Description
Moroccan carrot apple salad blends crisp apples and spiced carrots in a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish. Tangy citrus dressing and fresh herbs make you crave this refreshing side that complements grilled meats perfectly.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits & Vegetables:
- 2 cups matchstick carrots (precut bags available at grocery stores)
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 granny smith apple
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
Dressing & Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mix-ins:
- 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
Instructions
- Transform apples into delicate matchstick strips, submerging them in lemon juice to prevent discoloration. Allow the apple pieces to marinate for 5 minutes, creating a crisp and vibrant base.
- Combine shredded carrots with finely chopped onion and sweet dried cranberries in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a colorful foundation for the salad.
- Introduce the lemon-kissed apple strips into the carrot mixture, integrating them seamlessly with the existing ingredients.
- Incorporate vanilla yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute the creamy dressing evenly throughout the salad.
- Gently fold mandarin orange segments into the mixture, ensuring delicate distribution without crushing the tender fruit pieces.
- Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for a minimum of three hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Chill thoroughly before serving to enhance the salad’s refreshing qualities.
Notes
- Prevent Browning: Toss apple pieces with lemon juice to keep them fresh and crisp, stopping oxidation quickly.
- Yogurt Swap: Replace vanilla yogurt with Greek yogurt for extra protein and tangier flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare salad one day in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify deliciously.
- Dietary Flexibility: Substitute mayo with vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for lighter, healthier version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg