Creamy Celery Apple Salad

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

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Inspiration

I absolutely love this Creamy Celery Apple Salad because it's a refreshing and crunchy dish that brightens up any meal. The combination of crisp celery, sweet apples, and creamy dressing creates a delightful contrast that keeps me coming back for more. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it's also packed with flavor. I've found that adding a sprinkle of lemon juice helps maintain the apples' vibrant color, making this salad not just delicious, but visually appealing as well.

Created by

Nicola Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:37:37.316Z

When I first tried making this Creamy Celery Apple Salad, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying it was. The crunch of the celery combined with the sweetness of the apples makes for a delightful mix that pairs well with any meal. I never thought a salad could be so fulfilling!

One tip that really elevates this dish is to toast some chopped walnuts and toss them into the salad. This adds a nutty flavor and extra texture that elevates the whole experience. Cooking is about experimentation, and this salad is a perfect canvas for creativity!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crispy celery gives a satisfying crunch with every bite
Sweet and tart apples balance perfectly with creamy dressing
Quick to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy days

The Role of Ingredients

Celery is the backbone of this salad, providing a refreshing, crisp texture that complements the sweetness of the apples. Choosing the right variety, such as crisp stalks of outer celery, ensures the best crunch. The apple adds not only taste but also a vibrant color, particularly when using tart varieties like Granny Smith, which balance the rich creaminess of the dressing beautifully.

The dressing, a blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, is pivotal for the creamy texture of the salad. Mayonnaise provides a rich base while Greek yogurt lightens it up and adds a tangy flavor. This combination achieves a glossy finish that clings well to each ingredient, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Tips for Perfecting Your Salad

To keep the salad looking fresh for longer, consider squeezing in a bit more lemon juice beyond the initial tablespoon. The acidity not only prevents the apples from browning but also brightens the overall flavor of the dish. Additionally, preparing the salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite more flavorful.

When mixing the dressing, it's crucial to whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are completely integrated. This ensures a smooth texture that prevents any clumps, ensuring that every bite has a well-distributed flavor. If the dressing seems too thick, a splash of water can help achieve your desired consistency without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Creamy Celery Apple Salad.

Ingredients

2 cups celery, diced
1 cup apple, diced (Granny Smith or your choice)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Once you have everything ready, let's move on to the steps to make this salad.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your salad.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced celery and apple. If you're using walnuts, add them at this step for added crunch.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Mix Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the celery and apple mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Your Creamy Celery Apple Salad is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this salad by adding dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Celery Apple Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, to maintain the crunch of the celery and the crispness of the apples, you might want to store the dressing separately until you are ready to serve. This way, the ingredients remain fresh and enjoyable without becoming soggy.

For a twist, you can serve this salad atop a bed of mixed greens, turning it into a more substantial dish. Adding sliced grapes or dried cranberries can also give a sweet contrast that complements the other flavors beautifully. If you're aiming for a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Variations to Enhance Flavor

Feeling adventurous? You can easily switch up the nuts in this salad. Pecans add a sweeter flavor compared to walnuts, or for a kick, try some toasted almonds. Toasting the nuts in a dry skillet for just a few minutes until they are fragrant enhances their flavor and adds depth to the salad.

If you want to reduce calories or fat, consider using a lighter mayonnaise or even a thicker yogurt as a substitute. This maintains the creamy factor while reducing the overall richness. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, avocado can be mashed into the dressing for a creamy base that also provides healthy fats.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the apples crisp.

→ What type of apples work best for this salad?

I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of flavors.

→ Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can use sour cream, additional Greek yogurt, or a vegan mayo if you prefer.

→ Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making it a great choice!