Crunchy Celery Salad with Apples

Name: Crunchy Celery Salad with Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, chopped; 2 crisp apples, diced; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh Season Kitchen

I love making this Crunchy Celery Salad with Apples as a refreshing and healthy side dish. The combination of crisp celery and sweet apples creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Each ingredient adds its own unique texture, making this salad a delightful crunch fest. It's become a favorite in my household, especially during warmer months when we crave something light and refreshing. Plus, it's quick to prepare, so it's great for busy days when I want to elevate my meal with minimal effort.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-30T01:01:29.718Z

One sunny afternoon, I decided to whip up a salad that didn’t just look good but also offered a satisfying crunch. After combining fresh celery with juicy apples, I felt that the addition of a tangy dressing would really elevate the dish. I experimented with a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, which brightened the flavors beautifully.

As I served the salad, I noticed how the vibrant colors popped on the plate, enhancing the overall appeal. It’s important to serve this salad immediately so that the ingredients retain their crispness. Trust me, you’ll want the crunch in every bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The refreshing crunch of celery combined with the sweetness of apples is utterly irresistible.
It’s a light dish that can complement any meal, making it versatile for brunch or dinner.
Simple & quick to make, this salad is perfect for hosting or a busy weeknight.

The Role of Celery and Apples

Celery plays a crucial role in this salad, providing not only a satisfying crunch but also a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness of the apples. When choosing celery, look for firm stalks with vibrant green leaves, as these will have the best flavor and texture. The crispness of celery holds up well in the salad, ensuring that it remains crunchy even after dressing. If your celery is limp or has significant browning, it's best to select fresher stalks.

Apples add a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the sharpness of the celery. Choosing the right variety is key; I often opt for a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their tangy flavor and satisfying crunch. These varieties maintain their texture in the salad and enhance the overall flavor profile. You can experiment with different apple types based on your preference, but avoid mealy apples that can break down too easily.

Enhancing Texture and Flavor

The addition of walnuts not only brings in healthy fats and protein but also adds a toasty flavor and crunch that enriches the salad. To maximize their flavor, I like to lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are fragrant and golden. This step can elevate the overall taste significantly, adding depth to an otherwise simple salad. If walnuts aren't your favorite, feel free to substitute with pecans or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

Dried cranberries contribute a chewy texture and a hint of tartness, which complements the other ingredients well. If you prefer a different dried fruit, consider using raisins or chopped dried apricots for a sweeter profile. Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of dried fruit, but keep in mind that it should balance with the other flavors without overpowering them.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make the Crunchy Celery Salad with Apples:

Salad Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, chopped
2 crisp apples, diced
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to prepare the ingredients just before serving for optimal freshness.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Crunchy Celery Salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping the celery into bite-sized pieces. Core and dice the apples, leaving the skin on for added texture. If desired, chop the walnuts to enhance their nutty flavor.

Combine and Dress

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, diced apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently to combine.

Season and Serve

Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for the best crunch, or refrigerate for a short time before serving if needed.

Enjoy your refreshing salad as a side dish with any meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped bell peppers or cucumber. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to make this salad ahead of time for a picnic or a gathering, consider storing the dressing separately until just before serving. This helps maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables and prevents them from becoming soggy. You can mix the yogurt and lemon juice dressing and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, allowing quick assembly when needed.

In terms of leftovers, this salad can be stored in the fridge for about 1-2 days. However, for the best texture, I recommend consuming it within the first day. If it does start to lose its crunch, adding a splash more of lemon juice or stirring in fresh chopped celery before serving can help revive its freshness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Crunchy Celery Salad with Apples pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish and can serve as a vibrant side dish for any meal. For a heartier option, consider adding diced cooked chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a main dish salad. The crunch and brightness of this salad can really balance heavier meals, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

For those looking to customize, feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for additional flavor. A sprinkle of feta cheese can also introduce a creamy, salty note that contrasts nicely with the crisp ingredients. Additionally, try experimenting with different dressings—an olive oil and apple cider vinegar mix can add a delightful tang if you're looking to switch things up.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best to prepare it fresh, but you can chop the ingredients a few hours in advance and mix them just before serving.

→ What other fruits can I add?

You can experiment with pears or citrus fruits for a different flavor profile.

→ Is this salad vegan-friendly?

Yes, simply replace the yogurt with a vegan alternative like almond yogurt.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but the texture may soften.