Description
A refreshing and crunchy Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad combining sweet apples, shredded carrots, tangy dried cranberries, and a creamy honey-lemon yogurt dressing. Perfect as a light snack or a side dish, this salad offers a balance of fresh flavors and a hint of warmth from cinnamon.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 large apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine the main ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the sliced apples, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts if you are using them. This forms the base of the salad with fresh and crunchy textures.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon if desired, and a pinch of salt until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This dressing adds creaminess and sweetness with a citrusy tang.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the apple, carrot, and cranberry mixture. Gently toss the ingredients together ensuring all pieces are evenly coated with the dressing for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Enjoy this vibrant and nutritious salad as a snack or a side dish!
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make the salad vegan-friendly (though the recipe contains Greek yogurt).
- Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans provides an extra crunch and healthy fats, but they can be omitted for nut allergies.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients, especially dried cranberries, are certified gluten-free.
- The cinnamon in the dressing is optional but adds a warm flavor complementing the apples and carrots.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or mint before serving.
