Celery, Apple & Walnut Salad
Crisp, refreshing celery and sweet apple tossed with crunchy walnuts in a creamy yogurt dressing. A light, vibrant salad that comes together in 15 minutes and works beautifully as a side for grilled dishes or as a quick standalone lunch.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~4 min
Toast the walnuts.
Place walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool, then roughly chop.
TIPWatch closely after 2 minutes — walnuts burn quickly. - prep · ~5 min
Prepare the celery and apple.
1.Trim the celery stalks and slice thinly on a slight diagonal for a nice shape.2.Core the apples and cut into small dice, about half-inch pieces. Leave the peel on for color and texture. - mix · ~1 min
Make the yogurt dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and honey until smooth.2.Season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Taste and adjust lemon or honey to your preference.TIPA pinch of salt brings the whole dressing together — don't skip it. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the salad together.
1.In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, diced apple, and toasted walnuts.2.Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.3.Sprinkle with fresh parsley and give one final gentle toss.TIPToss just before serving to keep the celery crisp and the apples from releasing too much juice. - serve
Serve immediately or chill briefly.
Divide the salad among bowls or serve family-style. Best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, shaking often to prevent burning.
- 2Slice celery on a diagonal for a more attractive, larger surface area in each bite.
- 3Leave the apple peel on for color, texture, and extra fiber.
- 4Toss the salad just before serving to keep celery crunchy and apples from browning.
- 5For a thicker dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt.
- 6Chill the finished salad for 30 minutes to let flavors meld without sacrificing crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Swap honey for pure maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a plant-based yogurt (coconut or soy) to make the salad fully vegan while keeping the creamy tang.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese or 1 cup of shredded rotisserie chicken to turn this side salad into a satisfying high-protein lunch.
nut freeNut-free
Replace walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nut allergen.
low sugarLow-sugar
Use a crisp green apple (Granny Smith) and reduce honey to 1 teaspoon, or omit it entirely if the apple is sweet enough.
herb swapHerb-swap
Substitute fresh parsley with fresh mint or dill for a completely different aromatic profile that pairs beautifully with apple and yogurt.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Celery and apple with skin provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, supporting healthy digestion and a feeling of fullness.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts are a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to cardiovascular wellness.
Good Source of Vitamin C
Fresh apple and lemon juice deliver vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Probiotic Support
The yogurt dressing contains live cultures that promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
You can prep the ingredients separately up to a day ahead, but toss with dressing only just before serving to keep the celery crisp and apple from browning.
