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Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing in a white bowl

Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing: Your New Favorite Refreshing Side

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  • Author: Brenda
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad combines sweet apples, crisp carrots, and crunchy nuts, all drizzled with a creamy citrus dressing that elevates every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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. Start by preparing the vegetables and fruits. Peel and grate the carrots into a large mixing bowl.

2. Core the apples and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Immediately add them to the bowl with the grated carrots to prevent browning.

3. Shred the red cabbage finely and add it to the bowl, along with the raisins or dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, and fresh parsley.

4. In a separate small bowl, prepare the creamy citrus dressing. Combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.

6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if needed.

7. If time allows, let the salad sit for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional chopped nuts or parsley on top if desired.


Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance; just add the nuts before serving for maximum crunch.

Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like celery, bell peppers, or substitute with different nuts or dried fruits.

The dressing is versatile and can be used as a dip or spread for other salads or sandwiches.

For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg