Tangy Carrot-Apple Salad With Cider Vinaigrette

Recipe from October 2010 Vegetarian Times. It says that the author, Matthew G. Kadey, RD, prefers sour to sweet and this recipe proves it. I did add a little extra Splenda, oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, but I leave that up to you! I did not serve mine over spinach, rather just in a small bowl as a meal starter. Lastly, I added some pepitas (pumpkin seeds without the shell), but again the addition of nuts is your choice.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1  small  clove garlic, minced (1/2 tsp.)
• 2  cups  grated carrots (about 3 small carrots)
• 1⁄2 cup red apple, diced (I added more)
• 1⁄4 cup  sliced green onion
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped dried cranberries
• 1  teaspoon  agave nectar (may sub honey)
• 1  tablespoon olive oil (use a nice, full bodied oil)
• 2  cups  baby spinach leaves

Directions

1. Combine cider vinegar and garlic in small bowl. Let stand 15 minutes.
2. Stir together carrots, apple, green onions, parsley, and cranberries in large bowl.
3. Whisk together agave nectar and oil into cider vinegar mixture. Add to carrot mixture, toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
4. Cover, and chill 2 hours, or overnight. Serve salad on bed of spinach leaves.