Crunchy Celery Apple Salad (Printable)

Refreshing salad blending celery, apples, toasted walnuts, and creamy feta tossed in zesty vinaigrette.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Fruit

01 - 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
02 - 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
03 - 2 cups mixed salad greens

→ Nuts & Cheese

04 - 1/2 cup walnut halves
05 - 3 oz feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

06 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon honey
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How to Make It:

01 - Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified and well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, combine celery, apples, and salad greens. Drizzle with prepared dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Sprinkle toasted walnuts and crumbled feta over the salad. Gently toss again or arrange toppings as desired for visual presentation.
05 - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while ingredients remain crisp and cool.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The texture contrast between crispy celery, tender apples, and toasted walnuts keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for when you want something fresh without the fuss.
  • The vinaigrette is just tart enough to balance the sweetness, without overpowering the delicate flavors.
02 -
  • Toast your walnuts fresh each time, because pre-toasted ones lose their flavor in a day or two sitting in the pantry.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving, or the greens will get soggy and the celery loses its snap.
03 -
  • Keep your salad greens dry before assembling; any water on them will dilute the dressing and make the salad taste flat.
  • If you're serving this at a picnic or potluck, pack the dressing separately and add it just before people eat, so everything stays crisp and bright.
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