Crunchy Celery Apple Salad

Name: Crunchy Celery Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, chopped; 2 apples, diced (preferably honeycrisp or green apples); 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Inspiration

I love making Crunchy Celery Apple Salad because it combines refreshing flavors and satisfying textures that make for a perfect side dish. The crispness of the celery mixed with the sweetness of the apples creates a delightful contrast that’s both nutritious and delicious. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, meaning I can whip up this salad in just a matter of minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This salad is also easily customizable to suit any palate, making it a hit with my family and friends!

Created by

Nell Abernathy

Last updated on 2026-02-10T22:37:36.459Z

When I first tried this Crunchy Celery Apple Salad, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create such a wonderful dish. The bright crunch of celery pairs beautifully with the tartness of apples, and the dressing enhances every bite. While experimenting with different dressings, I discovered that a light vinaigrette brings out the natural flavors without overpowering them.

One specific tip that transformed my version of this salad was adding a sprinkle of lemon juice to keep the apples fresh and vibrant. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, keeping everything crisp and delicious even if the salad is prepared in advance!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The refreshing crunch of celery paired with sweet apples
A delightful mix of flavors that brighten any meal
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days

      

Understanding Your Ingredients

The backbone of the Crunchy Celery Apple Salad is the freshness of its ingredients. Celery not only provides that satisfying crunch, but it also brings a natural, mild flavor that meshes perfectly with the sweetness of apples. Honeycrisp or green apples work best due to their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, which elevates the overall taste of the dish. Feel free to experiment with other apple varieties, but be cautious of overly soft types that may turn mushy in the salad.

Adding walnuts introduces a delightful nutty flavor and additional crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be excellent substitutes, providing a similar texture without the allergens. The raisins contribute a burst of sweetness, complementing the apples and enhancing the salad's varied textures. For a bit of tartness, dried cranberries could also be a great alternative.

Perfecting Your Dressing

The dressing is a simple yet crucial part of this salad, bringing all the components together. Using Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also provides a healthy dose of protein and probiotics. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt can work well, although it may impart a slight coconut flavor. Be sure to whisk the dressing until it’s smooth, which ensures even distribution throughout the salad.

Honey adds natural sweetness, but you can adjust the quantity based on your preference for sweetness. Maple syrup is a great alternative for a vegan option. The lemon juice is not just for flavor; it helps keep the apples from browning too quickly. If you're planning to serve the salad later, consider adding the lemon juice directly to the diced apples beforehand to maintain their vibrant color.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Crunchy Celery Apple Salad:

Salad Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, chopped
2 apples, diced (preferably honeycrisp or green apples)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together for a delightful salad!

Instructions

Let's prepare this Crunchy Celery Apple Salad:

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. This will be your dressing.

Combine the Ingredients

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

Add the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, and toss everything together until well coated.

Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your refreshing salad!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to customize your salad to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This Crunchy Celery Apple Salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. It makes an excellent side for grilled chicken or fish, providing a refreshing contrast to heartier meats. I often serve it at barbecues or potlucks as it adds a light, fresh element to the table, enticing even the pickiest of eaters. Additionally, consider using this salad as a filling in wraps or as a topping for grain bowls to boost nutritional value.

To elevate your salad presentation, consider serving it in a clear bowl or individual cups to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or mint on top just before serving can add a fragrant touch and elevate its visual appeal, making it inviting for guests.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crunch of the celery will diminish over time, so it's recommended to consume it within 2-3 days. To ensure freshness, consider storing the dressing separately and mixing it in just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and keeps the flavors bright.

If you're preparing this salad for an upcoming event, you can chop the celery and apples a few hours in advance. However, I advise waiting to combine the ingredients until right before serving to maintain the crisp texture. Preparing the dressing ahead of time is also a time-saver. Just give it a good stir before use, since it may separate slightly when stored.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of dressing?

Absolutely! A light vinaigrette or even a simple olive oil and vinegar mix works great.

→ How long can I store this salad?

You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, just add the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.

→ Are there any substitutions for the walnuts?

Yes, you can use sunflower seeds, pecans, or even omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.