Celery Salad With Apples And Walnuts

Name: Celery Salad With Apples And Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, chopped; 2 apples, diced (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith); 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Daily Kitchen

I absolutely love making this Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts whenever I want a fresh and crunchy dish. The combination of crisp celery, sweet apples, and toasted walnuts creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. It's a simple salad that comes together in just a few minutes and is perfect as a side or light lunch. Each bite is refreshing, making it a fantastic choice for warm days or as a complement to various dishes.

Created by

Rhiannon Sutherland

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:25:43.641Z

When I first tried this Celery Salad with Apples and Walnuts at a friend's gathering, I was immediately captivated by its refreshing taste. It’s bright, crisp, and the walnuts add a lovely crunch that truly elevates the experience. I decided to recreate it at home, and experimenting with the ratios of ingredients led me to the perfect balance. A touch of lemon juice ties everything together beautifully, keeping the apples from browning and adding a zesty twist.

One of my favorite tips is to toast the walnuts before adding them to the salad—this enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible warmth to the dish. I also love serving this salad chilled; it makes for an even more refreshing bite during hot summer days. Whether as a side or a light meal, this salad always hits the spot!

        Why You'll Love This Salad
        Crunchy and refreshing with a touch of sweetness
Nutty flavor from toasted walnuts enhances every bite
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients

      

Choosing the Right Apples

The type of apple you use can significantly impact the flavor of your celery salad. Tart apples, like Granny Smith, provide a refreshing contrast to the crunchy celery and nutty walnuts, enhancing the overall balance of the dish. Avoid overly sweet varieties like Fuji or Red Delicious, as they can overwhelm the other flavors. Take the time to taste a few types; the right apple can elevate this salad from good to extraordinary.

Consider using a mix of apples for added complexity. For example, combining tart apples with a sweeter variety can create a delightful flavor profile. If you're looking for a touch of color, red-skinned apples not only add visual appeal but also bring unique flavors to the mix. Just ensure whatever apples you choose are firm and fresh to maintain the salad's crisp texture.

Perfecting the Toasted Walnuts

Toasting the walnuts is a crucial step that elevates the salad's flavor profile. Use a dry skillet over medium heat, and keep an eye on the walnuts as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in under a minute. Stir frequently, and look for a fragrant aroma and a golden-brown color to indicate they are ready. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be a great substitute while still providing that crunchy texture.

After toasting, let the walnuts cool slightly before adding them to the salad. This prevents them from wilting the salad and helps maintain its refreshing texture. Store any leftover toasted walnuts in an airtight container to preserve their crunch; they can be useful for other salads or toppings.

Dressing Variations and Storage Tips

While Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base for the dressing, you can customize the flavors to suit your taste. Adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup can enhance the sweetness of the apples, making the salad even more delightful. Alternatively, a splash of apple cider vinegar can heighten the salad's tartness, giving it an extra pop. Experimenting with different herbs, like fresh dill or parsley, can also add a unique twist.

If you plan to make the salad in advance, consider storing the components separately. Keep the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator and mix it in right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. The salad can last for about 2 days in the fridge, though the apples may begin to brown. A squeeze of lemon juice on the apples before adding them to the salad can help maintain their vibrant color.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Celery Salad

4 stalks of celery, chopped
2 apples, diced (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the celery into bite-sized pieces and dice the apples. Make sure to remove the core from apples before dicing.

Toast the Walnuts

In a dry skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let them cool slightly.

Mix the Dressing

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, mix the chopped celery, diced apples, and toasted walnuts. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat evenly.

Serve

Chill the salad for about 10 minutes before serving, if desired. Enjoy your refreshing celery salad!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add raisins or dried cranberries to the salad. Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference.

Serving Ideas

This celery salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, providing a refreshing counterpoint to heartier dishes. It also makes for a delightful light lunch when served with whole-grain crackers or a slice of crusty bread. Consider presenting it on a bed of mixed greens for an elegant touch, especially if you’re serving guests.

For a party or gathering, serve this salad in a large bowl with a generous garnish of additional walnuts and apple slices on top to create an inviting visual appeal. Providing a small bowl of extra dressing on the side allows guests to customize their servings according to taste.

Make-Ahead Options

Preparing your celery salad ahead of time can simplify meal planning. You can chop the celery and apples a few hours in advance; just remember to toss the apples with lemon juice to keep them from browning. Toast the walnuts in advance as well, so they’re ready to go when you're ready to assemble your salad.

If you’re taking this salad to a picnic or potluck, consider packing each ingredient separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch. This approach also allows for any last-minute adjustments, like dressing preferences or additional toppings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator and add the dressing right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for walnuts?

Pecans or almonds work great as substitutes if you prefer a different nut flavor.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I add different vegetables?

Absolutely! Adding grated carrots or sliced bell peppers can give the salad more colors and textures.