Apple Celery Walnut Salad

My grandmother used to make something similar when I was growing up, though she called it her crunch salad and never measured anything. I remember standing at her kitchen counter watching her slice apples with this old paring knife she'd had for decades, telling me the secret was in the thinness of the slices and the toasting of the nuts.

Last autumn I brought this to a dinner party when I'd completely forgotten to make a dessert and everyone was so focused on the salad nobody noticed. The host kept asking me for the recipe, and when I told her how simple it was she laughed and said sometimes the easiest things are the ones we overthink.

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples: I like using one Granny Smith for tartness and one Gala or Honeycrisp for sweetness, and slicing them paper-thin makes all the difference in how the flavors meld
• 3 celery stalks: Slice these thinly on the diagonal for more surface area and a prettier presentation
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Adds this fresh brightness that cuts through the richness of the nuts
• 1/2 cup walnuts: Toast them in a dry pan until fragrant, watching carefully because they go from perfect to burned in seconds
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Use something decent quality since the dressing is so simple
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything and helps keep the apples from turning brown
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: This is what emulsifies the dressing and gives it that little bite
• 1 teaspoon honey: Just enough to mellow the acid and bring out the apples natural sweetness
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don't be shy with the pepper, it really wakes up the celery

Instructions

Whisk together your dressing first:

In your largest bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, salt, and plenty of black pepper. Whisk until it thickens slightly and looks glossy.

Add the crunch:

Toss in the sliced apples and celery, then use salad tongs or your hands to gently turn everything until the produce is evenly coated.

Finish with the good stuff:

Fold in the toasted walnuts and chopped parsley, being careful not to crush the walnuts as you mix.

Taste and adjust:

This is the moment that matters, take a small bite and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or perhaps a tiny squeeze more lemon.

Serve it up:

You can plate it immediately or let it chill for about thirty minutes, which actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Save

Something about this salad just works, whether it's alongside a roast chicken on a Sunday or packed in a container for lunch the next day. I've started keeping toasted walnuts in my pantry just so I can throw this together whenever the craving hits.

Making It Your Own

Once you get comfortable with the base recipe, you'll start seeing all kinds of possibilities. Sometimes I add crumbled blue cheese when I want something more decadent, or swap in pecans for a sweeter nut flavor.

Perfecting The Crunch

The texture is really what makes this salad sing. Make sure your celery is fresh and crisp, and slice both the apples and celery thinly enough that you get this delicate crunch rather than chunks that feel overwhelming.

Serving Suggestions

This salad has become my go-to for when I need something that feels special but doesn't require any actual cooking. It's particularly good alongside something warm and savory, like roast chicken or a hearty grain bowl.

• Add some thinly sliced fennel for an extra layer of aromatic crunch
• A handful of arugula or baby spinach can turn this into more of a meal
• Try drizzling with a little balsamic glaze right before serving for a restaurant finish

Save

There's something so satisfying about a salad that feels substantial yet still light and refreshing. Hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again.

Common Questions

→ What apples work best in this salad?

Granny Smith and Gala apples are ideal for their crisp texture and balance of tart and sweet flavors.

→ Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds make great alternatives, providing similar crunch and flavor profiles.

→ How can I keep the apple slices from browning?

Tossing the apple slices briefly in lemon juice before mixing helps prevent discoloration and maintains freshness.

→ Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for gluten-sensitive individuals.

→ What dressing ingredients create the tangy flavor?

A blend of fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper forms a light, tangy dressing.