Celery Apple Crunch Salad
This Celery Apple Crunch Salad is a refreshing and crisp dish that’s perfect for warm days or as a light side at any time of year. Bursting with the natural sweetness of apples and the fresh peppery crunch of celery it’s balanced with a creamy dressing and a nutty finish. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch a picnic addition or a holiday side this salad is simple to throw together and always a crowd-pleaser. The contrast of textures—from the crisp apples and celery to the crunchy walnuts and optional dried cranberries—makes every bite exciting.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 15–30 minutes
Total Time: 15–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 cups chopped celery
2 medium apples cored and chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup dried cranberries optional
1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl combine the chopped celery apples walnuts and cranberries if using
In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise or yogurt with lemon juice then season with salt and pepper
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated
Chill in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes if desired or serve immediately
Tips and Variations
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for more flavor depth
Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan to bring out their nutty aroma
Swap walnuts with pecans almonds or sunflower seeds for a different crunch
Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a herby twist
Mix in a few grapes halved for a juicy surprise
For a tangier dressing add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard
Make it vegan by using plant-based mayo or a tahini-lemon dressing
To make it heartier stir in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas
Q&A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes you can make it a few hours in advance Just keep it chilled and give it a quick stir before serving
Q: What type of apple works best?
A: A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith adds a nice balance of flavor
Q: Can I use yogurt instead of mayo?
A: Yes plain Greek yogurt works great for a lighter version and adds a bit of tang
Q: How do I keep the apples from browning?
A: Toss them in a little lemon juice right after chopping to keep them fresh-looking
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes it is naturally gluten-free but always double-check any packaged ingredients
Q: Can I add protein to make it a meal?
A: Definitely try adding grilled chicken tuna or cooked chickpeas to make it more filling
Nutrition Information
Per serving approximately
Calories 210
Protein 4g
Fat 15g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 10g
Sodium 180mg
Conclusion
This Celery Apple Crunch Salad is crisp light and full of flavor It comes together fast with simple ingredients and works great as a side dish or light lunch With its mix of textures and fresh taste it’s a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again