Description
This vibrant Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Crisp apples, fresh carrots, and a zesty creamy citrus dressing come together for a refreshing and healthy dish. A perfect side or light lunch!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium apples (preferably tart, like Granny Smith), julienned
- 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
For the Creamy Citrus Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the julienned apples, carrots, red onion, and chopped cilantro (or parsley). Toss to mix. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Toss and Serve:
Pour the creamy citrus dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well-coated. Top with sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for added crunch, if desired. - Serve Immediately:
Serve the salad immediately for the best crunch, or refrigerate the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: If making in advance, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad right before serving to keep the apples and carrots crunchy.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts and seeds for a nut-free version.
- Apple Variety: Choose a tart apple for the best balance with the sweet citrus dressing, but feel free to use your favorite apple variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5mg