Creamy Celery Salad With Apples

Name: Creamy Celery Salad With Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, chopped; 2 medium apples, diced; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 1/4 cup raisins (optional); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Quick Table Classics

I absolutely love this Creamy Celery Salad With Apples! This recipe combines the crunch of fresh celery with the sweetness of apples, all enveloped in a rich, tangy dressing. It's a refreshing dish that works perfectly as a side or even a light lunch. The mixture of textures and flavors creates a delightful experience with every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy weekdays or casual gatherings.

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:49:06.045Z

When I first tried this salad at a friend's picnic, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients worked harmoniously together. The crunchy celery paired beautifully with the crisp apples, creating a refreshing bite. This combination not only adds flavor but also a delightful texture that makes each forkful satisfying.

To elevate the dish further, I recommend allowing the salad to chill for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the dressing becomes even creamier. For an extra kick, try adding some chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of raisins for a touch of sweetness!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Refreshing crunch of celery balanced with sweet apples
Creamy dressing adds a rich and tangy flavor
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of celery and apples in this salad offers not just a contrast in flavors but also in textures. Celery provides a refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the crisp sweetness of the apples. For the apples, I recommend using a blend of tart and sweet varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, to elevate the flavor profile. Each bite will offer a delightful mix of crunch and juiciness, which is essential for an enjoyable salad.

Walnuts and raisins are optional but contribute significantly to the overall texture and sweetness of the dish. The walnuts add a rich, nutty depth, while raisins introduce a chewy element. If you're looking for alternatives, consider using pecans instead of walnuts for a slightly sweeter flavor, or swap raisins for dried cranberries to add a tart kick.

Perfecting the Dressing

The dressing is what brings this salad together, so balancing the acidity and creaminess is key. Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer taste, but if you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. Just keep in mind that yogurt will make the dressing tangier, so you might want to adjust the lemon juice accordingly to maintain that refreshing tang.

When mixing the dressing, aim for a smooth consistency; it should be thick enough to cling to your ingredients but not so thick that it overshadows the fresh flavors of the salad. If your dressing seems too thick, add a splash of water or additional lemon juice, stirring until you reach the desired creaminess.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Creamy Celery Salad with Apples is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a stylish presentation, consider serving it in lettuce wraps or on a bed of mixed greens to elevate its visuals and serve as a refreshing starter. Alternatively, it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, making it an ideal light lunch or dinner option.

If you're preparing the salad in advance, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, to maintain the crispness of the celery and apples, I recommend adding the dressing just before serving. If you need to transport it to a gathering, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to toss the salad to ensure that everything stays fresh and crunchy.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 stalks of celery, chopped
2 medium apples, diced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)

For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Toss until everything is well coated with the dressing.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and chop the celery into small pieces. Dice the apples, making sure to remove the cores. If using, chop the walnuts and set aside.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and lemon juice together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the celery, apples, walnuts, and raisins. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your creamy and refreshing salad!

Pro Tips

Try experimenting with different nuts or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing for a unique flavor twist.

Key Preparation Tips

When chopping celery, aim for uniform pieces to ensure even mixing and presentation. If you want a more refined look, try slicing the celery on a bias; this technique visually enhances the salad. Also, when dicing apples, keeping the skin on not only adds color but also provides additional nutrients and fiber.

To prevent apples from browning too quickly once cut, it's best to toss them with a little lemon juice after dicing. This not only preserves their bright color but also enhances the overall citrus notes in the salad. Another tip is to prepare your ingredients as close to serving time as possible to enjoy their freshest textures.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize this salad based on your preferences! For a fruity twist, add chopped fresh pears or even citrus segments like mandarin oranges. These additions will bring even more brightness and complement the creaminess of the dressing beautifully.

If you're looking for more protein, consider adding shredded chicken or chickpeas. This can turn the salad into a full meal, making it perfect for lunch. Additionally, for those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños can add an exciting kick to the dressing while enhancing the other flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes! This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve.

→ What types of apples work best?

Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a balance of tartness and sweetness.

→ Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a lighter option.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.