Creamy salad with vegetables and apple

A fresh, crunchy, and creamy salad made with crisp apples, colorful vegetables, and a delicious creamy dressing. Perfect for lunch, picnics, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the salad:
– 2 medium apples, red or green, diced
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced or grated
– 1 cup sweet corn, cooked and cooled
– ½ cup green peas, cooked and cooled
– ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
– ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the creamy dressing:
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon honey or sugar, optional
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables and apples. Wash all the produce thoroughly. Dice the apples, cucumber, carrots, and bell pepper into small, even pieces. Drain the sweet corn and peas well.

2. Make the creamy dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, black pepper, and optional Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine the salad ingredients. Place the diced apples, cucumber, carrots, corn, peas, bell pepper, and optional red onion in a large mixing bowl.

4. Add the dressing. Pour the creamy dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

5. Add fresh herbs. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and mix gently to distribute the flavor.

6. Chill the salad. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. If the dressing becomes too thick, stir in a teaspoon of yogurt or lemon juice.

7. Serve. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with a little extra parsley. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for the Best Salad
– Use crisp apples for a refreshing crunch.
– Toss the apples with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning.
– Drain the vegetables well to keep the dressing thick and creamy.
– For extra crunch, add chopped celery.
– For a sweeter flavor, include a handful of raisins.
– For extra protein, add diced cooked chicken or chickpeas.
– For a lighter version, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may release moisture over time, so stir gently before serving. Do not leave the creamy salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in very hot conditions.

Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)
– Calories: 190–230 kcal
– Protein: 3–5 g
– Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
– Fat: 11–15 g
– Fiber: 3–5 g
– Sugars: 10–15 g
– Sodium: 250–400 mg
Actual nutrition depends on the dressing brand and ingredient quantities.

Allergen Information
– Contains egg if using regular mayonnaise.
– Contains milk if using dairy-based Greek yogurt.
– Mustard may be present if Dijon mustard is used.
– The recipe contains no required peanuts or tree nuts.
– Check ingredient labels for allergies and cross-contact warnings.
Quality and Serving Questions

Can I make it ahead? Yes. Prepare the dressing and chop most vegetables a few hours ahead. Add the apples and dressing closer to serving for the freshest texture.

Can I make it without mayonnaise? Yes. Use ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, seasoning, and a little honey for a tangy alternative.

What apples work best? Granny Smith apples provide a tart crunch, while Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter flavor.

Serving suggestion: Pair this creamy vegetable and apple salad with grilled chicken, sandwiches, baked fish, or roasted potatoes for a delicious meal.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.