Apple Celery Salad Walnuts

My grandmother used to make something similar when I was growing up, but she always insisted on letting the apples sit in the dressing for exactly ten minutes. She claimed it let the flavors become acquainted with each other, a phrase that used to make me roll my eyes until I tried making it myself and realized she was absolutely right.

I brought this to a friend's summer dinner party last year, and her husband who normally categorically refuses to eat celery actually went back for seconds. He stood in the kitchen eating it straight from the serving bowl while we were all cleaning up, which felt like the ultimate compliment to the dish.

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples: Granny Smith gives you that wonderful tart crunch while Gala brings natural sweetness, and keeping the skin on adds beautiful color and extra fiber
• 3 celery stalks: Thinly sliced on a slight angle creates these elegant ribbons that catch the dressing perfectly
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Finely chopped brings this fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the walnuts
• 1/2 cup walnut halves: Toast them until fragrant and roughly chop so you get these satisfying crunchy bits throughout every bite
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Use a really good quality one since the dressing is so simple
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything and helps keep those apples from turning brown
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Creates just enough sharpness to balance the honey
• 1 teaspoon honey: Pulls all the flavors together into something cohesive
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Dont be shy with these, they make everything sing

Instructions

Make the dressing first:

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in your large bowl until it becomes this gorgeous emulsified liquid.

Add the crunch:

Toss in those sliced apples and celery, then fold everything gently until each piece is lightly coated in the dressing.

Finish with texture:

Fold in the toasted walnuts and chopped parsley, being careful not to bruise the delicate ingredients.

Taste and adjust:

Take a small bite and add more salt or pepper if something feels missing.

Choose your moment:

Serve right now for maximum crunch, or let it chill for thirty minutes if you prefer the flavors to meld together more.

Save

This salad taught me that sometimes the simplest combinations are the most powerful, and that celery deserves way more credit than most people give it.

Make It Your Own

Ive discovered that crumbling some sharp blue cheese over the top transforms this into something completely different and indulgent, though purists might argue against it.

Perfect Pairings

This has become my go to alongside roast chicken because the acidity cuts right through the richness, and its equally wonderful with a piece of crusty bread for a light lunch.

Make Ahead Magic

You can slice everything ahead of time and keep it separate, but honestly this salad is best when it has that fresh just made quality.

• Keep the apple slices in a bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice if you need to prep them more than an hour ahead
• Toast and chop the walnuts the day before and store them in an airtight container
• Never dress the salad until right before serving or it will lose that beautiful crisp texture

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about a salad that requires absolutely no cooking but still feels special and thoughtful.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best for this salad?

Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweeter Gala apples provide a nice balance of flavor and crispness.

→ Can the walnuts be substituted?

Yes, pecans or almonds make great alternatives, offering different textures and flavors.

→ How can I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss sliced apples in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad to maintain their color and freshness.

→ Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?

Chilling for up to 30 minutes enhances crispness, but it can be served immediately without loss of flavor.

→ Can the dressing be modified for a different taste?

Adjust the honey or mustard quantities to balance sweetness or tanginess according to preference.