Creamy Apple Veggie Salad
Description
Creamy Apple Veggie Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, sweet-savory salad combining crisp apples with fresh vegetables and a smooth, tangy-sweet dressing. It’s perfect as a light meal, side dish, or potluck salad. The creamy dressing coats the apples and veggies beautifully while adding richness without being heavy.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time (optional): 15–30 minutes
Total Time: 15–45 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
Main Salad
2 medium apples (red or green), chopped
1 cup carrots, shredded or finely julienned
1 cup cucumber, chopped
1 cup cabbage, thinly shredded
½ cup sweet corn (optional)
¼ cup walnuts or almonds (optional, for crunch)
2 tbsp raisins or dried cranberries (optional for sweetness)
Pinch of salt
Creamy Dressing
½ cup thick yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
2 tbsp mayonnaise (adjust for creaminess)
1 tbsp honey or sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
Optional: 1 tsp mustard or ½ tsp vinegar for extra tang
Instructions
1. Prepare the ingredients
Wash and chop the apples into small bite-sized cubes.
Shred carrots; chop cucumber and cabbage finely.
If using nuts, lightly roast them for deeper flavor.
2. Make the creamy dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
Yogurt
Mayonnaise
Honey
Lemon juice
Pepper
Salt
Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the salad
In a large bowl, add apples, carrots, cucumber, cabbage, corn, nuts, and raisins.
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad.
Toss gently until everything is well coated.
4. Chill and serve
Serve immediately for crisp texture, or
Chill 15–30 minutes for best flavor melding.
Tips for Best Results
Use firm, crisp apples like Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
If worried about apples browning, toss them with 1 tsp lemon juice before mixing.
For a vegan version: use vegan mayo + plant-based yogurt.
Add celery for extra crunch or bell pepper for color.
Approx Nutrition (per serving)
(Varies based on portion size and ingredients)
Calories: 180–240
Protein: 4–6 g
Fat: 8–12 g
Carbs: 25–30 g
Fiber: 4–5 g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until serving. Apples can brown, so add lemon juice or mix salad just before serving.
2. Can I replace mayo?
Yes! Use:
All yogurt
Sour cream
Cream cheese + yogurt blend
3. Which apples work best?
Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith.
4. Can I make it without dairy?
Yes—use:
Coconut yogurt or almond yogurt
Vegan mayo
5. How long does it last?
Best within 8–12 hours refrigerated (after mixing).
If stored separately, salad and dressing last 1–2 days.
6. Can I add protein?
Absolutely! Options:
Grilled chicken
Boiled eggs
Cottage cheese (paneer cubes)
Chickpeas