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Tangy Apple Cranberry Salad with fresh apples and cranberries

Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad

A bright and vibrant salad featuring crisp apples, sweet cranberries, and creamy yogurt dressing, perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces Choose a firm, sweet variety like Fuji or Gala.
  • 1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces Granny Smith is ideal for tartness, or substitute with Pink Lady.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Prevents browning of the apples.
  • 2 cups matchstick carrots
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced Soak in water for 5 minutes to mellow the flavor if needed.
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries, sweetened
  • ½ cup vanilla yogurt For a tangier result, use plain yogurt with an extra half teaspoon sugar.
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Adjust if mandarins are particularly sweet.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained Fresh mandarins can be substituted.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice both the red and green apples into matchstick pieces. Place in a bowl, pour the lemon juice over, and toss well. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the matchstick carrots, diced onion, and dried cranberries. Toss these dry components first.
  3. Add the soaked apples to the mixing bowl with other ingredients, draining any excess lemon juice.
  4. Add the vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
  5. Gently fold in the drained mandarin segments.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute vanilla yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based versions. This salad is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, serving as a colorful, vibrant side dish.