A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring crisp celery, sweet apples, toasted walnuts, and tart cranberries, all tossed in a light vinaigrette for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This simple yet flavorful dish is ideal as a side or a light meal, bringing together fresh ingredients for a satisfying crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Refreshing – The crisp celery and apples make this salad incredibly refreshing and perfect for any season.
Perfect Balance of Flavors – The sweetness of apples and cranberries contrasts beautifully with the tangy vinaigrette and nutty crunch.
Nutrient-Packed – Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, this salad is a wholesome addition to any meal.
Quick and Easy to Prepare – With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a delicious salad ready in no time.
Versatile and Customizable – Easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

4 cups celery, diced
1 apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji works best)
½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ 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
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the celery and apple into small bite-sized pieces. Chop the toasted walnuts and pecans, and finely dice the red onion.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the diced celery, apple, walnuts, cranberries, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to evenly coat all ingredients.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve fresh as a light side dish or a refreshing snack.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per Serving: 180 kcal

Variations

Add Cheese – Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy element.
Make It Heartier – Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Use Different Nuts – Try almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds for a unique twist.
Citrus Boost – Add orange or grapefruit segments for a burst of citrus flavor.
Spicy Kick – Sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Make-Ahead Tip: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the apples from browning and the celery from losing its crunch.
Not Freezer-Friendly: Due to the fresh ingredients, this salad does not freeze well.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.

2. What type of apple works best?

Crisp and slightly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best.

3. How do I keep the apples from browning?

Toss the diced apples with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

4. Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Yes, pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds make great alternatives.

5. Is this salad vegan?

Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey, this recipe is fully vegan.

6. Can I add a protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make a great protein addition.

7. Can I use store-bought dressing instead?

While homemade dressing gives the best flavor, a light vinaigrette or balsamic dressing works as a quick alternative.

8. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

9. Can I serve this salad warm?

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature for maximum crunch.

10. What can I pair this salad with?

It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, soups, or as part of a brunch spread.

Conclusion

This Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad is a delightful combination of crisp, sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a refreshing light meal, or a nutritious snack, this salad is an easy and delicious option. Try it today and enjoy its fresh and satisfying crunch!

Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad