Discover the Delight of Celery Apple Salad: A Flavorful Fusion

When a Caesar salad unites with a Waldorf salad, you experience an amazing flavor fusion you never realized you wanted.

Celery Apple Salad

My niece introduced me to this Celery Apple Salad with dates and nuts, inspired by Sarah Lasry's 'Carmel Forest Spa Celery Salad.' Intrigued by the vibrant colors and the promise of refreshing flavors, I decided to adapt her recipe to suit my taste and use healthier ingredients. I always make an effort to choose only organic produce and avoid anything with seed oils. The result is this delightful salad that not only pays homage to the original but also incorporates my personal touches.

The Perfect Time for Celery Apple Salad

This salad recipe is ideal for any time of the year. However, it shines particularly during the fall and winter when apples and celery are at their peak. Transform it into a festive holiday salad for Thanksgiving and Christmas by adding dried cranberries or pomegranate. You can also make it for picnics and potlucks, or enjoy it as a refreshing mid-week meal by using your preferred dried fruit.

Refreshing Celery Apple Salad

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 bunch celery, chopped

• 1 large Cosmic Crisp or Honey Crisp apple, diced

• 1 large cucumber, diced

• 1 bunch fresh Italian parsley, coarsely chopped (washed and dried)

• Handful microgreens or mâche

• 8-10 pitted Medjool dates, chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

  
  

For the dressing:

• 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated from a block

• 1 bunch freshly chopped dill (optional; I personally prefer it without the dill)

• 2-3 large lemons, juiced

• 1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise or homemade mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tsp maple syrup (optional but recommended)

  
  

Directions

Make the salad

1. Wash and dry all your produce: celery, apple, parsley, and microgreens.

2. Cut the celery into thin slices and place them in a salad bowl.

3. Remove the core of the apple and cut the flesh into cubes (I leave the apple peel on). Add to the celery in the bowl.

4. Peel and dice the cucumber, keeping the same size as the celery and apple. Add it to the bowl.

5. Add the microgreens (or mâche) and the coarsely chopped parsley.

6. Cut the dates into small cubes and add them to the mix.

7. Chop the nuts coarsely and throw them in as well.

   
   

Make the dressing

1. In a separate bowl or jar, mix the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and olive oil. Pour in the lemon juice.

2. Add the finely chopped dill (if using) and minced garlic to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well, and your dressing is ready.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.

   
   

Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• You can adjust the quantity of dates and nuts based on your preference.

• For a lighter dressing, consider substituting the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

• Some versions of this salad may include additional ingredients, like shallots or red onion, or you can use different nuts, such as cashews.

• This salad is known for being both tasty and keeping well in the fridge, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

  
  

As you indulge in this Celery Apple Salad, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to create a healthy dish packed with flavor. Whether you’re sharing this with loved ones or enjoying it alone, the freshness and heartiness of this salad make it a winner any time of year. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.