Celery, Apple & Walnut Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring crisp celery, sweet and tart apple, and crunchy toasted walnuts, all brought together with a bright lemon-yogurt dressing.
For 4 servings
Prepare Walnuts: Preheat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnut halves and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool completely, then roughly chop.
Prepare Celery and Apple: Wash and thinly slice the celery stalks. Wash, core, and julienne the apple. To prevent browning, toss the julienned apple immediately with 1 teaspoon of the fresh lemon juice.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, remaining fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey (if using), sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared celery, apple, and toasted, chopped walnuts.
Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon-yogurt dressing over the celery, apple, and walnut mixture.
Toss and Serve: Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for best texture.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Prevent Apple Browning: Tossing julienned apples with a little lemon juice is crucial to maintain their fresh appearance.
- 2Toasting Walnuts: Don't skip toasting the walnuts; it significantly enhances their flavor and crunch. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly.
- 3Chill Dressing: If making ahead, prepare the dressing separately and chill. Add to the salad just before serving to keep the celery and apple crisp.
- 4Apple Choice: Use a crisp, sweet-tart apple variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture contrast.
Adapt it for your goals.
Savory Twist
Add crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese for a tangy, savory kick that pairs wonderfully with the apple and walnuts.
Fruity AdditionFruity Addition
Incorporate dried cranberries, golden raisins, or thinly sliced grapes for extra sweetness and chewiness.
Nutty AlternativesNutty Alternatives
Substitute pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for walnuts to vary the nutty flavor and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Celery and apples are excellent sources of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Vitamin C Boost
Apples and lemon juice contribute Vitamin C, an important antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
While the dressing can be made a day in advance, it's best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the celery and apple.
