Carrot, Onion, and Apple Salad: A Symphony of Crunch and Sweetness
How to Make Pickled Carrots and Onions with an Apple Salad Dressing
Discover a delightful salad recipe where the crispness of fresh vegetables meets the sweet, rich flavor of autumn apples. This dish features carrots and onions delicately pickled in a sweet and tangy brine of vinegar, sugar, and salt, preserving their satisfying crunch. We’ve generously added seasonal apples to enhance the natural sweetness and aroma. Apples, packed with dietary fiber, can promote healthy digestion when consumed with their peels, especially in the morning. Inspired by Luna’s innovative approach, this recipe transforms pickled onions and carrots by incorporating fresh apples and a special dressing made with creamy yogurt, savory mayonnaise, and zesty mustard. This vibrant apple salad is delicious on its own but also makes an exceptional filling for sandwiches! While salads are a wonderful way to enjoy fresh produce, they can sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional. This recipe offers a fantastic solution by incorporating diverse ingredients and a flavorful dressing to create a truly delicious and dynamic salad. Elevate your meal with this refreshing salad that is both healthy and bursting with taste.
Salad Ingredients- 1.5 medium Carrots (approx. 130g)
- 1 small Onion (approx. 70g)
- 1 Apple
Pickling Mixture for Carrots and Onions- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- Pinch of Salt
Apple Salad Dressing- 3 Tbsp Plain Yogurt
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Mustard (e.g., Dijon or whole grain)
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (or lemon water)
- A splash of Vinegar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- Pinch of Salt
Apple Salad Dressing- 3 Tbsp Plain Yogurt
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Mustard (e.g., Dijon or whole grain)
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (or lemon water)
- A splash of Vinegar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the carrots and onion. Wash the carrots thoroughly and peel the onion. Thinly julienne both vegetables. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform, thin cuts, which is ideal for this salad.
Step 2
Place the julienned carrots and onion into a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the vegetables are well coated. This step helps to tenderize the vegetables slightly while adding a tangy base flavor.
Step 3
Let the carrot and onion mixture pickle for at least 20 minutes. It’s beneficial to gently toss them halfway through this period to ensure even pickling. After 20 minutes, you’ll notice that the vegetables have released a significant amount of water. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible using your hands. This step is crucial for preventing a watery salad and concentrating the flavors.
Step 4
While the carrots and onions are pickling, prepare the apple. Wash the apple, remove the core, and julienne it into similar-sized strips as the carrots and onion. It’s recommended to leave the peel on for added fiber and texture.
Step 5
Now it’s time to combine the main components. In a large bowl, add the julienned apple, the squeezed-out pickled carrots, and onions. Gently toss them together.
Step 6
Prepare the vibrant salad dressing. In a separate small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of mustard. For a refreshing zest, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or use lemon water. A small splash of vinegar can also enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step 7
Finish the dressing by adding a pinch of black pepper for aroma. If you don’t have mustard, you can slightly increase the mayonnaise or add other herbs for flavor. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until smooth. Pour this delicious dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Enjoy your crunchy, tangy, and sweet Carrot, Onion, and Apple Salad! It’s also incredibly delicious when used as a filling for sandwiches.
