Celery Salad with Apples recipe

I used to be one of those people who saw celery primarily as a vehicle for peanut butter or a background player in mirepoix. But then, I discovered the magic of a well-crafted Celery Salad with Apples, and my perspective completely shifted! The first time I made this, I was looking for a light, crunchy side dish that wasn’t just another green salad. My family was a bit skeptical – “Celery salad?” they questioned. But from the first bite, the incredible crunch of the celery, the sweet-tart burst from the apples, the toasty notes of walnuts, and the creamy, tangy dressing won them over. It was an absolute revelation! Now, it’s a requested favorite, especially when we want something refreshing, texturally exciting, and surprisingly sophisticated yet easy to make. It proves that humble ingredients can truly shine.

The Underrated Star: Celery and Apple Salad Perfection

Celery, often relegated to the role of a supporting actor in the culinary world, takes center stage in this vibrant and refreshing Celery Salad with Apples. This isn’t your average, mundane salad. It’s a delightful explosion of contrasting textures and flavors – the assertive, cool crunch of thinly sliced celery, the sweet and tart crispness of fresh apples, the earthy richness of toasted walnuts, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing. This salad is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly memorable. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight side dish or a light, satisfying lunch. Prepare to fall in love with celery all over again!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Crunchy & Refreshing Salad

There are so many reasons why this Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts will become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Incredible Texture: The combination of crisp celery, crunchy apples, and toasty walnuts is a textural dream.
• Balanced Flavors: Sweet, tart, savory, and tangy notes all play together harmoniously.
• Surprisingly Sophisticated: It’s an elegant salad that belies its simple preparation.
• Healthy & Refreshing: Packed with fiber and fresh ingredients, it’s a light yet satisfying option.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, sandwiches, or as part of a brunch spread.
• Quick & Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking involved, it comes together relatively quickly.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different nuts, fruits, or additions like cheese.
• A Great Way to Use Celery: Moves celery from a forgotten vegetable in the crisper to the star of the show.

This salad is more than just a mix of ingredients; it’s a celebration of freshness and crunch that will delight your palate.

Ingredients for Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful salad (serves approximately 4-6):

• Celery: 6-8 large ribs (about 4-5 cups), thinly sliced on the diagonal
• Apples: 2 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith for more tartness), cored and diced or thinly sliced
• Walnuts: ½ cup, roughly chopped and toasted
• Red Onion (Optional): ¼ cup, very thinly sliced or minced (soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow flavor if desired)
• Fresh Parsley or Dill (Optional): 2-3 tablespoons, chopped, for freshness

For the Creamy Lemon-Dijon Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: ½ cup (good quality)
• Greek Yogurt (Plain, Unsweetened): ¼ cup (optional, can use all mayo for a richer dressing, or all yogurt for a lighter one)
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (plus more to taste)
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1-2 teaspoons (or to taste, balances the acidity)
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste)
• Optional: A pinch of celery seeds for extra celery flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Crisp Masterpiece

Follow these simple steps for a perfect Celery Apple Salad:

1. Toast the Walnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped walnuts in a single layer on a small baking sheet. Toast for 5-8 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned, watching carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Celery: Wash the celery ribs thoroughly. Trim the ends. Slice the celery thinly on a diagonal (about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick). This angle provides a nice texture and visual appeal. Place in a large salad bowl.
3. Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and dice the apples into ½-inch pieces, or slice them thinly. If preparing ahead, toss the apples with a little extra lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the apples to the bowl with the celery.
4. Prepare Optional Ingredients: If using red onion, slice or mince it very thinly. If desired, soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well; this mellows its sharp flavor. Add to the bowl. If using fresh parsley or dill, chop it and set aside for now or add some to the bowl.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. If using, add the pinch of celery seeds. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings – you might want more lemon juice for tang, honey for sweetness, or salt/pepper.
6. Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the toasted (and cooled) walnuts to the bowl with the celery and apples.
7. Dress the Salad: Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Add more dressing as needed to reach your desired level of creaminess, but be careful not to overdress – you want the ingredients to be coated, not swimming.
8. Chill (Highly Recommended): Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. It can be made a few hours ahead.
9. Serve: Just before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish with any reserved fresh parsley or dill, and perhaps a few extra toasted walnut pieces, if desired.

Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate)

• Servings: This recipe serves approximately 4-6 as a side dish.
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-350 calories (this can vary significantly based on the amount of mayonnaise/yogurt and walnuts used).

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, precise measurements, and any modifications made to the recipe. Using more Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise will lower the calorie and fat content.

Time Commitment: From Crisp to Crunch

• Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes (includes chopping, toasting nuts, whisking dressing)
• Chilling Time (Recommended): At least 20-30 minutes (or longer if making ahead)
• Total Time: Approximately 40-55 minutes (including minimum chill time)

This makes it a relatively quick salad to assemble, especially if you toast the nuts while prepping other ingredients.

How to Serve Your Delightful Celery Apple Salad

This versatile Celery Salad with Apples can be served in many appealing ways:

• As a Refreshing Side Dish:
  • Perfect alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or fish.
  • A wonderful accompaniment to roast turkey or ham, especially during holiday seasons.
  • Great with rich or savory main courses, as its crispness cuts through richness.
• A Light Lunch:
  • Serve a generous portion on its own or on a bed of lettuce.
  • Stuff it into a pita pocket or use it as a filling for lettuce wraps.
  • Add some shredded cooked chicken or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.
• For Potlucks and Gatherings:
  • It’s a crowd-pleaser that travels well (keep chilled). Its unique profile makes it stand out from typical pasta or potato salads.
• With Sandwiches:
  • A fantastic crunchy side instead of chips with your favorite sandwich or wrap.
• Garnish Ideas:
  • A sprinkle of extra toasted walnuts.
  • Freshly chopped parsley, dill, or chives.
  • A few thin apple slices artfully arranged on top.

Serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.

Pro Tips for the Best Celery Apple Salad (5 tips)

Elevate your Celery Apple Salad from good to great with these expert tips:

1. Thin, Uniform Slices are Key: Slice the celery thinly and on a diagonal. Dice the apples into relatively uniform pieces. This ensures a pleasant mouthfeel, easier eating, and that every bite has a good mix of ingredients.
2. Always Toast Your Nuts: Toasting walnuts (or any nuts) brings out their essential oils, deepens their flavor, and enhances their crunch. Don’t skip this step – it makes a huge difference! Let them cool before adding to the salad to maintain crispness.
3. Don’t Overdress: Start by adding about two-thirds of the dressing and toss. Add more only if needed. You want the ingredients to be lightly coated and glistening, not swimming in dressing, which can make the salad heavy and less crisp.
4. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes (or even a few hours) lets the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the salad is refreshingly cold.
5. Use Crisp, Flavorful Apples: The type of apple you choose matters. Opt for crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith (for a tarter profile). Avoid mealy or overly soft apples, as they won’t provide the desired textural contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Celery Apple Salad

Q1: Can I make Celery Apple Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, this salad can be made a few hours ahead. In fact, it benefits from some chilling time for the flavors to meld. Prepare as directed and store, covered, in the refrigerator. If making more than 4-6 hours ahead, you might consider keeping the toasted walnuts separate and adding them just before serving to maintain their maximum crunch. The apples may brown slightly over extended periods, even with lemon juice, but this is mostly aesthetic.

Q2: What are some good substitutes for walnuts?
A: Toasted pecans are an excellent substitute and offer a similar crunchy, buttery profile. Toasted slivered almonds or even toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas could also work for a different nutty crunch.

Q3: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply use a good quality vegan mayonnaise in the dressing and ensure your honey substitute is maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

Q4: How do I prevent the apples from browning?
A: Tossing the diced or sliced apples with a little fresh lemon juice immediately after cutting them helps significantly in preventing browning due to oxidation. The lemon juice in the dressing also helps with this once the salad is combined.

Q5: What other dried fruits or cheeses would work well in this salad?
A:
* Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries would add a lovely tartness and color. Chopped dates or golden raisins could also be used for a different type of sweetness.
* Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese or feta would add a salty, tangy kick. Shredded sharp white cheddar could also be a delicious addition for a more savory profile. Add cheese just before serving.

Beyond the Basics: Flavor Twists and Variations

The beauty of this Celery Apple Salad is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to customize it:

• Different Dressings:
  • Try a lighter vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, and a touch of maple syrup.
  • A poppy seed dressing could also be delightful.
• Add More Crunch & Flavor:
  • Include thinly sliced fennel for an anise note and extra crunch.
  • Add shredded carrots for color and sweetness.
• Protein Boost:
  • Stir in shredded cooked chicken or turkey.
  • Add canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained) or white beans for a vegetarian protein source.
• Spice it Up:
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce in the dressing can add a subtle warmth.
• Herb Variations:
  • Fresh tarragon or chives would also complement the flavors well.
• Seed Power:
  • A tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds can be stirred into the dressing for an extra nutritional boost.

The Often-Overlooked Hero: The Humble Celery

Celery is more than just a low-calorie diet food or a foundational aromatic. It brings a unique set of qualities to dishes:

• Unparalleled Crunch: Its high water content and fibrous structure give it a distinctive, satisfying crunch that holds up well in salads and even when lightly cooked.
• Subtle Salty, Earthy Flavor: Celery has a fresh, slightly peppery, and subtly salty taste that can brighten other ingredients or provide a savory backbone.
• Hydration Power: Being over 95% water, celery is incredibly hydrating.
• Nutrient Value: It contains vitamins (like Vitamin K and C), minerals, and beneficial plant compounds.
• Versatility: From raw sticks to cooked in soups and stews, or as the star in a salad like this one, celery is remarkably versatile.

This salad truly allows celery’s best attributes—its crunch and fresh flavor—to take the spotlight.

Storing and Enjoying Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s so good, you might not!):

• Refrigerate Promptly: Store any leftover Celery Apple Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Best Eaten Soon: It’s best consumed within 1-2 days. The celery and apples will remain relatively crisp for the first day, but the walnuts may soften slightly over time, and the apples may continue to oxidize a bit.
• Refresh if Needed: If it seems a little dry the next day (some dressing might have been absorbed), you can add a tiny bit more fresh lemon juice or a touch more dressing and give it a gentle stir.

A Refreshing Crunch for Any Occasion

This Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts is a delightful discovery for anyone looking for a salad that is both simple and sophisticated. Its vibrant crunch, balanced sweet and savory notes, and creamy tang make it an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply want a delicious and refreshing side dish for your family, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s a beautiful way to appreciate the humble celery and the crisp delight of apples, proving that sometimes the most unassuming ingredients can create the most memorable dishes. Enjoy the crunch!

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