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 (preferably Granny Smith); 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love whipping up this Celery Salad with Apple and Walnuts. It’s crisp, refreshing, and incredibly simple to make. The combination of crunchy celery, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful texture that is both satisfying and nourishing. I often serve it as a light lunch or a side dish during dinner parties, as it pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect addition to my weekly meal prep.

Created by

Diana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:10:11.017Z

When I first tried this Celery Salad with Apple and Walnuts, I was blown away by the unexpected harmony between the ingredients. I was looking for a quick and healthy option, and this salad delivered. The tartness of the apples balances the earthiness of the walnuts, creating a delightful taste experience.

One tip I found helpful is to add a splash of lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning, which keeps the salad looking fresh. I love how versatile this dish is, too; sometimes, I throw in some raisins or even feta cheese for an extra punch of flavor!

        Why You'll Love This Salad
        Crisp and crunchy texture that's incredibly satisfying
Sweet and tart balance from apples and walnuts
Fresh and vibrant flavors that brighten any meal

      

Ingredient Insights

The choice of apples is crucial in this celery salad. I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which perfectly complements the crispness of the celery and the richness of the walnuts. If you prefer a sweeter salad, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples can be excellent substitutes, providing a nice contrast without overwhelming the dish's overall flavor.

Walnuts not only add a satisfying crunch but also bring healthy fats and proteins to the table. You can easily replace walnuts with pecans or almonds if you have allergies or simply prefer a different nut. Toasting the nuts for about 5-7 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat enhances their flavor and provides a nuttier aroma, making the salad even more delicious.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

This celery salad is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can prepare all the ingredients a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the celery and prevent the apples from browning. Storing the salad components in airtight containers in the refrigerator should keep them fresh for about 24 hours.

If you plan to enjoy leftovers, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the salad to keep the apples vibrant and appealing. While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, it can be stored for up to 2 days in the fridge, though the texture may soften slightly over time. Re-stir the salad before serving to redistribute the flavors and ingredients.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This salad is remarkably versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal, but it can also stand alone as a light lunch. For an added twist, consider incorporating crumbled feta or goat cheese, which adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the salad's bright ingredients.

You can also customize the salad by adding other colorful veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers. For a protein boost, mix in cooked quinoa or chickpeas, turning it into a heartier dish. Feel free to get creative with your add-ins while keeping the core ingredients to maintain the salad’s intended flavor profile.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delicious Celery Salad with Apple and Walnuts.

Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 large apple, diced (preferably Granny Smith)
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Once you've assembled your ingredients, you're just a few steps away from a delightful dish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Celery Salad with Apple and Walnuts.

Prepare the Ingredients

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

Dress the Salad

Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture, and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Season and Serve

Add salt and pepper to taste, stir again, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Your refreshing Celery Salad with Apple and Walnuts is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, try toasting the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad. It enhances their flavor and adds a delightful aroma to the dish.

Dressing Mechanics

The dressing in this salad is as simple as it gets yet plays an integral role in bringing all the flavors together. By using a combination of olive oil and lemon juice, you create a light vinaigrette that enhances the freshness of the salad without overpowering it. I typically use a 2:1 ratio of oil to lemon juice, but feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.

To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, drizzle the dressing only when you're ready to serve. If you're preparing it in advance, you can whisk the oil and lemon juice together in a small bowl or jar to create a smooth emulsion. Shake or stir to recombine before adding it to the salad.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your salad is too salty after seasoning, you can balance it out by adding more chopped celery or apple to dilute the saltiness. Alternatively, a small handful of mixed greens can add volume without significant flavor change.

Another common issue is browning apples. To counteract this, make sure to toss the diced apple with a little lemon juice immediately after cutting. This quick step helps maintain their freshness and vibrant color while enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine them shortly before serving to keep everything fresh.

→ What type of apples work best in this salad?

Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor.

→ Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, feta cheese, or even cooked quinoa can be great additions for more flavor and texture.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the celery may lose some crunch over time.