Celery And Apple Crunch Salad

Name: Celery And Apple Crunch Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups of chopped celery; 2 crisp apples, diced; 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped; 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Natural Healthy Meals Inspiration

I absolutely love making this Celery and Apple Crunch Salad as a refreshing side dish for any meal. The combination of crunchy celery and sweet apples, tossed together with a tangy dressing, creates a delightful contrast that awakens my taste buds. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for picnics or potlucks. Every bite is a burst of flavor, and I can never resist adding a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch. Trust me, this salad will be a hit at your next gathering!

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2026-02-16T04:11:37.153Z

When I first tried a Celery and Apple Crunch Salad at a friend’s barbecue, I was struck by how simple yet delicious it was. The freshness of the celery paired with the crispness of the apples created a satisfying texture that I couldn't get enough of. I decided to recreate it at home, experimenting with the dressing until I hit the perfect balance of sweetness and acid. Adding some nuts for an extra crunch really takes the salad to the next level.

This salad not only works well as a side dish, but it’s also a fantastic light lunch. I’ve found that letting it chill in the refrigerator for a little while before serving enhances the flavors. The longer it sits, the more the ingredients meld together, making every bite a delightful adventure in taste. It’s quick, easy, and always impresses!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Refreshing crunch with every bite
A perfect balance of sweet and savory
Quick to prepare and great for meal prep

The Versatility of Celery and Apple

Celery and apples bring a delightful contrast to this salad. Celery, with its satisfying crunch and slight earthiness, complements the sweetness of apples. I prefer using crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet flavors. This combination makes the salad not only refreshing but also texturally enjoyable; you'll find the crunchy bites from both celery and apples invigorating.

In addition to the base ingredients, you can experiment with various apple varieties to customize the flavor profile. For a more pronounced sweetness, opt for Fuji or Gala apples. If you want to emphasize tartness, stick with tart varieties such as Braeburn or Crispin. Each choice changes the flavor dynamics, providing flexibility based on personal preference and seasonal availability.

Perfecting the Dressing

The dressing is a crucial element of this salad, enhancing its overall flavor significantly. When combining the olive oil and apple cider vinegar, aim for a 3:1 ratio; this dressing strikes a balance between richness and acidity. Whisking the ingredients until they emulsify will give the dressing a silky texture, making it cling beautifully to the salad ingredients. If you’re in a rush, a jar with a tight-fitting lid works well for shaking up the dressing quickly.

For a unique twist, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing. This addition contributes extra depth and flavor complexity, making the salad even more exciting. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper after you've combined the dressing. A pinch of seasoning can make all the difference in brightening up the flavors.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for the salad:

Salad Ingredients

2 cups of chopped celery
2 crisp apples, diced
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all these ingredients to create a delectable salad.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Celery and Apple Crunch Salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the celery and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. If desired, chop the nuts and set aside.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, diced apples, walnuts, and raisins. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Serve the Salad

Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Delight in this simple yet vibrant salad that's bursting with flavors.

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute other nuts or add cheese for variety. You can also experiment with different types of apples for a unique flavor twist.

Customizing Your Salad

This salad is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your liking. If you’re looking to add more protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken or chickpeas, which can turn this salad into a more filling dish. For a unique flavor, try adding grated cheese, like sharp cheddar or crumbled feta, which can enhance the overall taste profile while still complementing the base ingredients.

If you want to amp up the nutritional value, consider tossing in some baby spinach or arugula. These greens will blend nicely with the apples and celery while adding a peppery twist. Additionally, you can sprinkle some seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for added crunch and healthy fats.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

For anyone looking to prepare this salad ahead of time, you can chop the celery and dice the apples a few hours in advance. Just remember to store the apple pieces in a little lemon juice to prevent browning. However, it's best to dress the salad just before serving to keep the celery crisp. If leftovers occur, the salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the texture may wilt as time passes.

If you need a longer shelf life, consider storing the salad’s components separately. Prepare the dressing and keep it in the fridge. The celery, apples, and nuts can be stored in containers; just assemble them together when you're ready to enjoy the salad. This method ensures the celery retains its delightful crunch and the apples stay fresh.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

→ What type of apples work best?

Crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used are gluten-free.

→ Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! Grilled chicken or chickpeas make excellent additions for a more filling meal.