If you are searching for a fresh, crunchy, and delightfully tangy salad to brighten your day, I cannot recommend the Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe enough. This dish is a celebration of crisp celery and sweet, juicy apples harmonizing under a zesty lemon dressing that’s just bursting with flavor. The addition of velvety gruyere cheese adds a surprising richness, while the perfectly balanced dressing elevates every bite. Perfect for a light lunch or a stunning side, this salad feels refreshing yet satisfying, perfect for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting an unforgettable contrast of textures and flavors that marry so effortlessly. From the crunchy celery to the tangy lemon dressing, these ingredients are straightforward but come together to create something truly special.
- Celery: Choose a large bunch of fresh celery with crisp stalks and vibrant green leaves for maximum crunch and color.
- Apples: Two medium honeycrisp apples bring juicy sweetness and a refreshing bite that pairs perfectly with the celery.
- Gruyere cheese: Half a cup of shaved gruyere adds a creamy, nutty richness that balances the salad.
- Salt + pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and bring out the natural flavors in the salad and dressing.
- Olive oil: A quarter cup of high-quality olive oil forms the luscious base of the lemon vinaigrette.
- Lemon juice: The juice of one fresh lemon delivers bright acidity that wakes up every bite.
- White wine vinegar: A tablespoon adds a subtle tang to deepen the dressing’s flavor profile.
- Maple syrup: One teaspoon adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the lemon’s tartness.
- Dijon mustard: Half a teaspoon gives the dressing a gentle kick and emulsifies the ingredients perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon offers a mild, savory depth without overwhelming the salad.
How to Make Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Tangy Lemon Vinaigrette
Begin by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar with a lid. Whisk it vigorously, or if using a jar, give it a good shake. This vibrant dressing is the heart of your salad, and mixing it early lets the flavors meld beautifully while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Celery
Remove any brown or damaged ends from the celery stalks and chop them into thin, bite-sized pieces. Don’t toss away the fresh celery leaves you find atop the stalks—chop those too, as they add an unexpected pop of texture and color that make your salad look as lovely as it tastes.
Step 3: Shave the Gruyere Cheese
Take your block of gruyere cheese and use a vegetable peeler to shave it into thin slices. These silky ribbons will bring a luxurious contrast to the crispness of the apples and celery, and their melt-in-your-mouth quality is simply delightful.
Step 4: Core and Slice the Apples
Core your apples and thinly slice them, then cut these slices down further into bite-sized pieces. The juicy apple chunks bring a refreshing sweetness that plays beautifully against the savory cheese and bright dressing. Make sure to work quickly so the apples stay as crisp as possible.
Step 5: Toss It All Together
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped celery, apple pieces, shaved gruyere, and chopped celery leaves. Give the dressing one last whisk or shake before pouring it over the salad. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is perfectly coated. This salad is at its best served immediately, bursting with freshness and crunch.
How to Serve Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting finish, sprinkle a few extra celery leaves on top or add a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nutty aroma. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also bring an elegant touch and a hint of warmth.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully alongside grilled chicken breasts, seared salmon, or even a simple roasted vegetable platter. Its bright and crisp nature complements heavier dishes by balancing richness with fresh acidity, making it a perfect companion to many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, or mound it atop a bed of mixed greens for extra volume and variety. You could even arrange it inside hollowed-out apples for an adorable and edible presentation that’s sure to impress guests at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, since the celery and apples are best enjoyed crisp, it’s ideal to eat the salad within a day for the freshest texture.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing. The apples and celery lose their crispness and become watery, which changes the salad’s delightful texture and taste. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended for this salad. It shines in its raw, crunchy form and the dressing’s cool, tangy flavors. Simply prepare just enough to enjoy at one sitting for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this salad?
Absolutely! While honeycrisp is a fantastic choice for its sweetness and crunch, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Fuji also work well. Just pick what you love or have on hand.
Is it possible to make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon vinaigrette a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container and whisk or shake it again before tossing it with the salad.
Can I substitute the gruyere cheese for another cheese?
Definitely! If gruyere isn’t available, try a similarly mild, slightly nutty cheese like Emmental or a good-quality Swiss cheese. Avoid strong cheeses that might overpower the delicate flavors.
How long does this salad keep its crunch?
For best texture, enjoy this salad within a few hours of assembly. If stored, the celery remains crunchier than the apples, which may soften slightly after a day.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
The salad as written includes cheese, but you can easily make it vegan by omitting the gruyere or substituting it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing ingredients are all vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simplicity and freshness of the Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe. It’s the kind of salad you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether for a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or when you want to impress friends with something vibrant and wholesome. Give it a try—you’ll soon discover your new favorite way to enjoy celery and apples!
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Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and crisp celery apple salad featuring a tangy lemon vinaigrette and creamy gruyere cheese. This simple, quick-to-prepare dish combines crunchy celery and sweet apples with a zesty dressing for a perfect light lunch or side salad.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 large bunch celery
- 2 medium apples (preferably honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup gruyere cheese, shaved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juice only
- 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the lemon vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Whisk or shake well until emulsified, then set aside.
- Prepare the celery: Trim any brown or damaged ends from the celery stalks. Cut the celery into thin, bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery leaves if they are fresh and clean to use as garnish.
- Shave the gruyere cheese: Using a vegetable peeler, shave the block of gruyere cheese into thin slices.
- Slice the apples: Core the apples and thinly slice them. Then, cut these slices into bite-sized pieces to match the size of the celery pieces.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped celery, apple pieces, shaved gruyere, and celery leaves. Whisk the dressing one more time and pour it over the salad. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, then toss everything gently to combine well. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crispness of the celery and apples.
- You can substitute gruyere with another semi-hard cheese like gouda or Swiss if desired.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less maple syrup according to taste.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Keep the dressing refrigerated if making ahead, and add just before serving.
