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Matchstick apples and carrots are dressed with yogurt and mayonnaise, then folded with mandarin segments. Drain the fruit to keep the dressing from thinning.
Ingredients and measurements
- 1 red apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 1 green apple, cut into matchstick pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup canned mandarin segments, drained
- ⅓ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Preparation and cooking
- Stage 1
Cut apples into matchsticks and toss with lemon juice. Combine carrots, onion and cranberries in a large bowl.
- Stage 2
Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, salt and pepper. Add apples and coat the mixture with dressing.
- Stage 3
Fold in drained mandarins gently. Cover and refrigerate for about three hours, then toss lightly before serving.
- Stage 4
Keep chilled and use a clean serving spoon so the remaining salad stays suitable for storage.
Their delicate segments break with repeated stirring and release extra juice.
Why add mandarins last?
Keep cut vegetables and dressing chilled separately if you want a firmer texture at serving.
Can carrots be prepared ahead?
Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly in shallow containers at 40°F or below, within two hours or one hour above 90°F. Reheat cooked leftovers to 165°F; keep cold dishes chilled.
Storage and serving
For more recipes to serve alongside, see healthy cowboy caviar salad or chicken buttered noodles. Use that recipe’s own quantities rather than mixing formulas.
Recipe source and alternatives
This is an editorial revision of the archived formula with clarified preparation and original troubleshooting notes. A Pinch Of Lemon has not kitchen-tested this version. The linked reference supports food-safety guidance only, not the entire recipe. Photographs are illustrative. Reference: FoodSafety.gov chilling guidance.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- Why add mandarins last?
Their delicate segments break with repeated stirring and release extra juice.
- Can carrots be prepared ahead?
Keep cut vegetables and dressing chilled separately if you want a firmer texture at serving.