Crunchy Apple Carrot Salad (Print Version)
Julienned apples and carrots with walnuts, raisins and a creamy citrus dressing for a crisp, refreshing bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salad
01 - 2 medium apples, cored and julienned (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
02 - 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned
03 - 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
05 - 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Creamy Citrus Dressing
07 - 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or plant-based alternative
08 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
09 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, toss together the julienned apples, carrots, sliced celery, walnuts, dried fruit, and chopped parsley until the mixture is well distributed.
02 - In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until a smooth dressing forms.
03 - Pour the citrus dressing over the tossed salad ingredients. Mix thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated.
04 - Transfer salad to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with additional chopped nuts and parsley if desired. Serve immediately for optimal crunch or refrigerate up to one hour before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The dressing is velvety and bright at the same time, and I swear it clings to every bite.
- This salad somehow gets better if you sneak it from the fridge later—it keeps its crunch and surprises you with bursts of citrus.
02 -
- I once used pre-cut carrots, and the salad tasted flat—a fresh julienne makes all the difference.
- Letting it sit too long before serving softens the apples, so keep everything crisp by mixing just before eating.
03 -
- A quick soak of apples in lemon water stops browning before assembly.
- Toasting the walnuts or pecans just until fragrant makes them sing in the salad.