Crispy Celery and Apple Salad

Name: Crispy Celery and Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, sliced; 2 medium apples, cored and chopped; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh Meals

I absolutely love how refreshing and crunchy this Crispy Celery and Apple Salad is! The unique combination of crisp celery, sweet apples, and a zesty dressing creates a perfect balance that is both light and satisfying. I often prepare this salad as a quick side dish or a light lunch option. It's not only versatile but also a great way to sneak in some nutritious veggies and fruits into my meals. Trust me, this salad will brighten up your day and your dining table!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-30T01:31:29.207Z

When I first made this Crispy Celery and Apple Salad, I wasn't sure how well the flavors would work together. But once the sweet and tart apples met the refreshing crunch of the celery, I was hooked! The addition of a squeeze of lemon juice gives it a wonderfully bright flavor that elevates the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary.

I also like to experiment with different nuts and seeds to top this salad. Whether you choose walnuts or sunflower seeds, they add an extra crunch and a nutritional boost. It's a fun recipe to mix and match based on what's in season or what you have on hand in your pantry!

Why You'll Love This Salad
Crunchy texture that invigorates your palate
Perfectly paired with a tangy dressing
Quick and easy to prepare for busy days

Unlocking Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is crucial for making this Crispy Celery and Apple Salad shine. The crisp celery adds a refreshing crunch, while the sweetness of the apples balances the dish beautifully. When selecting apples, consider using a variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for their sweetness and crisp texture. Opting for crunchy walnuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds healthy fats. This combination of flavors will elevate the salad, making it an irresistible addition to your meals.

Don't forget about the feta cheese in this salad. Its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the apples and the earthy notes of the walnuts perfectly. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute feta with a nut-based cheese or simply a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to achieve a similar taste without the dairy.

Dressing Dynamics

This salad dressing is not just a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice; it enhances the overall flavor of the salad while bringing all the ingredients together. Using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice makes a significant difference in brightness and taste. Honey acts as a natural sweetener that balances the acidity of lemon. When whisking the dressing, ensure it reaches a smooth and glossy consistency, which indicates that it is well-emulsified and ready to coat your salad seamlessly.

If you're looking to experiment with flavors, consider adding minced garlic or Dijon mustard to the dressing for an extra layer of zest. These ingredients can elevate the dressing, providing warmth and depth. Just a teaspoon of either can transform the dish. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, keeping in mind that a little salt goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the ingredients.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, sliced
2 medium apples, cored and chopped
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix your salad well before serving!

Instructions

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, chopped apples, walnuts, raisins, and feta cheese.

Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

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

Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!

Enjoy your salad cold for the best taste!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other ingredients like carrots or even chicken for a heartier meal!

Make-Ahead Tips

This Crispy Celery and Apple Salad is perfect for meal prep. You can wash and chop the celery and apples in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Just be sure to use a little lemon juice on the apples to keep them from browning. Make the dressing separately and store it in a jar. This way, your lunch or dinner prep will be a breeze—quickly toss everything together when you're ready to eat!

If you plan to serve this salad for a gathering, consider preparing it up to 2 hours ahead of time. However, for the best texture, add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your taste preferences! Instead of walnuts, almonds or pecans can be used, offering a slightly different flavor profile. You can also swap out feta cheese for goat cheese, which will add a creamier texture and tangy flavor that enhances the salad's overall taste. Additionally, incorporating seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds can add a delightful twist and visual appeal to your dish.

For those wanting an extra kick, adding some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing can provide a zesty heat that complements the sweet apples wonderfully. Don't hesitate to experiment; your creative touch can lead to delicious new interpretations of this refreshing salad!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad but add the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese or omit the cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.

→ How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?

It is best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

→ Can I use another type of nut?

Absolutely! Almonds or pecans would also work well in this salad.