Zesty Celery Crunch with Cider Dressing

Refreshing Celery Salad with Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthy, Flavorful Dish

Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates crisp textures, vibrant flavors, and incredible health benefits! While I’m not a dietician, I affectionately refer to this Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette as my “digestion salad” because of how wonderfully light and energized I feel after enjoying it. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a refreshing meal that will invigorate your senses and nourish your body, making it a perfect addition to any healthy eating plan.

This exquisite celery salad recipe is a symphony of carefully chosen ingredients, each contributing to a delightful sensory experience. It features thinly shaved fennel, offering a delicate anise note, combined with crisp celery slices for that unmistakable crunch. Vibrant green apple adds a burst of tart sweetness, while freshly chopped Italian parsley provides herbaceous freshness. Crunchy toasted walnuts introduce a nutty depth and healthy fats, all beautifully complemented by a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This harmonious blend of textures and tastes is truly hard to resist, providing a satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and tangy elements.

To elevate this fresh medley to the next level, the entire dish is tossed in a zesty, homemade apple cider vinaigrette. This simple yet profound dressing brightens every bite, tying all the components together with its tangy, slightly sweet, and peppery notes. It’s the perfect finishing touch that transforms a simple combination of ingredients into an unforgettable salad experience.

If you appreciate simple yet elegant salad recipes that pack a punch of flavor and nutrition, you’ll love exploring other fresh creations like our Greek Pasta Salad, invigorating Zucchini Salad, or the comforting Simple Fall Salad. Each offers a unique taste experience, but this Celery Salad stands out for its unique blend of textures and metabolism-boosting ingredients, promising to become a cherished recipe in your healthy kitchen.

Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette – Healthyish Foods
A vibrant and refreshing Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, ready to be enjoyed.
Table of Contents

Why You’ll Adore This Celery Salad: A Blend of Flavor & Wellness

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a testament to how simple, whole ingredients can create an extraordinary culinary experience that aligns perfectly with a healthy lifestyle. Here’s why this Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette will quickly become a cherished recipe in your repertoire:

  • Unleash a Nutrient Powerhouse: Every bite of this salad is packed with essential nutrients, making it a truly wholesome choice. Celery offers incredible hydration and vital fiber, which are essential for supporting healthy digestion and promoting overall gut health. Fennel contributes a unique, delicate licorice-like flavor while being rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamin C. Crisp green apples provide a refreshing crunch, natural sweetness, and a significant boost of dietary fiber and various vitamins. The toasted walnuts deliver healthy omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation throughout the body. Fresh Italian parsley adds a burst of vibrant freshness and potent antioxidants, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese provides calcium and a touch of savory protein. This synergistic blend makes the salad a fantastic meal you can feel fantastic about eating.
  • Infinitely Customizable to Your Taste: One of the greatest joys of home cooking is the freedom to personalize a recipe, and this celery salad is wonderfully adaptable. Feeling adventurous? You can easily swap the toasted walnuts for the rich, buttery crunch of toasted pine nuts, thinly sliced almonds, or vibrant pistachios. Don’t have green apples on hand? A crisp red apple like Honeycrisp or Gala would also be delicious, offering a slightly different, perhaps sweeter, profile. You can even experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or mint for a unique aromatic twist. This impressive versatility ensures the salad never gets boring and always suits your current cravings or whatever fresh ingredients you happen to have in your pantry.
  • Bursting with Seasonal Flavors, Enjoyable All Year Round: While celery, fennel, and apples are particularly abundant and flavorful during the harvest season, making this an ideal autumn dish, their consistent year-round availability means you can enjoy this wonderfully refreshing salad at any time. The bright, crisp combination of fresh vegetables and fruit with a tangy vinaigrette is equally delightful as a light summer lunch, a vibrant spring side dish, or a refreshing winter pick-me-up when you’re craving something fresh. It truly transcends seasons, bringing brightness and healthy goodness to any table, regardless of the time of year.
  • Effortlessly Easy & Quick to Prepare: In our busy, fast-paced lives, recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort are invaluable. This celery salad is incredibly simple to assemble, requiring only basic knife skills and a whisk. Most of the preparation involves thinly slicing and chopping, and the homemade dressing comes together in mere minutes. This makes it a perfect choice for hectic weeknights, spontaneous gatherings, or whenever you desire a delicious, healthy meal without the fuss of spending hours in the kitchen. Its quick prep time allows you to prioritize health without sacrificing your precious time.
  • A Symphony of Textures: This salad is a true textural masterpiece, designed to engage all your senses. From the delicate, watery crispness of thinly shaved fennel and celery to the juicy, snappy bite of green apple, the satisfying, earthy crunch of toasted walnuts, and the savory, melt-in-your-mouth softness of freshly grated Parmesan, every component plays a crucial role. This dynamic interplay of textures creates an engaging and highly satisfying eating experience that will keep you coming back for more, bite after delightful bite.

Unlocking the Health Benefits of Celery Salad

Beyond its incredible taste and satisfying texture, this Celery Salad is a powerhouse of nutrition, truly living up to its “digestion salad” nickname. Each ingredient has been thoughtfully chosen not just for its flavor but also for its significant contributions to your overall health and well-being. Let’s delve into why each component contributes to a healthier you:

  • Celery: The Hydration & Fiber Champion: Celery is widely recognized for its exceptionally high water content, making it an excellent vegetable for promoting hydration. It’s also an incredible source of dietary fiber, which is absolutely vital for maintaining a healthy and efficient digestive system. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, effectively preventing constipation, and can significantly contribute to a prolonged feeling of fullness, which is beneficial for weight management. Furthermore, celery contains a host of powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help protect your body’s cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
  • Fennel: Digestive Aid & Flavor Enhancer: The crisp fennel bulb offers a unique sweet, aniselike flavor that is both refreshing and distinct, adding a sophisticated touch to the salad. Historically, fennel has been revered and used as a natural digestive aid, known for its ability to relieve uncomfortable bloating and gas. It’s also a good source of fiber, vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant), potassium (important for blood pressure regulation), and manganese, all of which provide crucial antioxidant protection and support overall immune function.
  • Green Apples: Crispness with a Nutritional Punch: Green apples, especially varieties like Granny Smith, not only add a delightful tartness and crisp texture that perfectly contrasts the other ingredients but also bring a host of impressive health benefits. They are particularly rich in dietary fiber, notably pectin, which acts as a powerful prebiotic. Prebiotics nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut, contributing to a thriving gut microbiome. Apples also contain various essential vitamins (like Vitamin C) and a broad spectrum of antioxidants that work to protect your cells from oxidative stress and damage.
  • Walnuts: Brain Food & Heart Health Powerhouse: Toasted walnuts provide a rich, earthy crunch that adds a satisfying depth to the salad. More importantly, they are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These healthy fats are absolutely crucial for optimal brain health, play a significant role in reducing inflammation throughout the body, and are highly beneficial for supporting cardiovascular health. Walnuts also offer a good amount of protein, additional fiber, and a wide range of essential minerals, making them a true superfood.
  • Italian Parsley: Freshness & Antioxidant Burst: Far more than just a decorative garnish, fresh Italian parsley is brimming with vitamins K (essential for blood clotting and bone health), C (an immune booster), and A (important for vision and skin), as well as a rich array of potent antioxidants. It contributes a bright, peppery, herbaceous flavor that expertly cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, adding a vibrant, fresh finish that awakens the palate.
  • Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Gut-Friendly Tang: The star of our dressing, apple cider vinegar, is widely celebrated for its potential health benefits, which include aiding digestion, supporting a healthy gut, and assisting in blood sugar regulation. When combined with healthy extra virgin olive oil, which is packed with beneficial monounsaturated fats, this vinaigrette is not only incredibly delicious but also contributes positively to heart health and nutrient absorption.

By thoughtfully combining these nutrient-dense ingredients, this celery salad transcends a simple dish, becoming a holistic meal that supports digestion, provides essential vitamins and minerals, and satisfies your palate with its dynamic and invigorating flavor profile. It’s a testament to the power of whole foods in fostering wellness.

Essential Ingredients for Your Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Crafting this unforgettable salad begins with gathering high-quality, fresh ingredients. Each component has been carefully selected for its unique contribution to the overall flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of the dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

  • For the Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette: This homemade dressing is remarkably simple to prepare yet delivers an incredibly vibrant and flavorful punch that ties the entire salad together. In a small mixing bowl, you’ll precisely combine four key liquid ingredients and two essential seasonings:
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of our vinaigrette, providing a rich, fruity flavor and healthy monounsaturated fats.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: The star, offering a crisp, tangy acidity that is both refreshing and beneficial for digestion.
    • Dijon Mustard: A small amount is crucial for not only adding a subtle tang but also acting as an emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and vinegar into a smooth, cohesive dressing.
    • Honey: Just a touch of honey balances the tartness of the vinegar, adding a hint of natural sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
    • Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: These are essential for seasoning the dressing to perfection, bringing out the best in all the flavors.

    Whisk these ingredients together until they are beautifully combined and thoroughly emulsified, forming a smooth and glossy dressing. Set this flavorful vinaigrette aside while you meticulously prepare the other components of your salad.

  • For the Crisp Vegetables: These form the refreshing, crunchy backbone of our salad.
    • Fennel Bulb: You’ll need one small, firm fennel bulb. To prepare, wash it thoroughly, carefully remove the stalks and any tough or discolored outer layers. For the ideal texture and to ensure the flavors meld beautifully, thinly shave the bulb using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife. Do not discard the delicate, feathery fennel fronds – they can be finely chopped and used as an elegant garnish for an extra burst of fresh, aniselike flavor!
    • Celery: Select 2-3 firm, unblemished, and crisp celery stalks. Wash them meticulously, trim off the ends, and then slice them thinly on a diagonal. This particular cut not only makes them easier and more pleasant to eat but also adds an elegant visual touch to the presentation of your salad.
  • For the Juicy Fruit: This component introduces a delightful sweet and tart element.
    • Green Apple: Choose one firm, crisp green apple, such as a Granny Smith. Wash it thoroughly, core it to remove seeds, and then slice it very thinly. The pronounced tartness of the green apple is absolutely crucial in this recipe, as it provides a fantastic bright counterpoint to the savory and earthy notes of the other vegetables and the subtle sweetness contributed by the honey in the dressing.
  • For the Crunchy Nuts: These add essential texture, a rich flavor, and a dose of healthy fats.
    • Walnuts: You’ll need about ½ cup of walnuts. The secret to unlocking their deepest, most aromatic flavor is to lightly toast them before adding them to the salad. This simple yet transformative step makes them go from merely good to absolutely irresistible. Spread them in a single layer on a nonstick skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become wonderfully fragrant. Remove them from the heat and set aside to cool completely before incorporating them into the salad.
  • For the Fresh Herbs: Essential for aromatic brightness and a burst of fresh flavor.
    • Fresh Italian Parsley: Roughly chop about ¼ cup of fresh Italian parsley. Its bright, slightly peppery notes are absolutely essential for cutting through any potential richness and adding a vibrant, fresh, and herbaceous dimension that elevates the entire salad.
  • For Seasoning: The fundamental flavor builders that enhance all natural tastes.
    • Kosher Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: A pinch of high-quality kosher salt and a few generous turns of freshly cracked black pepper are used to season both the salad components and the dressing, ensuring every layer of flavor is perfectly balanced and accentuated.
  • For the Finishing Touch: Adding savory depth and visual appeal.
    • Parmesan Cheese: To finish the salad, you’ll need about 3 tablespoons of freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese. Its distinct salty, umami-rich flavor beautifully complements the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, adding a sophisticated touch that completes the dish.
Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette – Healthyish Foods
Freshly prepared ingredients, meticulously arranged and ready to be assembled into the perfect Celery Salad.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Creating this delicious, healthy, and incredibly refreshing celery salad is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple, detailed steps to bring all the vibrant flavors and delightful textures together into a cohesive and satisfying dish:

1. Prepare the Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Begin by making the heart of your salad: the dressing. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the vinaigrette ingredients: ¼ cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of crisp apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of natural honey, a pinch of kosher salt, and a few generous turns of freshly cracked black pepper. Using a whisk, vigorously combine all these ingredients until the dressing is thoroughly emulsified and smooth. The mixture should appear slightly thickened and cohesive. Take a moment to taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary; you might prefer a little more tang, sweetness, or salt to perfectly suit your palate. Set this flavorful vinaigrette aside while you meticulously prepare the other components of your salad. This dressing can be made up to a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

2. Toast the Walnuts for Enhanced Flavor

Next, focus on enhancing the walnuts. Place ½ cup of raw walnuts in a dry nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toast them lightly, stirring them frequently and consistently, for about 3-5 minutes. The key is to keep an eye on them, as nuts can burn quickly. You’ll know they are perfectly toasted when they become wonderfully fragrant and develop a slightly golden hue. This simple step is absolutely crucial as toasting significantly brings out a deeper, richer, and nuttier flavor that dramatically enhances the overall taste and aroma of the salad. Once toasted to perfection, immediately remove the walnuts from the hot pan and transfer them to a plate to cool completely. Cooling prevents them from continuing to cook and becoming burnt, ensuring they retain their desired crisp texture.

3. Assemble the Vibrant Salad

Now, it’s time to bring all the prepared ingredients together. In a large mixing bowl, combine your carefully prepared salad components: the thinly shaved fennel bulb, the elegantly thinly sliced celery, the vibrantly thinly sliced green apple, and the roughly chopped fresh Italian parsley. Add the cooled, perfectly toasted walnuts to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Season the entire vegetable and fruit mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of freshly cracked black pepper. This initial seasoning helps to draw out and highlight the natural flavors of the fresh produce before the dressing is added.

Finally, it’s time to dress your masterpiece. Drizzle the prepared apple cider vinaigrette over the ingredients. Start with a smaller amount and add more as desired; the goal is for the salad to be lightly coated, not overly drenched. Gently toss all the ingredients together using tongs or clean hands until every piece is evenly coated with the zesty and flavorful dressing. The objective is to distribute the flavors thoroughly without bruising the delicate greens and vegetables.

Once perfectly tossed, transfer a generous scoop of the dressed salad to your chosen serving dishes. To complete this elegant and refreshing dish, finish each serving with a light coating of freshly shaved or grated Parmesan cheese. The salty, umami notes of the cheese will beautifully complement the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the peak freshness, vibrant flavors, and optimal crispness of all the ingredients. The combination of textures and flavors is truly at its best when enjoyed right after assembly.

Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette – Healthyish Foods
A perfectly tossed Celery Salad, artfully garnished and ready to be served and savored.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Celery Salad

Achieving a truly outstanding celery salad is simple with a few expert insights and careful techniques. These tips will help ensure your salad is always a resounding success, bursting with flavor and retaining its ideal texture:

  • Mandoline Magic for Ultra-Thin Slices: For the most delicate, uniform, and aesthetically pleasing slices of fennel and green apple, a mandoline slicer is an invaluable kitchen tool. Ultra-thin slices not only significantly enhance the texture, making the salad more palatable, but also allow the diverse flavors of the ingredients to meld together more harmoniously in each bite. If you don’t possess a mandoline, don’t worry! Simply use the sharpest chef’s knife you own and take your time to slice the ingredients as thinly and evenly as possible. Precision in slicing makes a noticeable difference.
  • The Art and Importance of Toasting Nuts: Never skip the step of toasting your walnuts! This crucial step takes only a few minutes but dramatically deepens their flavor, transforming them into a more aromatic, rich, and utterly irresistible component of the salad. When toasting, keep a very close eye on the nuts, as they can burn very quickly due to their high oil content. Once they become fragrant and acquire a subtle golden color, immediately remove them from the hot pan to prevent any overcooking or burning. Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad to maintain their crispness.
  • Dress Just Before Serving for Optimal Freshness: To preserve the delightful crispness of your vegetables and to prevent the delicate green apple slices from browning, always make it a rule to dress the salad just moments before you intend to serve it. If you are preparing this salad for a party, a picnic, or a gathering, ensure you keep the dressing separate from the main salad components and toss it in at the very last minute, right before presentation. This practice guarantees maximum freshness and visual appeal.
  • Taste and Adjust the Dressing to Perfection: A truly exceptional vinaigrette is all about achieving a perfect balance of flavors. Therefore, it is imperative to always taste your homemade apple cider vinaigrette before you add it to the salad. Adjust the honey for sweetness, the vinegar for tanginess, and the kosher salt and black pepper for overall seasoning until the dressing perfectly suits your personal palate. A well-balanced dressing is the key to a harmonious salad.
  • Don’t Waste the Fennel Fronds: Those delicate, feathery fronds that come with the fennel bulb are not only beautiful but also packed with a concentrated, fresh anise-like flavor. Instead of discarding them, finely chop them and use them as an elegant garnish for your finished salad. They will add an extra layer of visual appeal, a fresh aromatic lift, and an additional nuanced flavor dimension that truly elevates the dish.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This vibrant Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is an incredibly versatile dish, making it suitable for a wide array of occasions and meal pairings. Its refreshing profile makes it a delightful addition to almost any table:

  • As a Light Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy a generous, hearty portion of this salad on its own for a wonderfully refreshing, light, yet surprisingly satisfying meal. To boost the protein content and make it a more substantial main course, consider topping it with perfectly grilled chicken breast, flaky pan-seared salmon, protein-rich chickpeas (for a vegetarian option), or a sprinkle of creamy goat cheese.
  • An Elegant Side Dish: This salad makes an absolutely excellent side dish that beautifully complements a variety of main courses. Its bright, crisp, and tangy flavors provide a wonderful and much-needed contrast to richer, heavier main dishes such as slow-roasted pork loin, succulent baked chicken, pan-seared white fish, or even a hearty vegetarian lasagna. It helps to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate.
  • A Potluck or Brunch Staple: Its vibrant colors, unique combination of textures, and refreshing flavors make it a standout dish at any potluck, festive picnic, or casual brunch gathering. It’s sure to garner compliments. Just remember the golden rule: to ensure optimal freshness and prevent sogginess, always dress it right before serving, especially when bringing it to an event.
  • Sophisticated Appetizer Course: For a more refined dining experience, consider serving smaller, individual portions of this celery salad in elegant bowls or martini glasses as a sophisticated and light appetizer to kick off a meal. Its delicate presentation and invigorating flavors will whet appetites beautifully.
  • A Wholesome Sandwich or Wrap Companion: Pair this refreshing salad with a hearty sandwich, a wholesome wrap, or even a light quiche for a perfectly balanced and utterly wholesome lunch. The crispness of the salad will provide a welcome textural contrast to softer bread or fillings, elevating your entire meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Celery Salad

What other types of nuts can I use in this salad?

While walnuts offer a fantastic, rich flavor and satisfying texture to this celery salad, the recipe is wonderfully versatile and encourages customization. You can easily substitute them with other toasted nuts like pecans, which offer a similar buttery richness, or delicate pine nuts, and even thinly sliced almonds for a different, perhaps milder, flavor profile and crunch. For those with nut allergies or who prefer a nut-free option, toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds would work exceptionally well, providing a similar satisfying crunch and earthy flavor without nuts.

Can I use shaved Parmesan instead of grated?

Absolutely! Both freshly shaved and finely grated Parmesan cheese will work beautifully and deliciously in this recipe. Shaved Parmesan will provide larger, more prominent salty, umami-rich bites and a more dramatic visual appeal, while grated Parmesan will integrate more subtly and evenly throughout the salad, creating a consistent savory undertone. Choose whichever texture and presentation you prefer for your finishing touch, as both options are equally delightful and complementary to the salad’s flavors.

Can I make this celery salad ahead of time?

It’s generally not recommended to fully assemble and dress this salad too far in advance. The primary reason is that the delicate green apple slices will begin to oxidize and brown quickly once exposed to air, and the vegetables, particularly the celery and fennel, may lose some of their desirable crispness and become slightly soggy when pre-dressed. However, you can certainly prepare individual components in advance to save time. The dressing can be made up to 4-5 days ahead and stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also toast the walnuts and chop the parsley a day in advance. For the absolute best results, slice the celery, fennel, and apple, then combine everything with the dressing and cheese just before serving to ensure peak freshness, crunch, and vibrant flavor.

What type of celery is best for this salad?

For this particular recipe, look for crisp, firm celery stalks with bright green leaves. The fresher the celery, the more refreshing and crunchy your salad will be. Avoid any stalks that appear limp, have yellowed leaves, or show any signs of soft spots or discoloration, as these indicate older, less fresh celery. While common Pascal celery works perfectly, if you’re feeling adventurous, some varieties like Tango or cutting celery could offer slightly different nuances, though the core crunch is most important. Stick to the stalks for this recipe’s intended vibrant and crisp character.

Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, absolutely! This celery salad can be very easily adapted to be suitable for both vegan and dairy-free diets. To make it vegan or dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese entirely. The salad is incredibly flavorful and satisfying on its own, and you won’t miss the cheese too much, as the other ingredients provide ample taste and texture. If you still desire a cheesy element, you could explore one of the many excellent plant-based Parmesan alternatives available in most grocery stores today, which can add a similar savory depth.

How can I make the apple cider vinaigrette lighter?

If you prefer a lighter dressing with fewer calories or less fat, there are several adjustments you can make to the apple cider vinaigrette. You can slightly reduce the amount of extra virgin olive oil and, if desired, simultaneously increase the apple cider vinegar for a more tart and zesty profile. Alternatively, a tablespoon or two of water can be gradually added to thin out the dressing’s consistency without introducing more fat or strong flavors, helping to distribute it more lightly. You can also replace the honey with a sugar-free alternative sweetener, or simply skip it entirely if you prefer a less sweet, more purely tangy dressing. Always taste and adjust to your preference!

Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the refreshing simplicity and vibrant, complex flavors of this Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, then you’ll undoubtedly appreciate these other fantastic salad creations from our kitchen. Each recipe offers a unique blend of ingredients and flavors, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire:

  • Five Ingredient Simple Fall Salad: A quick, effortless, and elegant recipe that perfectly captures the comforting essence of autumn gatherings with minimal fuss.
  • Cheddar Apple Bacon Salad with Creamy Honey Dijon: A hearty and incredibly flavorful salad that combines crisp, savory, and sweet elements with a delightful, rich creamy dressing.
  • Ultimate Caesar Salad: Our perfected rendition of the classic Caesar, a timeless and universally beloved favorite that always delivers satisfaction.
  • Chopped Mango Salad: A delightful sweet and savory tropical escape in a bowl, bursting with exotic flavors and refreshing textures.
  • Chopped Greek Salad: A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired salad bursting with an abundance of fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a classic vinaigrette.
Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette – Healthyish Foods

Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Author:
Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh
Yield:
3 servings
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
This refreshing Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a wholesome and flavorful dish. Featuring thinly shaved fennel, crisp celery, vibrant green apple, fresh Italian parsley, toasted walnuts, and grated Parmesan, it’s tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette for an irresistible taste.
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Equipment

  • 2 mixing bowls
  • 1 nonstick skillet
  • Mandoline slicer (optional, for ultra-thin slices)

Ingredients

Salad

  • 2-3 stalks celery, washed, ends removed, sliced thin on a diagonal
  • 1 small bulb fennel, washed, stalks and fronds removed, thinly shaved with a mandoline
  • 1 green apple, washed, cored, and thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated or shaved, divided for serving
  • Pinch kosher salt, to season
  • Few turns cracked black pepper, to season

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Pinch kosher salt, to taste
  • Few turns cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

How to Make Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk until well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
  2. Toast the Walnuts: Add the walnuts to a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly toast for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly shaved fennel bulb, thinly sliced celery, thinly sliced green apple, chopped fresh Italian parsley, and cooled toasted walnuts. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper.
    Drizzle with your desired amount of dressing. Toss gently until the salad is lightly and evenly coated.
    Transfer a scoop of the salad to a serving dish and finish with freshly shaved or grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and crunch.

Video

Notes

How to Store

Store any undressed salad components (celery, fennel, walnuts, parsley) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for two to three days. Keep in mind that sliced apples will begin to brown quickly once exposed to air; for best results, slice them just before assembly. Extra dressing should be stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for four to five days. Dressed salad is best enjoyed immediately to preserve its crisp texture and vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates only. The actual nutrition content will vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Serving: 1 serving (or 1/3 of the salad without dressing),
Calories: 208kcal,
Carbohydrates: 18g,
Protein: 6g,
Fat: 14g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g,
Cholesterol: 3mg,
Sodium: 146mg,
Potassium: 575mg,
Fiber: 6g,
Sugar: 10g,
Vitamin A: 721IU,
Vitamin C: 20mg,
Calcium: 138mg,
Iron: 2mg

Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
American
Calories:
208
Author:
Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh