Celery Salad With Apple And Walnuts

Name: Celery Salad With Apple And Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, chopped; 1 large apple, diced (any variety you prefer); 1 cup walnuts, toasted; 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Freshly Wholesome

I absolutely love making this Celery Salad with Apple and Walnuts. It's a refreshing dish that perfectly balances crunchiness with a hint of sweetness. The combination of crisp celery, juicy apples, and toasted walnuts creates a delightful texture and flavor that is perfect for any occasion. I often serve this salad as a light lunch or a side dish during family gatherings. It’s simple to prepare, and the flavors build beautifully as the ingredients meld together. Trust me, this salad will quickly become a favorite!

Created by

Lacey Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:34:09.213Z

Making this salad has become a beloved ritual in my kitchen. I remember the first time a friend introduced me to the combination of apples and walnuts. I experimented by adding celery for an extra crunch, and it was a game changer. The contrasting flavors work together beautifully.

One key tip I’ve discovered is to toast the walnuts before adding them to the salad. This simple step enhances their flavor and adds a warm nutty aroma that complements the crispness of the celery and the sweetness of the apples. It’s a difference you’ll notice immediately!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crisp and refreshing with every bite
Nutty flavor from the toasted walnuts adds depth
Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings

      

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

The freshness of your ingredients plays a crucial role in the success of this Celery Salad with Apple and Walnuts. When selecting celery, aim for stalks that are bright green, firm, and unblemished. Fresh celery will contribute that distinctive crunch that makes this salad incredibly refreshing. If possible, opt for a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a lively contrast to the rich, earthy flavor of the toasted walnuts.

Using seasonal fruits guarantees the best taste. Local varieties may change with the seasons, so explore what is available in your area. If you want to switch it up, consider using pears instead of apples; they provide a similar sweetness and crunch that work beautifully with the salad's texture.

Perfecting the Dressing

The dressing for this salad is simple yet impactful. Olive oil provides richness and helps coat the other ingredients, while apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness that enhances the apples' natural flavor. Don't shy away from adjusting the dressing ratio based on your preference—add an extra tablespoon of vinegar for more zing or a dash of honey for a sweeter touch if you prefer.

To ensure a well-mixed salad, add the dressing gradually rather than all at once. This approach allows you to better judge how much dressing is needed to achieve a balanced flavor without overwhelming the fresh ingredients. Aim for a glossy look on the salad, indicating it is adequately dressed.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your salad:

Salad Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 large apple, diced (any variety you prefer)
1 cup walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

With these ingredients, you’re set to whip up a deliciously vibrant salad.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad:

Prepare the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery and diced apple.

Add Walnuts and Optional Ingredients

Fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins or cranberries if using.

Dress the Salad

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the salad and mix gently.

Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, then serve immediately for the best crunch!

This salad is best served fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating a sprinkle of feta cheese or some fresh herbs like parsley or mint.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as a light lunch, but it also makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests. I often serve it alongside a protein such as baked chicken or fish, as the salad's crispness complements the meal beautifully.

For a more substantial dish, consider adding cooked grains like quinoa or farro. These will not only bulk up the salad but also introduce a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the existing ingredients. Including a small amount of feta cheese can add creaminess and depth, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make this salad in advance, there are a few tips to keep it fresh. Store the celery and apple mixture separately from the dressing until just before serving. This will prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. When you're ready to serve, mix in the dressing to keep everything crunchy.

For best quality, consume the salad within a day of making it. If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad will last for up to two days. However, the texture may start to decline after the first day, so it's best enjoyed fresh to experience the full crispness of the celery.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the celery.

→ What kind of apples work best for this salad?

Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp work wonderfully.

→ Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds are great alternatives for this salad.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

The recipe is already vegan-friendly as it does not include any animal products.