Celery Salad With Apples

Name: Celery Salad With Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, diced; 2 apples, diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/2 cup raisins; 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh Living Plates

I absolutely love making this Celery Salad With Apples because it offers a refreshing crunch that brightens any meal. The crispness of the celery combined with the sweetness of the apples creates a delightful contrast that I crave, especially in warm weather. This salad is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a go-to side dish for lunches or barbecues. It's an ideal way to incorporate more greens and fruity sweetness into my diet.

Created by

Ottilie James

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:49:36.162Z

When I first made this Celery Salad With Apples, I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and vibrant it tasted. I experimented with different dressings, but I found that a simple vinaigrette really complements the natural sweetness of the apples while enhancing the crispness of the celery. The trick is to slice the apples just before serving to keep them from browning, allowing their bright color and flavor to shine.

What makes this salad truly special is the textural contrast it brings to the table. Every bite provides various sensations from the crunch of the celery, the juiciness of the apples, and the creaminess of optional add-ins like feta cheese. This versatile recipe is a fantastic choice for any occasion and can easily be customized to suit your preferences.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crisp texture that invigorates your palate
Sweet and tangy flavor profile from fresh ingredients
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cleanup

Texture and Flavor Harmony

The combination of celery and apples provides a fantastic contrast in texture that elevates this salad. Celery adds a satisfying crunch, while the apples introduce a juicy sweetness. Choosing the right apple variety is crucial; Granny Smith apples lend a tangy bite, whereas Honeycrisp apples offer a honeyed sweetness. This balance makes each bite exciting and fresh, particularly on warm days.

In addition to the core ingredients, the addition of raisins brings a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness that complements the apples perfectly. The chopped walnuts contribute a nutty richness and elevate the mouthfeel of the dish. Finally, if you decide to include feta cheese, its creaminess and salty flavor create a well-rounded experience that ties all elements together.

Preparation Tips

When preparing this salad, ensure your celery is crisp and fresh; if it bends or feels limp, it will detract from the salad's overall texture. For the apples, dice them just before combining to prevent browning. A splash of lemon juice on the apple pieces can help maintain their color without altering the flavor significantly. This step is particularly important if you intend to prepare the salad ahead of time.

Toss the celery, apples, raisins, and walnuts gently to avoid bruising the apples or mashing the celery. Using a large mixing bowl provides ample space for proper mixing. When whisking the dressing, ensure it emulsifies completely for a glossy finish that coats each ingredient evenly.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, diced
2 apples, diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to adjust the quantities based on your preference and dietary needs.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced celery and apples. Add the raisins and walnuts as well.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the celery and apple mixture. Toss to coat evenly. If using feta cheese, crumble it on top before serving.

Serve Fresh

For the best flavor, serve immediately. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Feel free to experiment and add your favorite ingredients!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest. This salad is also excellent when served chilled, making it perfect for hot summer days.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but with a few tweaks, you can make it ahead of time and store it effectively. To prevent the salad from getting soggy, store the dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week, so don't hesitate to prepare it early. Just combine the salad components and the dressing right before serving for maximum freshness.

If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in a sealed container for 1-2 days. The flavors will meld over time, but the celery may lose some of its crunch. If you do notice the texture softening, consider adding more fresh diced celery just before serving to reinvigorate the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This Celery Salad With Apples pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or sandwiches, making it a versatile side dish. Its bright flavors can also complement rich dishes, offering a refreshing contrast. I often serve it alongside barbecue ribs or even on top of a bed of greens for a more substantial meal.

For an added visual appeal, consider garnishing the salad with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds or pomegranate arils. This not only enhances the color but also contributes an extra layer of flavor and crunch that guests will find delightful. Feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your preferences—this salad is easy to scale up or down as needed!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to avoid the salad becoming soggy.

→ What other fruits can I add?

You can add sliced grapes, pears, or even berries for a different twist on flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! You can omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.

→ How can I make this salad more filling?

Consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas to enhance both the protein content and heartiness of the salad.