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 stalks of celery, sliced; 2 apples, cored and diced; 1 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Cooking

I love making this Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts when I'm looking for a refreshing and crunchy side dish. The combination of crisp celery, sweet apples, and hearty walnuts creates a symphony of textures and flavors that I can’t resist. This salad is not only delicious but also very simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any meal. The bright flavors and satisfying crunch always leave me feeling energized and ready to tackle the day.

Created by

Xanthe Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:29:34.416Z

When I first tried this Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts at a friend's gathering, I was blown away by how something so simple could taste so incredible. I decided to recreate it at home, and after a few tweaks, I landed on a version that my family loves. The secret is in the balance of flavors and textures, and I like to let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance the melding of tastes.

A tip that I think makes a big difference is to toast the walnuts slightly; this enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. I usually just pop them in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes, and it elevates the whole dish! This salad goes wonderfully with grilled meats or even as a light lunch option.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crisp and refreshing texture that revitalizes your palate
Sweet and tangy apples complement the savory celery perfectly
Quick prep time, making it ideal for weeknight meals or busy lunches

The Role of Flavor Balance

In this Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts, the interplay between sweet and savory is crucial. The crisp celery adds a refreshing crunch, while the apples introduce a pleasant sweetness that brightens the dish. When choosing apples, opt for varieties like Granny Smith for a tart bite or Fuji for added sweetness; both complement the savory notes of celery beautifully. The walnuts contribute nuttiness and a satisfying texture, ensuring that each bite is an exploration of contrasting flavors.

The dressing plays a pivotal role in enhancing this balance. The mayonnaise not only binds the ingredients but also brings a creaminess that mellows the sharpness of the lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon cuts through the richness and lifts the overall flavor profile. Be sure to mix the dressing until it’s smooth, which helps it coat the salad evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Perfecting Texture and Freshness

To achieve the best texture possible, be careful when slicing your celery. Aim for even, bite-size pieces to ensure that they maintain their crunch. If you prepare the salad ahead of time, consider keeping the celery and apples separate until serving. This prevents the apples from browning and the celery from becoming soggy, maintaining that refreshing crispness that makes this salad a hit at any meal.

When it comes to walnuts, toasting them can enhance their nutty flavor significantly. Simply spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. This added step elevates the texture and flavor of the salad, making it even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this refreshing salad:

Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, sliced
2 apples, cored and diced
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients well and enjoy your salad!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, diced apples, and chopped walnuts.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the celery mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Your refreshing Celery Salad is ready to be served!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the flavor. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on your preference for creaminess.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great aspects of this salad is its versatility for meal prep. If you're looking to save time during a busy week, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Slice the celery and chop the walnuts in advance, storing them in airtight containers. The apples can be prepped too, but to prevent browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before storing. Everything can be assembled on the day you plan to serve it, ensuring fresh flavors and crunch.

If you have leftovers, keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days as the ingredients may start to lose their crunch and freshness over time. Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of the celery and apples will not hold up well when thawed.

Variations to Try

This salad is highly customizable, allowing you to adapt it to suit your taste preferences or pantry items. For a protein boost, consider adding diced grilled chicken or chickpeas, which would turn this simple side into a hearty meal. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or almonds, which will add a unique flavor twist while keeping the satisfying crunch.

Herbs can be another delightful addition to this salad. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or even mint can impart a brightness that elevates the dish to new heights. For a more robust flavor, mixing in crumbled feta cheese can introduce a salty creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I replace mayonnaise with yogurt?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise and will give the salad a tangy flavor.

→ How long can I store the salad?

You can store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

→ Is there a vegan option for this salad?

Yes, you can use a vegan mayonnaise or make a dressing with tahini and lemon juice to keep it plant-based.

→ What other nuts can I use?

You can use almonds, pecans, or even pistachios as a substitute for walnuts, depending on your preference.