Apple & Carrot Salad

We didn't have many holiday gatherings this year that required us to bring much more than a couple bottles of wine but, we have a couple over the next of days that have us bringing something more substantial.

Hot side dishes are a pain to keep warm so, I am throwing them out as I don't feel like dealing with the logistics of that. Now we've zeroed in on a cold side dish and need to find something that will not likely already be there (I am forever calling 'dibs' on this one), is healthy, easy to fix, and that people will actually want to eat.  I found the solution in an Apple and Carrot Salad that has just a few ingredients and takes just a few minutes to make.

You will need about ten minutes and the following;

• 3 large, fresh apples (red and green)
• 1-1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups uncooked carrots (sure you can 'matchstick' these but, I just bought a bag).
• 1/4 cup of chives (don't buy the stuff in the jar, buy fresh and chop yourself).
• 1 tsp sugar (I used Whey Low in lieu of the cane variety).
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper (or more) to taste
• 2 oz of feta cheese, crumbled.

Assembly is easy...

1. Core, thinly slice, and matchstick the apples. Tim's Tip: place the matchsticks in cold water with a bit of lemon juice added. This will keep what you cut from oxidizing (turning brown) while cut each apple.
2. Drain and pat dry, place into a a large bowl and toss with some additional lemon juice (to taste ~ prevents oxidization until served).
3. Add carrots, chives, oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and cheese. Toss to mix thoroughly.

This will serve ten and yields about 3/4 cups per serving. For those of you counting Weight Watchers points, this is just 2 per serving.