Name: Sweet & Creamy Carrot Apple Salad (Your New Potluck Favorite!)
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 Red Delicious apple (For that classic sweet flavor and tender bite.); 1 Granny Smith apple (To bring in a lovely tart contrast that brightens everything up.); 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Keeps the apples from browning and adds a fresh zing to the dressing.); 2 cups matchstick carrots (You can buy them pre-cut for extra ease, or shred your own. The matchstick shape is perfect for texture.); 0.25 cup finely diced yellow onion; 0.33 cup dried sweetened cranberries (Chewy bursts of sweetness that pair wonderfully with the apple and carrot.); 0.5 cup vanilla yogurt; 0.25 cup mayonnaise (The classic binder that makes the dressing rich and creamy.); 1 tablespoon sugar (Just a touch to balance the tartness of the apple and lemon. Adjust to your sweetness preference!); 0.25 teaspoon salt (Enhances all the other flavors.); 0.25 teaspoon pepper (A little hint of warmth and spice.); 1 cup drained canned mandarin segments

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Introduction

Hey there, kitchen friend! Ever have those days when you need something bright, fresh, and just plain easy? Maybe you’re heading to a potluck, hosting a BBQ, or just craving something crunchy and a little sweet without a ton of fuss. This Carrot Apple Salad? It’s exactly that kind of recipe. It feels a little old-school in the best way possible – like something your grandma might have whipped up in minutes – but it’s got a modern twist that makes it absolutely irresistible. Forget complicated techniques or a sink full of dishes. We’re talking simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum deliciousness. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, you can have this mixed up and ready to chill in under 15 minutes. Perfect for last-minute plans!
Easy: If you can chop an apple and stir, you can make this salad. No cooking required!
Giftable: It travels beautifully and is always a welcome addition to any gathering, from casual picnics to holiday meals.
Crowd-pleasing: Kids and adults alike seem to adore the sweet, crunchy, creamy combination. It’s a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

Gather ’round, let’s look at what you’ll need. Simple, wholesome goodness!

1 Red Delicious apple: For that classic sweet flavor and tender bite.
1 Granny Smith apple: To bring in a lovely tart contrast that brightens everything up.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Your secret weapon! Keeps the apples from browning and adds a fresh zing to the dressing.
2 cups matchstick carrots: You can buy them pre-cut for extra ease, or shred your own. The matchstick shape is perfect for texture.
¼ cup finely diced yellow onion: Just a little bit adds a subtle savory depth without being overpowering. Make sure it’s finely diced!
⅓ cup dried sweetened cranberries: Chewy bursts of sweetness that pair wonderfully with the apple and carrot.
½ cup vanilla yogurt: This is where some of that creamy sweetness comes from. I love how vanilla yogurt adds a little extra flavor boost.
¼ cup mayonnaise: The classic binder that makes the dressing rich and creamy.
1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch to balance the tartness of the apple and lemon. Adjust to your sweetness preference!
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
¼ teaspoon pepper: A little hint of warmth and spice.
1 cup drained canned mandarin segments: These juicy little gems add a burst of bright, citrusy flavor and sweetness. Make sure they’re well-drained!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get this salad party started! It’s honestly so simple, you might blink and miss it.

First things first, let’s prep those apples. Give your Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples a good wash. You can peel them if you like, but I usually leave the peel on for extra color and nutrients – just make sure to core them. Dice them up into bite-sized pieces.
Pop those diced apples into a medium bowl. Now, pour the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice right over them. Give them a gentle toss to make sure all the apple pieces are coated. This is key to preventing browning and keeping them looking fresh!
Add the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the apples.
In a separate, smaller bowl, let’s whip up that dreamy dressing. Combine the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk it together until it’s smooth and well combined. Taste it! Does it need a tiny pinch more salt or sugar? Make it yours!
Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Gently stir everything together, making sure the dressing coats all the apples, carrots, cranberries, and onion.
Finally, carefully fold in the drained mandarin segments. You want to be gentle here so they don’t break apart too much.
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. This salad is best served chilled, and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I think an hour or two is perfect!
Give it one final stir before serving. Scoop into a lovely serving bowl and get ready for the compliments!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is super forgiving and easy to customize! Don’t be afraid to play around.

Yogurt Swap: Not a fan of vanilla yogurt? Plain Greek yogurt works great too, though it will be tangier. You might want to add a little extra sugar if you go this route. Regular plain yogurt is fine too.
Mayo-Free? If you prefer a lighter or mayo-free dressing, you could increase the yogurt and perhaps add a splash of milk or orange juice to thin it slightly. The texture will be different, but still tasty!
Dried Fruit Fan? Instead of cranberries, try raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even chopped dates.
Nutty Crunch: For extra texture and flavor, stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans right before serving.
Veggie Boost: A little finely diced celery or a handful of chopped bell pepper could add extra crunch and color.
Spice It Up (Mildly): A tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dressing can add a warm, cozy note, especially in the fall.

Tips for Success

Just a few friendly pointers to make sure your salad turns out perfect every time!

Finely Dice the Onion: This is important! Large chunks of raw onion can be overwhelming. Aim for tiny pieces that blend into the background flavor.
Drain Those Mandarins Well: Excess liquid from the canned fruit can make your salad watery. Give them a good drain in a colander.
Chill Time is Your Friend: While you can eat it right away, letting it chill for at least 30 minutes (or longer!) really lets the flavors meld and the salad components firm up slightly.
Use Fresh Apples & Carrots: The crunch is key here! Make sure your ingredients are fresh for the best texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before you mix everything. Prefer it a little sweeter? Add another half tablespoon of sugar. Less sweet? Leave the sugar out or reduce it.

How to Store It

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This salad is usually best within 2-3 days. The texture of the apples and carrots will soften slightly over time, but it will still be delicious. The lemon juice helps keep the color nice!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use pre-shredded carrots? Absolutely! That’s what I often do for speed. Just make sure they are fresh.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make it a few hours in advance. For the best texture, I wouldn’t make it more than a day ahead, as the apples and carrots will start to soften.
What kind of apples work best? A mix of sweet (like Red Delicious, Fuji, Gala) and tart (Granny Smith) gives the best balance of flavor.
Can I skip the onion? If you really dislike onion, you can leave it out, but it does add a nice little savory layer that balances the sweetness.

And there you have it! A simple, delicious, and totally crowd-pleasing Carrot Apple Salad. I hope you try it and love it as much as my family does. Happy cooking (or in this case, mixing)!

Sweet & Creamy Carrot Apple Salad (Your New Potluck Favorite!)

This easy and delicious salad is a perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and creamy, ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or a simple side. Ready in under 15 minutes with no cooking required, it's a crowd-pleaser made with simple ingredients like apples, carrots, cranberries, mandarins, and a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Equipment

Medium bowl
Smaller bowl
Whisk
Colander for draining mandarins

Ingredients

Hauptzutaten

1 Red Delicious apple For that classic sweet flavor and tender bite.
1 Granny Smith apple To bring in a lovely tart contrast that brightens everything up.
2 tablespoons lemon juice Keeps the apples from browning and adds a fresh zing to the dressing.
2 cups matchstick carrots You can buy them pre-cut for extra ease, or shred your own. The matchstick shape is perfect for texture.
0.25 cup finely diced yellow onion Just a little bit adds a subtle savory depth without being overpowering. Make sure it's finely diced!
0.33 cup dried sweetened cranberries Chewy bursts of sweetness that pair wonderfully with the apple and carrot.
0.5 cup vanilla yogurt This is where some of that creamy sweetness comes from. I love how vanilla yogurt adds a little extra flavor boost.
0.25 cup mayonnaise The classic binder that makes the dressing rich and creamy.
1 tablespoon sugar Just a touch to balance the tartness of the apple and lemon. Adjust to your sweetness preference!
0.25 teaspoon salt Enhances all the other flavors.
0.25 teaspoon pepper A little hint of warmth and spice.
1 cup drained canned mandarin segments These juicy little gems add a burst of bright, citrusy flavor and sweetness. Make sure they're well-drained!

Instructions

First things first, let's prep those apples. Give your Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples a good wash. You can peel them if you like, but I usually leave the peel on for extra color and nutrients – just make sure to core them. Dice them up into bite-sized pieces.
Pop those diced apples into a medium bowl. Now, pour the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice right over them. Give them a gentle toss to make sure all the apple pieces are coated. This is key to preventing browning and keeping them looking fresh!
Add the matchstick carrots, finely diced yellow onion, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the apples.
In a separate, smaller bowl, let's whip up that dreamy dressing. Combine the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk it together until it's smooth and well combined. Taste it! Does it need a tiny pinch more salt or sugar? Make it yours!
Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Gently stir everything together, making sure the dressing coats all the apples, carrots, cranberries, and onion.
Finally, carefully fold in the drained mandarin segments. You want to be gentle here so they don't break apart too much.
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. This salad is best served chilled, and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I think an hour or two is perfect!
Give it one final stir before serving. Scoop into a lovely serving bowl and get ready for the compliments!

Notes

Finely dice the onion for best flavor. Ensure mandarin segments are well-drained to prevent a watery salad. Chilling for at least 30 minutes (ideally 1-2 hours) allows flavors to meld. Use fresh apples and carrots for optimal crunch. Adjust sugar to your sweetness preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Texture may soften over time. Pre-shredded carrots can be used. Can be made a few hours ahead, but best texture within a day. A mix of sweet and tart apples is recommended. Onion can be omitted, but adds balance.