If there’s a salad that truly defines “crunchy and refreshing,” it’s the Celery Salad with Apples. This vibrant dish gleams with crisp celery, juicy apples, and a lively lemon-honey vinaigrette, all mingling with toasted nuts and a smattering of fresh herbs. It’s an absolute celebration of texture and sweet-tart flavor, somehow managing to feel light and lively while still being thoroughly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard lunch or need something different for your weeknight table, the Celery Salad with Apples will absolutely steal the spotlight.

Celery Salad with Apples Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity—every ingredient adds a distinct element, whether it’s flavor, crunch, or a bit of lively color. Each component plays a key role, so be sure to pick the freshest produce you can find!

Celery stalks: Thinly sliced, these bring that signature crunch and a subtle, refreshing earthiness to the salad.
Crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Their juicy tart-sweetness perfectly complements the celery and brings a splash of color.
Toasted walnuts or pecans: Toasting the nuts brings out their rich, nutty aroma—absolutely worth the extra step for depth and crunch.
Fresh parsley: Adds an herbal brightness that keeps everything feeling fresh and lively.
Fresh lemon juice: The acid lifts the whole salad and keeps the apples from browning.
Apple cider vinegar: Offers an extra layer of tang, making the dressing irresistibly zippy.
Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch of sweetness balances out the tart flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: Lends a silky, fruity base that ties the whole vinaigrette together.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t forget these—they wake up every other flavor in the bowl.
Optional: Shaved Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese: Adds a creamy, savory punch if you want a touch of richness.

How to Make Celery Salad with Apples

Step 1: Whisk Up the Vinaigrette

In your largest mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, and a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. You’re aiming for a dressing that tastes bright and balanced—give it a quick taste and adjust as needed. This will set the tone for your entire Celery Salad with Apples!

Step 2: Prep and Toss the Veggies

Thinly slice the celery and apples—if you want that crisp texture, use a sharp knife or a mandoline. Add them right into the bowl with the vinaigrette along with the chopped parsley. Don’t worry if the apples start to mingle with the dressing; the lemon juice will keep them nice and vibrant. Toss until everything is evenly coated and glistening.

Step 3: Fold in Toasted Nuts and Cheese

Scatter in your toasted walnuts or pecans, and if you’re feeling luxurious, some shaved Parmesan or crumbly blue cheese. Fold these in gently—this is where the Celery Salad with Apples really starts to sing, thanks to all those contrasting flavors and textures.

Step 4: Let it Marry, Then Serve

Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes if you can—that brief wait allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it immediately or pop it into the fridge if you prefer a cooler, crisper bite. Either way, you’re in for a vibrant treat!

How to Serve Celery Salad with Apples

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, a handful of microgreens, or even a few more toasted nuts on top for a gorgeous presentation. A bit of freshly cracked black pepper or an extra shred of cheese always looks and tastes fabulous. These little finishing touches make your Celery Salad with Apples feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled fish, roast chicken, or a simple baguette. The brightness of Celery Salad with Apples cuts through richer dishes, but it can just as easily be the star alongside a bowl of hearty soup or a selection of cheese and crackers.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Celery Salad with Apples in lettuce cups for a finger-friendly starter, or mound it on top of baby greens for a more substantial meal. You can even scoop it into wraps with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a satisfying lunch on the go. The colors and textures look stunning no matter how you plate it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra Celery Salad with Apples to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It keeps nicely in the fridge for up to two days, though the apples and celery stay their crunchiest if enjoyed within 24 hours.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as both the apples and celery lose their wonderful crisp texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy your Celery Salad with Apples fresh or within a day or two of making it.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do want to freshen it up after refrigeration, give it a quick toss and maybe add a splash of fresh lemon juice to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Celery Salad with Apples ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep everything—including the dressing and chopped nuts—the day before. For best crunch, slice the apples just before tossing with the vinaigrette so they stay fresh and lively.

What apples work best in this salad?

Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are fantastic, as they resist turning mushy and bring a sweet-tart balance that pairs beautifully with green celery. Feel free to mix and match apple types for extra color and flavor complexity!

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and opt out of the cheese, or use your favorite plant-based alternative. The Celery Salad with Apples is incredibly flexible and just as delicious.

Can I add extra greens?

Adding a handful of arugula, baby spinach, or mixed lettuces works wonderfully. This not only boosts the freshness factor but also makes your Celery Salad with Apples heartier and more substantial as a main dish.

How can I toast the nuts quickly?

Toss your nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring often. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell nutty and have a slightly deeper color. Let them cool before tossing into your salad for optimal crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, feel-good recipe packed with crunch and zest, give this Celery Salad with Apples a try. It’s a game-changer for any gathering and brightens up the simplest of meals. You’ll love how effortless and flavorful it is—so don’t wait, go slice up some celery and apples now!

Celery Salad with Apples Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and crunchy celery salad with crisp apples, toasted nuts, and a zesty dressing. This vegetarian salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Celery Salad:

6 celery stalks (thinly sliced)
2 crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional: 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese

Dressing:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Salad: Add the sliced celery, apples, and chopped parsley to the dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
Add Nuts and Cheese: Fold in the toasted nuts and cheese, if using.
Let Sit: Allow the flavors to meld for 10 minutes.
Serve: Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.