This crunchy celery apple salad is the perfect blend of crisp, creamy, and tangy flavors—ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch side. With crunchy apples, crisp celery, and toasted walnuts tossed in a light, zesty dressing, it’s a simple salad that delivers big on texture and taste. Ready in minutes and made with everyday ingredients, it’s a great way to use up extra apples and celery! In less than 30 minutes, you can have this easy Crunchy Celery Apple Salad ready to eat. For busy moms, getting good food on the table fast that everyone will enjoy is the goal. 
This recipe with crisp apples and celery stalks is a delicious and satisfying salad. Simple salads that taste good inspire healthy eating for everyone. We have affiliate relationships, which means we may earn a small referral commission at no additional cost to you if you shop using our affiliate links.
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What Other Dishes Can Be Served with Crunchy Celery Apple Salad?
This is a lighter and healthier take on the traditional Waldorf salad. It can be a great side dish for steak, grilled meat, and picnic food.
Kitchen Notes and Tips
- You may want to prepare a double batch for this salad because the flavors used in this recipe can intensify with time. If you have an airtight container, use it to store any leftovers that can last up to several days in the refrigerator.
- If you plan to store the chopped apples and want to minimize the browning, toss them with fresh lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This can also help maintain that juicy apple flavor.
- The apples used in this recipe are called Pink Lady apples. If they are unavailable in your area, consider using Jazz, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. I highly recommend any of the three as they offer a nice crunch and will not brown too quickly. Some people I know prefer a sharp taste with their salad and opt to use a Granny Smith apple in this kind of crunchy salad recipe.
- Optional variation: Use sour cream or plain yogurt for the dressing.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: less than 5 minutes Total time: less than 30 minutes Serves: 4-6
Ingredients for Celery Apple Salad
Maple-Dijon Salad Vinaigrette
- 1 t. Dijon Mustard**
- 2 T. real maple syrup
- 2 T. red wine vinegar
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
**For less sweet results, add 1-2 additional teaspoons of Dijon mustard
Other Crunchy Apple Celery Salad Recipe Ingredients
- ¼ c. pecans, roughly chopped, divided
- 6 sliced large celery stalks, preferably organic
- Celery leaves (from stalks), roughly chopped*
- 1 large red sweet apple, chopped
- ¼ c. dried cranberries
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 T. Parmesan cheese, shaved (or blue cheese, if preferred)
Supplies used
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How To Make Crunchy Celery Apple Salad
#1. Prepare the vinaigrette by adding all ingredients to a salad shaker or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake vigorously to combine. Once finished, place it in a medium bowl then set aside. #2. Add chopped pecans to a small dry skillet set over medium heat. Heat for several minutes and stir occasionally until toasted. Remove from heat and place in a small bowl. #3. Add celery, cut apples, celery leaves, cranberries, and three tablespoons toasted pecans to a large bowl. Season with a pinch of salt or more with black pepper, to taste. Drizzle the vinaigrette on top and toss to combine. 
#4. To serve, divide the salad onto chilled salad plates and top with remaining toasted pecans and shaved Parmesan cheese. Enjoy! 
Don’t forget to share this delicious vegetable and fruit salad recipe with your friends and loved ones!
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My favorite time-saving kitchen gadgets are also on my Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Looking For Another Perfect Salad To Try Next Time?
Try out our other amazing salad recipes!- Seared Swordfish Salad
- Peach Blackberry Salad
- Deconstructed Waldorf Salad
- Chicken Paillard Salad [Gluten-Free]
- Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
- Classic Salad with Spinach and Warm Bacon Dressing
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Crunchy Celery Apple Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Maple-Dijon Salad Vinaigrette
- 1 t. Dijon Mustard**
- 2 T. real maple syrup
- 2 T. red wine vinegar
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
- **For less sweet results add 1-2 additional teaspoons of Dijon mustard
Crunchy Apple Celery Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 1/4 c. pecans , roughly chopped, divided
- 6 sliced large celery stalks preferably organic
- Celery leaves from stalks, roughly chopped*
- 1 large red sweet apple , chopped
- 1/4 c. dried cranberries
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 T. Parmesan cheese , shaved (or blue cheese, if preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette by adding all ingredients to a salad shaker or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake vigorously to combine. Once finished, place it on a medium bowl then set aside.
- Add chopped pecans to a small dry skillet set over medium heat. Heat for several minutes and stir occasionally until toasted. Remove from heat and place in a small bowl.
- Add celery, cut apples, celery leaves, cranberries, and three tablespoons toasted pecans to a large bowl. Season with a pinch of salt or more with black pepper, to taste. Drizzle the vinaigrette on top and toss to combine.
- To serve, divide the salad onto chilled salad plates and top with remaining toasted pecans and shaved Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Love this! Took it to a family dinner and got requests for the recipe. I have made it several times for us at home! yum!
Lana you made my day! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know. xoxo Lori