I’ll be honest—celery used to be that forgotten vegetable in my fridge. You know, the one I’d buy with good intentions, then watch wilt into oblivion in the crisper drawer. It was a filler ingredient, a garnish at best. That is, until one afternoon when my fridge was looking painfully empty, and I had to get creative. I had a bunch of celery, a couple of apples, and a stubborn refusal to go grocery shopping. And just like that, my love for celery salad recipes was born.
I started chopping, tossing, and tasting, and before I knew it, I had a crisp, refreshing, and downright addictive celery apple salad. It had the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tang, and it made me wonder—why had I been sleeping on celery all this time? Now, this salad is a staple in my house, especially when spring salad cravings hit. It’s light, vibrant, and pairs beautifully with almost any meal. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together, which is a win in my book.
So, if you’re looking for a way to make celery the star of the show (instead of that sad, leftover veggie), this healthy celery salad recipe is the answer. Trust me, you’ll never see celery the same way again.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. It’s Light and Refreshing
Nothing screams fresh like a salad packed with crisp celery and juicy apples. This salad is the perfect palate cleanser, making it a great side dish for heavier meals or an easy, light lunch on its own.
2. The Crunch Factor is Off the Charts
If you love salads with texture, this one is for you. The crunch of celery, apples, and nuts creates a symphony of crispness in every bite. Say goodbye to soggy, boring salads.
3. A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The natural sweetness from apples combined with the mild bitterness of celery and the tanginess of the dressing makes every bite exciting. It’s a flavor combo that just works.
4. A Super Healthy Choice
This apple celery salad is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Celery is hydrating and packed with nutrients, while apples add natural sweetness without refined sugars. A guilt-free indulgence? Yes, please!
5. Ridiculously Easy to Make
If you’ve got 20 minutes, you can whip up this salad. It requires zero cooking—just chopping, mixing, and eating. Perfect for those days when you don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen.
6. It’s a Versatile Superstar
This salad can be customized a hundred different ways. Toss in some grilled chicken for a heartier meal, swap nuts for seeds, or experiment with different dressings. The possibilities are endless.
7. It Stores Well
Unlike some leafy salads that wilt within hours, this one stays crisp for a day or two in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option.
8. It’s Perfect for Spring and Summer Gatherings
Need a quick dish for a picnic, potluck, or barbecue? This spring salad is always a hit. It’s fresh, colorful, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even a glass of crisp white wine.
Ingredients for the Simple & Healthy Celery Salad with Apples
Salad Ingredients:
- 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced or julienned
- 1/4 cup walnuts (or pecans), roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
Salad Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment Needed:
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Measuring spoons
Cooking Instructions for the Simple & Healthy Celery Salad with Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and dry your celery and apple. Slice the celery into thin crescents. For the apple, remove the core and cut it into thin slices or julienne strips. Chop the nuts and parsley.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, and parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top. Give it one final gentle mix.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or let it sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If making ahead, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Notes
1. Choose the Right Apples
If you love a tart bite, go for Granny Smith apples. Prefer something sweeter? Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work beautifully.
2. Toast the Nuts for Extra Flavor
Toasting the walnuts or pecans in a dry pan for a few minutes will bring out their natural oils and add an irresistible depth of flavor.
3. Swap the Dressing for Variety
For a creamier twist, use a Greek yogurt-based dressing. If you want a bolder flavor, try a balsamic vinaigrette.
4. Make it a Full Meal
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to turn this light salad into a protein-packed meal.
5. Keep the Apples from Browning
If you’re prepping ahead, toss the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.
6. Experiment with Add-Ins
Try adding avocado, sunflower seeds, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick. The beauty of salads with celery is that they’re endlessly customizable.
Macronutrient Count Per Serving
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 14g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Pro Tips for the Recipe
1. Chop Everything Evenly
Cutting the celery and apples into uniform sizes ensures a perfect bite every time. No one wants a mouthful of just celery or just apple—it’s all about balance!
2. Use Fresh, Crisp Celery
The crunch factor is key in this salad. Look for firm, bright green celery stalks. If your celery is a bit limp, soak it in ice water for a few minutes to revive its crispness.
3. Let the Flavors Marinate
While you can eat this salad right away, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes allows the dressing to soak into the ingredients, enhancing the flavors.
4. Add a Crunchy Topping
For extra texture, sprinkle toasted nuts, sunflower seeds, or even crispy chickpeas on top before serving.
5. Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter salad, opt for Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. For a more tart contrast, Granny Smith apples are your best bet.
6. Double the Batch for Meal Prep
This salad holds up well in the fridge for a day or two, making it a great make-ahead option. Just store the dressing separately and mix before eating.
Celery Salad Chronicles: Your Questions Answered!
1. What can I serve with this celery salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple sandwich. It also makes a great side for BBQ dishes, roasted meats, or even as a refreshing contrast to a cheesy pasta dish.
2. How can I make this salad even better?
Try adding a handful of arugula for a peppery bite, some crumbled blue cheese for richness, or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of sweetness.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! If prepping ahead, store the apple slices in lemon water to prevent browning and keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the honey for maple syrup and skip the cheese (or use a plant-based alternative).
5. What’s the best type of apple to use?
It depends on your preference! Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for a balance of sweet and crisp, or Fuji for a naturally sweet bite.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a quick toss before eating to redistribute the dressing.
