Optionally garnish with additional chopped nuts or parsley on top to enhance presentation and texture.
Notes
- To prevent the apples from browning further, toss them quickly with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad if desired.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with an equal amount of extra Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans and substitute with sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
- This salad is best eaten within 24 hours of preparation to enjoy maximum freshness.
- Optional: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing for a subtle warm spice flavor.
Keywords: apple carrot salad, creamy citrus dressing, healthy salad, crunchy salad, no-cook salad, vegetarian salad, easy side dish
