Creamy Celery Apple Salad

Name: Creamy Celery Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups celery, chopped; 2 cups apples, diced (Granny Smith recommended); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh Collection

I absolutely love making this Creamy Celery Apple Salad whenever I need a refreshing yet indulgent side dish. The combination of crunchy celery, sweet apples, and a creamy dressing creates a delightful harmony of flavors. It’s a recipe that’s quick to whip up, perfect for busy days, and it somehow always impresses my guests. I particularly enjoy serving it at gatherings, as it adds a light, crisp contrast to heavier dishes. Once you try it, I think you’ll find it becomes a staple on your table, too!

Created by

Hester Lockwood

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:45:36.523Z

When I first experimented with this Creamy Celery Apple Salad, I wanted to create something that balanced flavors and textures. The key is to use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith to complement the freshness of celery. I also added a touch of lemon juice to keep the apples from browning and to enhance that fresh taste.

This recipe has evolved over the years, and I've found that tossing the salad just before serving keeps the ingredients deliciously crunchy. It’s the perfect sidekick for grilled meats or a picnic lunch. Trust me, the first bite will have you hooked!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp celery paired with sweet, juicy apples.
Rich, creamy dressing that ties it all together.
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The Role of Ingredients

In this Creamy Celery Apple Salad, the ingredients each serve a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor balance and texture. The crispness of fresh celery not only provides a satisfying crunch but also adds a refreshing element that complements the sweetness of the apples. Granny Smith apples are particularly recommended for their tartness, which contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing, ensuring the salad doesn’t feel overly rich.

The mayonnaise serves as the base for the dressing, creating a silky texture that clings beautifully to each ingredient. I recommend using a full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. The addition of lemon juice enhances the salad's brightness, balancing the creaminess with a tangy finish that keeps each bite refreshing.

Expert Tips for Perfecting the Salad

When preparing this salad, it's important to chop your celery and apples into uniform pieces. This ensures even distribution of flavors and makes the salad visually appealing. Aim for about a half-inch dice for both, which allows for easy mixing and a delightful crunch in every forkful. Also, if you plan to make this salad ahead of time, I recommend adding the apples last to prevent them from browning. A quick toss in a bit of lemon juice can help if you're preparing them earlier.

Letting the salad chill for at least 10 minutes in the refrigerator before serving is key. This short resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. I often find that the salad tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but slightly increase the lemon juice in the dressing during storage to keep everything vibrant.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delightful Creamy Celery Apple Salad.

Salad Ingredients

2 cups celery, chopped
2 cups apples, diced (Granny Smith recommended)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the salad ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Creamy Celery Apple Salad.

Prepare Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery and diced apples. If using, add the chopped walnuts to the mixture.

Make Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the celery and apple mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Your Creamy Celery Apple Salad is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can include dried cranberries or substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.

Serving Ideas

This Creamy Celery Apple Salad makes an excellent side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or grilled chicken. The refreshing crunch serves as a delightful counterpoint to heavier meals, and it’s a fantastic addition to potlucks or summer barbecues. To elevate it further, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an aromatic touch that brightens the overall presentation.

For a fun twist, you can transform this salad into a sandwich filling by adding some shredded rotisserie chicken. This not only adds protein but also provides a delicious, satisfying meal option that's perfect for lunch or picnics. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative that remains just as flavorful.

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding different ingredients to suit your tastes. Dried cranberries or raisins can introduce a delightful sweetness and chewiness that complements the crispness of the celery and apples. Similarly, adding a pinch of cinnamon can give it a warm, comforting flavor that feels seasonal, perfect for the holidays.

If you prefer a nuttier flavor, substitute pecans for walnuts, or try toasting them lightly before adding to the salad for an additional depth of flavor. Alternatively, for those avoiding nuts, sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch without the allergenic risks. These variations allow you to personalize the salad and keep it exciting each time you make it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time, but I recommend adding the walnuts just before serving for extra crunch.

→ What can I serve with this salad?

It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, turkey sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread.

→ Can I use other fruits in this salad?

Absolutely! Pears or grapes are excellent alternatives that add different flavors and textures.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.