Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad

Name: Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups celery, diced; 1 Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, diced; 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (optional); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper, to taste

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

March 31, 2025

Updated:

March 31, 2025

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Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad is a delightful mix that combines crisp textures with vibrant flavors. If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that can liven up any table, you’ve found it! With its satisfying crunch from celery and the rich nuttiness of walnuts, this salad isn’t just tasty—it’s also easy to whip up in no time. The dressing is a simple yet delicious balance of sweet and tart, thanks to ingredients like cranberries and apples. Plus, the best part? You can prepare it as a side dish or a stand-alone option for those busy days when you need something healthy fast.

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Everyone loves how quick it is to put together—and with just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your family or guests. This Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad can be a colorful side at dinner or a go-to meal prep dish that stays fresh in the fridge for days. Pair it with your favorite protein or enjoy it all by itself! Let’s explore how to make this scrumptious salad that’s bound to become a staple in your cooking routine.

Why This Recipe Works

The unique combination of crunchy textures and bright flavors ensures a refreshing experience. Celery provides a satisfying crunch, while the walnuts add a rich nuttiness that makes each bite an adventure.

Moreover, the vinaigrette dressing beautifully balances the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, bringing everything together seamlessly.

This salad is incredibly easy to prepare and adaptable, making it perfect for any occasion, be it a summer picnic or a cozy dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad

First, it’s nutritious and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice.

Also, this salad can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, which brings versatility to your dining table.

Quick to make, it requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, ideal for those busy weekdays.

Finally, it’s perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge for a few days, allowing for quick lunches or snacks on the go.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

4 cups celery, diced
1 Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, diced
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the Ingredients

To start, begin by dicing the celery and apple into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to grab a forkful of deliciousness.

Chop the Nuts and Onion

Next, finely chop the walnuts, pecans, and red onion. This enhances the texture of the salad, allowing each element to shine through.

Make the Dressing

Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well mixed. You want it emulsified for that perfect coating.

Toss the Salad

Combine the Salad Ingredients

Grab a large bowl, add the diced celery, apple, chopped walnuts, cranberries, and red onion. This is where the colors really pop!

Drizzle and Toss

Now, pour the vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated.

Serve & Enjoy

Let the Flavors Meld

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and mingle, making each bite even more delightful.

Fresh Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this crisp salad fresh as a light side dish, a refreshing snack, or even as part of a meal prep option. It’s versatile!

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, creating a balanced meal.

You can serve it alongside hearty soups or stews, complementing their warmth with its freshness.

For a quick lunch, it’s satisfying enough to stand alone.

Tips for Success

Always use fresh, crisp celery for the best flavor and crunch.
Allow the salad to marinate for a bit. This enhances the flavors, making every bite even better.
Adjust the sweetness of the dressing to your preference. Add more honey or apple cider for a sweeter touch if desired.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy veggies.

You can also substitute almonds for walnuts if you’re feeling adventurous. They’ll bring a different nutty flavor.

Incorporate seasonal fruits like pears or grapes for variety, making each iteration of this salad special.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This will keep everything fresh and delicious.

It’s a good idea to avoid adding dressing until just before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and enjoyable.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, feel free to prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just dress the salad right before serving to maintain its crunch.

2. Can I change the nuts used in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap walnuts with your favorite nuts, such as almonds or pecans, based on your taste.

3. What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and consume within three days for optimal taste and texture.

4. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, by using maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing, you can easily make it vegan.

5. Can I add protein to this salad?
Certainly! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu make great additions if you’re looking to boost the protein content.

The Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad not only delights the taste buds but also serves as a nutritious addition to any meal. Its burst of colors and textures makes it visually appealing while the combination of flavors creates a satisfying dish. Whether enjoyed alone or as a complement to your favorite protein, this salad will surely be a hit at your next gathering or a quick lunch at home. Try this simple yet exquisite recipe, and let its fresh ingredients rejuvenate your culinary routine. Enjoy!

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Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad