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Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Oranges

Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Oranges
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Bright, refreshing, and packed with natural sweetness, this Carrot Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mandarin Oranges combines crisp carrots and apples with tangy cranberries and juicy mandarin oranges for a vibrant, nutritious, and quick-to-prepare dish perfect as a snack, side, or light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Produce

  • 2 cups fresh carrots, grated or thinly sliced
  • 2 crunchy apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), cored and diced
  • 1 cup mandarin orange segments, peeled and seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)

Dried Fruits and Sweeteners

  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables: Wash and peel the carrots, then grate or thinly slice them depending on your texture preference. Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces; toss them immediately in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning. Peel the mandarin oranges and separate the segments, removing any seeds and pith.
  2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared carrots, apples, mandarin orange segments, and dried cranberries. Gently toss all the ingredients together to combine evenly without mashing the delicate fruit segments.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a splash of olive oil (if using). Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste, aiming for a light and tangy dressing that enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh mint on top and give it one final light toss for a burst of aromatic freshness.
  5. Chill and Serve: For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the ingredients crisp and refreshing.

Notes

  • Use firm, fresh produce like crisp apples and firm carrots to keep the salad crunchy and fresh longer.
  • Toss apples with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning and keep the salad visually appealing.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually by adding honey or syrup last and tasting to achieve the perfect balance.
  • Keep the dressing separate until just before serving if preparing ahead to maintain texture.
  • Experiment with additional textures by adding seeds, toasted nuts, or lightly toasted coconut.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot apple salad, cranberry salad, mandarin orange salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad, quick salad, fresh fruit salad

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/carrot-apple-salad-with-cranberries-and-mandarin-oranges/