Celery Salad With Apples And Walnuts

Name: Celery Salad With Apples And Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped celery; 2 cups diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji); 1 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Favorites

I absolutely love making this Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts whenever I crave something refreshing and satisfying. The crispness of the celery paired with the sweet crunch of apples creates a delightful balance. Toss in some toasted walnuts for an added richness, and you’ve got a side dish that’s not only delicious but also brings a pop of color to any table. This salad is a favorite in my household, perfect for picnics or even as a light lunch on its own. You’ll want to keep this recipe on hand!

Created by

Ottoline Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:39:35.138Z

When I first experimented with this salad, I wanted to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients without overwhelming them. I quickly discovered that the tartness of the apples complements the crispness of the celery beautifully. Adding a zingy lemon dressing really elevates the flavors, making it a refreshing option any time of year.

One of my favorite tips is to toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad. This enhances their nuttiness and adds another layer of flavor that truly makes the dish sing. Trust me, it’s a small step that brings big results!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The crunchy texture of celery combined with sweet apples and toasted walnuts
Light, refreshing flavor that works perfectly as a side or light meal
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings

Choosing Your Ingredients

When selecting celery for your salad, look for crisp, fresh stalks with bright green color. A common mistake is to choose limp or discolored celery, which can detract from the salad's refreshing crunch. The apples are equally important; Granny Smith apples impart a zesty tartness that complements the salad, while Fuji apples provide a sweeter taste. A mix of these varieties can offer the best of both worlds, enhancing the complexity of flavors in your dish.

Incorporating dried cranberries is optional, but they add a lovely chewiness and a burst of sweetness that elevates the salad. If you're avoiding added sugars, consider swapping out cranberries for unsweetened dried fruits, such as apricots or figs. Each fruit brings a unique flavor profile, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the salad. Remember, the key to a vibrant dish lies in using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients you can find.

Perfecting the Dressing

The dressing in this recipe is simple yet essential for tying all the flavors together. When whisking the lemon juice and olive oil, make sure to do so until the mixture comes together into a light emulsion; this ensures that the dressing coats the salad effectively. Adjust the seasoning gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve the right balance of acidity from the lemon and creaminess from the olive oil. If you're looking for an alternative, a yogurt-based dressing can add creaminess while keeping the salad light.

To enhance the flavors even further, consider adding a pinch of zest from the lemon to your dressing. This will brighten the overall profile. If you prefer a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne or a few slices of fresh jalapeño can bring an exciting twist. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your preferred spice level, which can vary greatly from person to person.

Ingredients

To make this delicious salad, gather the following ingredients:

Salad Ingredients

4 cups chopped celery
2 cups diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
1 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

This combination of ingredients makes for a vibrant salad that’s as tasty as it is nutritious!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad:

Prepare Ingredients

Chop the celery into bite-sized pieces and dice the apples. If using, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.

Mix Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, diced apples, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries.

Make Dressing and Toss

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.

Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing celery salad, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or a light meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some crumbled feta cheese or adding a dash of honey to the dressing for a hint of sweetness.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, be aware that the longer the salad sits, the softer the celery and apples will become. To maintain the crisp texture, consider storing the dressing separately and tossing it with the salad just before serving. This way, you can enjoy the refreshing crunch of the vegetables even after a day.

For meal prep enthusiasts, this salad can be assembled ahead of time if you keep the apples from browning. Consider tossing the diced apples in a bit of lemon juice before combining them with the other ingredients; this will help maintain their vibrant color and fresh taste. Pre-packaged salads can also be a convenient option for lunches, especially when paired with a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment with the nut component of this salad. While walnuts are classic, pecans or slivered almonds can also provide delightful variations in texture and flavor. For a unique twist, try adding a handful of crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese, which will introduce a creamy, tangy element to the salad that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the celery and apples.

If you're interested in making this salad heartier, consider adding cooked quinoa or farro. This will not only enhance the salad's nutritional profile but also make it more filling, turning it into a complete meal. Spinach or arugula can be tossed in for added greens, giving you more versatility while still keeping it light and refreshing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best to prepare this salad fresh, but you can prep the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Combine them just before serving.

→ What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith or Fuji apples are ideal as they provide a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors.

→ Can I substitute nuts for something else?

Yes! You can use seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you have nut allergies.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh.