Creamy Celery Apple Salad

Name: Creamy Celery Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, diced; 2 medium apples, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Daily Meals

I absolutely love making this Creamy Celery Apple Salad for gatherings and family dinners. The crunch of the celery perfectly complements the sweet and crisp apples, creating a delightful texture contrast. The dressing, rich and creamy with a hint of tanginess, binds all the flavors together beautifully. It's the perfect side dish that not only adds freshness to the table but also impresses my guests. Every time I serve this salad, I receive compliments that bring a smile to my face, making it a must-try recipe!

Created by

Theodora Blythe

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:13:35.429Z

When I first tried making Creamy Celery Apple Salad, I was worried it wouldn’t hold up under scrutiny from my family. However, the crisp texture of the celery, the sweetness of the apples, and the creamy dressing turned out to be an irresistible combination! I discovered that letting the salad rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld, making it even better.

This salad has quickly become one of my go-to recipes because it’s quick, easy, and always a hit. I love experimenting with different apples—my favorites are Granny Smith for a tart twist or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness. It’s refreshing, and I often serve it alongside grilled meats for a bright, crunchy contrast.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crisp and refreshing flavors that brighten up any meal
Easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients
Versatile: great as a side dish or a light lunch

      

Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh, crisp celery and apples is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in your Creamy Celery Apple Salad. The crunch from freshly diced celery adds a satisfying bite, while the apples offer a sweet and juicy contrast. I recommend choosing varieties like Granny Smith for a tart kick or Honeycrisp for their natural sweetness. Ensure your celery is vibrant and firm, as wilting can lead to a mushy salad that lacks the refreshing crunch we desire.

Walnuts provide not only a dose of healthy fats and protein but also an essential nuttiness that enriches the salad's profile. Make sure to chop them coarsely; when toasted slightly, they develop a buttery texture and deepen their flavor. If you're looking for a nut-free version, consider sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as alternatives that will still give that lovely added crunch.

Balancing the Dressing

The dressing in this salad is what makes it truly stand out. Greek yogurt not only serves as a creamy base but also adds a tanginess that brightens those rich flavors. For a lighter option, you can substitute half of the Greek yogurt with a lower-fat yogurt or even sour cream. Adjusting the honey to your taste can help balance the tartness of the apples, so feel free to start with less and add more if needed for a sweeter profile.

Remember to mix the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl until fully smooth—this ensures that the lemon juice and honey are evenly distributed, preventing clumps. I often recommend tasting the dressing before combining it with the salad; this way, you can adjust the seasoning or acidity to your preference, ensuring your salad is perfectly balanced. A dash more lemon juice can really enhance the freshness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Salad Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, diced
2 medium apples, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences!

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced celery, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and raisins.

Make the Dressing

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

Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

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

Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or a light lunch option!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the apples with your favorite variety, or add in some cranberries for extra sweetness. You can also use mayonnaise if you prefer a richer dressing.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Creamy Celery Apple Salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, making it an excellent choice for busy gatherings. Simply prepare the salad components and the dressing separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the crunch of the celery and apples. If you do combine the ingredients ahead of time, make sure to add a sprinkle of lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning, which keeps the salad looking fresh.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the flavors will continue to meld, keep in mind that the texture may soften slightly. If you're serving it later, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing, and add a touch more yogurt if it appears dry.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with the flavor profiles by adding additional ingredients. For a spicier kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño. If you enjoy herbal notes, fresh parsley or dill can brighten up this salad beautifully, providing a fresh aroma and enhancing the overall taste. For a more tropical twist, consider adding diced pineapple or mango for a sweet, juicy burst.

In terms of dairy alternatives, if you are looking for a vegan version, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt made from almonds or coconut milk. This change allows everyone to enjoy this delicious salad while accommodating various dietary needs.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator and add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp.

→ What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a part of a picnic spread.

→ Is there a vegan option for the dressing?

Absolutely! You can substitute Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt or use a mix of tahini and lemon juice for a creamy dressing.

→ How long does this salad last in the fridge?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for up to 2 days in the fridge. Keep in mind that the apples may brown slightly.