Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is all about texture and freshness. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and brings together ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The natural sweetness of apples contrasts the crispness of celery, while the vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright, zesty touch. It’s a great way to enjoy raw vegetables and fruits in a delicious and satisfying form.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
celery stalks, thinly sliced
crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced or julienned
lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
olive oil
apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
salt and black pepper to taste
chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
fresh parsley or mint (optional, for garnish)
shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)
Directions
- Thinly slice the celery and apples. Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the celery and apples.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Optional: Sprinkle with chopped nuts, fresh herbs, and cheese before serving.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for enhanced flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
Variations
- Add Protein: Include shredded chicken or chickpeas to make it a light main dish.
- Fruit Swap: Use pears or grapes in place of apples for a different twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Creamy Dressing: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayo to the dressing for a creamy variation.
- Add Greens: Serve over arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for a more substantial salad.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. This salad is not meant to be reheated and is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep the ingredients and store them separately. Combine everything just before serving to maintain crispness.
What type of apple is best for this salad?
Crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work best for contrast and texture.
Should I peel the apples?
It’s not necessary unless you prefer a softer texture. The peel adds color and nutrients.
How do I keep apples from browning?
Toss the slices in lemon juice immediately after slicing to keep them fresh-looking.
Is this salad good for potlucks?
Yes, it’s light, refreshing, and holds up well for a few hours, making it a great potluck or picnic dish.
Can I add raisins or cranberries?
Absolutely. Dried fruits add a chewy texture and a pop of sweetness.
What kind of vinegar works best?
Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note, but white wine vinegar or even lemon juice can work well too.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as all dressing ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use celery leaves?
Yes, celery leaves are flavorful and make a great addition to the salad or as garnish.
What can I pair this salad with?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a side for soups and stews.
Conclusion
Celery Salad with Apples is a crisp, vibrant, and refreshing dish that brings a delightful mix of flavors and textures to your table. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a perfect side dish for any season and a healthy, satisfying addition to any meal.
PrintCelery Salad with Apples
Celery Salad with Apples is a crisp and refreshing salad featuring crunchy celery, sweet apples, and a tangy vinaigrette. This quick and healthy dish is perfect as a light side or a standalone snack, offering a bright blend of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 2 crisp apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the celery and apples. Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the celery and apples.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Optional: Sprinkle with chopped nuts, fresh herbs, and cheese before serving.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apples for the best flavor contrast.
- Toss with lemon juice quickly to prevent apples from browning.
- Keep dressing separate if making ahead for best texture.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness.
- Great as a side for grilled meats or sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
