If you’re searching for a refreshing, crunchy, and naturally sweet side dish that bursts with flavor and texture, look no further than this delightful Celery Apple Salad Recipe. It’s an absolute favorite of mine when I want something that’s both simple to whip up and packed with vibrant ingredients that come together perfectly. From the crispness of celery to the juicy snap of fresh apples, complemented by crunchy walnuts and a creamy, subtly sweet dressing, this salad is an easy way to brighten your table and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Celery Apple Salad Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in balancing taste, texture, and color. The crunchy celery and apples provide that fresh bite, walnuts add richness, raisins bring a gentle sweetness, and the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully.
- 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced: The crisp backbone of the salad that lends refreshing crunch.
- 2 medium apples, cored and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Juicy and sweet-tart apples add bright flavor and juiciness.
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped: Adds a crunchy, nutty dimension to the texture.
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries: A touch of chewy sweetness that balances savory elements.
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, tangy dressing that binds the salad.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the dressing and prevents apple browning.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
How to Make Celery Apple Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing your celery stalks thoroughly and slicing them thinly for that perfect crunch in every bite. Next, core and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces, choosing a variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness. Chop the walnuts roughly and measure out your raisins or dried cranberries, setting everything aside ready to mix.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is wonderfully creamy with a hint of sweetness and tang that brings all the flavors of the salad to life. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In a large bowl, add the sliced celery, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and raisins or dried cranberries. Pour your prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is lightly coated and ready to shine.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
To allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill to the perfect refreshing temperature, refrigerate it for 10 to 15 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like, adding a lovely pop of color and mild herbal note that’s just the finishing touch this Celery Apple Salad Recipe needs.
How to Serve Celery Apple Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet elegant garnish that brightens the look and adds a subtle freshness. For a bit more texture and visual appeal, try tossing in some extra chopped walnuts or a few thin apple slices on top just before serving. Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon if you want a subtle twist on the flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a versatile side dish. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch, serve alongside a hearty sandwich for lunch, or add it to your picnic spread for a refreshing contrast to savory mains. Its crunchy, sweet, and creamy profile complements so many dishes effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in small glass jars for a charming individual portion or arrange it artfully on a large platter with sections of apple wedges and walnut clusters for a stunning appetizer. You can even stuff it into pita pockets or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held treat that’s crisp and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the Celery Apple Salad Recipe tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within one day because the apples and celery retain their crunch so well when fresh, but they can lose their crispness over time.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh, watery ingredients like celery and apples, which can become mushy and lose their texture after thawing. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated briefly.
Reheating
Celery Apple Salad Recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, and reheating is not recommended as it changes both the texture and flavor of the fresh ingredients. For warm dishes, consider making a different salad or side.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut in this salad?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds are wonderful alternatives that provide a different but equally delicious crunch and flavor. Just chop them roughly for the best texture.
Is it okay to substitute mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt?
Yes, using all Greek yogurt is a fantastic option if you want a lighter, tangier dressing. It keeps the salad creamy without overpowering the fresh flavors of celery and apple.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad no more than a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. The apples may start to brown slightly over time, so adding lemon juice helps preserve their color if you plan to make it earlier.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the salad?
Yes, a light sprinkle of cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness of the apples and raisins beautifully, giving the salad a unique twist.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Definitely. This Celery Apple Salad Recipe contains only naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it a perfect choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you fall in love with this Celery Apple Salad Recipe as much as I have. It’s the kind of dish that feels fresh, healthy, and indulgent all at once—perfect for any season and every occasion. Simple ingredients, quick to assemble, and endlessly satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself turning back to again and again. Give it a try and let it brighten up your next meal!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and crunchy Celery Apple Salad combining thinly sliced celery, diced apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries, tossed in a light Greek yogurt and honey dressing. Perfect as a healthy side dish that is easy to prepare and full of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 2 medium apples, cored and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced celery, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and raisins or dried cranberries to create the crunchy and fruity base of the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined, balancing tartness and sweetness.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the celery and apple mixture, then gently toss everything together to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Chill and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness, then chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce fat content.
- Pecans can be substituted for walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the salad for an extra warm note.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
