Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing
A refreshing and healthy Crunchy Apple & Carrot Salad with a creamy, tangy citrus dressing. This vibrant salad combines crisp apples and sweet carrots with a luscious dressing, topped with crunchy nuts and fresh herbs for a delightful texture and bright flavor. Perfect as a light meal, picnic side, or vibrant accompaniment for main dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced or cubed
- 2 large carrots, peeled and finely grated or thinly sliced
Creamy Citrus Dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits and vegetables: Wash and dry the apples and carrots thoroughly. Core the apples and chop them into thin slices or small cubes as preferred. Peel and grate the carrots finely to blend smoothly with the apples.
- Make the creamy citrus dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness and citrus levels to your taste for a balanced creamy and tangy flavor.
- Combine salad ingredients: Place the prepared apples and carrots in a large bowl. Pour the creamy citrus dressing over them and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly without bruising the fruit.
- Add nuts and herbs: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or almonds on top for extra crunch. Garnish with freshly chopped mint or parsley to enhance freshness and aroma.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and the dressing thicken slightly, ensuring a zesty and creamy bite.
Notes
- Choose fresh, crisp apples for the best crunch and vibrant flavor.
- Grate carrots finely for a smooth texture that blends well with apples.
- Adjust sweetness carefully, starting with less honey or syrup and adding more after tasting.
- Lightly toast nuts to enhance their flavor and texture before adding them to the salad.
- Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to develop fully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: apple salad, carrot salad, citrus dressing, healthy salad, crunchy salad, gluten free salad, easy salad, light meal