Healthy celery salad is a crisp, vibrant dish that brings out the best in this often-underappreciated vegetable. With its refreshing crunch and subtle peppery flavor, celery makes an ideal base for a light and satisfying salad. Paired with fresh ingredients like apple slices, chopped walnuts, lemon juice, and herbs, this simple dish transforms into a nutrient-packed powerhouse that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s a go-to for anyone seeking a clean, refreshing side that supports a balanced diet.
Celery is low in calories but rich in vitamins K and C, antioxidants, and water content, which makes this salad naturally hydrating and great for digestion. Adding sliced apples introduces a natural sweetness and a bit of fiber, while toasted walnuts contribute healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. A light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard ties everything together with a tangy, zesty finish that enhances the celery’s flavor without overpowering it.
This salad is a perfect side for grilled chicken or fish, and it also stands strong on its own as a light lunch. It’s easy to customize based on what you have—try tossing in feta for a savory element or some raisins for added sweetness. For those avoiding dairy or gluten, the base recipe is naturally compliant and easy to adapt further.
Healthy celery salad is proof that clean eating doesn’t have to be boring. It delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition, all in one refreshing bowl. Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something fresh and light, this salad is a smart, simple choice. This salad is a perfect refreshing, healthy, and simple meal for hot summer days.
Ingredients
- 2 stalks celery sliced thinly
- 1 whole green apple chopped
- 0.25 cup walnuts chopped and toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, chopped green apple, and toasted walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld. Garnish with parsley.
Nutrition
This salad was surprisingly good! I thought it would be bland but the apple adds a nice sweetness. Will make again!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! The apple really does make a difference. I’ve tried adding a bit of feta cheese too, for an extra kick!
Seems too simple for a salad. What’s the point of just celery and apples? Not impressed.
Is it really necessary to chill it? I served right away and it was fine.
Love the crunch! I added some feta cheese too. Yummy!
Feta sounds like a great addition! I never thought of that. Will try it next time!
This is trash. Celery just doesn’t belong in salad unless it’s hiding under a ton of ranch dressing.
This salad is so refreshing! The apple and celery combo is a game changer. Definitely a 5/5!
Not sure if I like apple in my salad. Sounds weird to me. Maybe I’ll try without the apple.
Totally agree! The crunchiness of the walnuts adds a nice touch too. Can’t wait to make it again!
I made this for a picnic and it was a hit! Everyone loved it. Will make it again.
I dunno, celery in a salad? Sounds kinda weird to me. What if it gets soggy?
That’s awesome! I love how refreshing this salad is, perfect for picnics! 😊
Sooo good!!! I love the crunch from the walnuts, gives it a nice bite.
Totally agree! The walnuts really do make it pop. Can’t wait to try this!
I tried making this but I forgot the lemon juice. It was kinda bland…
Too plain for my taste. Maybe some more spices or something would help.
My kids actually ate it! Miracle salad lol.
Just celery? I thought salads were supposed to get all crazy with different veggies. What’s next, just a bowl of lettuce?
I actually love the simplicity of it! Celery has a nice crunch, and the apple adds sweetness. Sometimes less is more!
I dunno, it seems kinda boring just using celery… where are the carrots and peppers?
Hate celery but loved this recipe! 🤷♂️
Very simple and quick to make. I added some feta too. Yum!
I don’t like lemons so I skipped it. Salad still turned out okay, but I think it would be better with lemon.
Tasted fresh n crunchy but wut kind of salad is this without ranch dressing???
I don’t know about walnuts. Can you use peanuts instead? Asking for a friend.
Peanuts might work, but the taste will be different. Walnut’s got that unique flavor! Just sayin’.
This salad is a total hit! The crunchiness of the celery and walnuts with that tart green apple is just amazing. Will definitely make it again!
Glad you loved it! I agree, the crunch is fantastic! 😍
Honestly, I’m not sure why people like these ‘health’ salads. Not enough flavor for my taste! 😕
Simple and fresh! A great side dish for summer barbecue. I added some feta cheese tho. Yumm!
This looks OK but I never trust salads. They never fill me up!
Not a fan of walnuts. Could I use almonds instead?
Almonds would work just fine! Just chop them up and toast if you want. It’ll give a nice crunch too!
This salad was so refreshing! Perfect for summer. 🌞
This salad does sound lovely for summer! I might try adding some feta cheese to it for a little extra flavor. 😊
Easy to make and super tasty. But is celery really good for you??
Easy to make. I added a bit of honey for sweetness. It’s good!
I dunno, celery just isn’t my jam. Tried it but didn’t wow me. Probably won’t make again.
I get that! Celery can be a bit bland on its own. Maybe try adding some spices next time?
Celery sucks, man! I made it once and threw it away. Can’t believe people eat that stuff!