Celery Salad With Apples And Walnuts

Name: Celery Salad With Apples And Walnuts
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, chopped; 2 medium apples, cored and diced; 1 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Natural Cooking

I love making Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts, especially during the crisp fall months when fresh apples are at their best. The combination of crunchy celery, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts creates an invigorating texture that’s incredibly satisfying. This salad is not only refreshing but also a great side dish that pairs well with any main course. The best part is how quickly it comes together, making it a perfect choice for busy weekdays or festive gatherings.

Created by

Miranda Keats

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:09:34.737Z

When I first experimented with this Celery Salad, I was surprised by how the flavors melded together so effortlessly. Using a crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp adds a delightful sweetness that complements the bite of the celery perfectly. I also found that toasting the walnuts just slightly enhances their nutty flavor, giving the salad a nice depth.

During my last dinner party, this salad not only impressed my guests but also served as a colorful centerpiece on the table. I recommend serving it chilled for an extra refreshing experience, and it makes for great leftovers the next day, maintaining its crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crunchy texture that excites the palate
Balanced flavor with sweet and savory notes
Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion

Understanding Key Ingredients

The combination of celery, apples, and walnuts in this salad brings together a delightfully varied texture. Celery adds crispness and a refreshing crunch that serves as the backbone of the salad, while the apples introduce a sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements. Using crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji will enhance the flavor profile significantly, as they maintain their texture and flavor even when mixed with other ingredients.

Walnuts not only contribute a delightful crunch but also provide healthy fats and protein, making this salad more filling. When toasting walnuts, keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly; just a few minutes over medium heat until they start to smell fragrant will do wonders for their flavor. You can substitute walnuts with pecans for a different taste, but be sure to adjust toasting time accordingly since pecans may darken faster.

Prep and Assembly Tips

To make your prep time quicker, consider chopping the celery and apples ahead of time or even the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. If you're feeling creative, experimenting with the dressing can add a personal touch; for a tangier flavor, consider adding a touch of honey or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the yogurt dressing.

When mixing the salad, ensure that the dressing is evenly coated over all the components; this not only improves the flavor but also prevents the vegetables from browning too quickly. Toss gently with your hands or a large spoon, being careful not to bruise the apples. If the salad seems too dry, feel free to add an extra dollop of yogurt.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients:

Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, chopped
2 medium apples, cored and diced
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything in a large bowl to combine.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the celery and dice the apples. If desired, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, mix the chopped celery, diced apples, walnuts, and raisins. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and lemon juice, then pour over the salad.

Season and Serve

Toss everything gently until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Enjoy your fresh salad!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding additional ingredients like shredded carrots or diced grapes for extra sweetness and color.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead of time if needed. Store the prepared salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it's advisable to keep the diced apples and the dressing separate if you want to prevent sogginess. Just before serving, toss everything together for a crisp, refreshing experience.

If you have leftovers, you can still enjoy the salad the next day. Just remember that the texture will soften over time, so it might not have the same crunch as when it was first made. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can help revive the flavors and prevent further browning of the apples.

Serving Suggestions

Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main dishes. It complements roast chicken or turkey beautifully and can also serve as a refreshing side for more robust meals like barbecue. For a vegetarian option, try it alongside grilled vegetables or a hearty grain bowl.

For a festive presentation, consider serving the salad in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or mint. This not only elevates the visual appeal but also enhances the freshness of the dish. Additionally, a sprinkle of feta cheese can add an intriguing saltiness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the apples.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crunch.

→ What dressing alternatives can I use?

You can substitute yogurt with a vinaigrette or a dairy-free dressing for a different flavor profile.

→ Are there any nuts I can substitute?

Absolutely! Pecans or sliced almonds can be used in place of walnuts if you prefer.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but they are best consumed fresh.