Creamy Celery Apple Salad

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

Highlighted under: Healthy Comfort Foods

I absolutely love preparing this Creamy Celery Apple Salad whenever I want a refreshing and crunchy dish that captivates the taste buds. The combination of crisp celery, sweet apples, and a creamy dressing creates a delightful contrast that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s not only easy to whip up in just a few minutes but also healthy and satisfying. Whether served as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad never fails to impress with its unique flavors and textures.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:05:36.093Z

When I first tried this Creamy Celery Apple Salad, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could combine to create such a flavorful dish. The bright crunchiness of the celery paired with the juicy sweetness of the apples makes for an excellent contrast that keeps me coming back for more. I enjoy using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for added complexity, but you can use any variety you prefer.

The secret to making the dressing extra creamy is using Greek yogurt as a base instead of mayonnaise. This not only enhances the flavor but also significantly reduces the calories, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste. I recommend letting the salad chill for a bit before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Refreshing crunch from fresh celery and apples
Creamy texture without excess calories
Perfect for picnics, lunches, or as a side dish
Quick to prepare and easy to customize

Understanding the Ingredients

The key ingredients in this Creamy Celery Apple Salad are the celery and apples, which provide a refreshing crunch. Celery not only adds texture but also a subtle earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples. When choosing apples, I recommend using a balance of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, which enhance the salad's complexity. The tartness of Granny Smith beautifully contrasts with the rich creaminess that comes from the Greek yogurt dressing.

Greek yogurt is a fantastic base for the dressing, as it offers a creamy texture with added protein compared to traditional mayonnaise. This makes the salad not just lighter but also healthier. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you could substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative, maintaining the creaminess while adjusting the flavor slightly. The choice of honey as a sweetener balances the tartness without overpowering the natural flavors of the fruits.

Perfecting the Dressing

When making the dressing, it's important to mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and honey until completely smooth. This ensures there are no lumps, which can detract from the salad's overall texture. I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; you can adjust the amount based on your preference for acidity. If you find the dressing too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency, making sure it still coats the ingredients well without being runny.

After preparing the dressing, let it chill briefly before mixing it into the salad. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more harmonious taste. Once you combine everything, make sure the celery and apples are well coated, but be gentle to avoid bruising the ingredients. Serve the salad chilled; I suggest waiting at least 10 minutes before digging in, as this enhances the flavors significantly.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Creamy Celery Apple Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a light lunch, pair it with whole-grain bread or crackers to add a bit more substance. You could also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. If you're considering a picnic, pack it in a cooler to keep it fresh; the salad tastes even better after chilling for a bit longer, as it allows the flavors to deepen.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be aware that the celery may become slightly softer over time, but the salad will still maintain its flavors. For meal prep, you can chop the vegetables ahead and mix the dressing separately, combining them just before serving to keep everything nice and crisp.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your salad.

Ingredients

4 celery stalks, chopped
2 apples, diced (preferably Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for topping

Mix all the ingredients together for a delightful salad.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy salad.

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the celery stalks and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. If desired, chop the walnuts or pecans.

Make the Dressing

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and honey. Stir until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped celery and diced apples. Pour the dressing over the top and mix until evenly coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Chill the salad for at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped nuts if desired.

Dig into this wonderful salad that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding diced grapes or dried cranberries to the salad mix.

Customizing Your Salad

One of the best aspects of this salad is its adaptability. You can easily add diced grapes, dried cranberries, or even shredded carrots for a touch of sweetness and color. Each of these additions will change the profile slightly, making it even more appealing. Experimenting with different nuts, such as sunflower seeds or almonds, can also introduce a new texture and flavor, while keeping the base of celery and apple intact.

If you're looking for an alternative dressing option, consider a vinaigrette made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard. While this `vinaigrette` will create a different taste, it will impart a lovely tang to the salad, making it a fantastic option for those who prefer lighter flavors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your salad is too watery after mixing, this might be due to the moisture content in the apples and celery. To avoid this, be sure to pat the celery dry after rinsing and use firmer apples. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little salt over the chopped celery and let it sit for a few minutes before mixing; this process will draw out excess moisture that could dilute the dressing.

Should the dressing turn out too sweet or too tangy for your liking, you can easily rectify this by adjusting the balance. Adding a bit more Greek yogurt will mellow out the flavors, while extra lemon juice or even a splash of vinegar can amplify the tanginess. Taste as you go to find just the right balance for your palate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients and dressing a day in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the apples crisp.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can use sour cream or a low-fat mayonnaise if preferred, but Greek yogurt adds a nutritious twist.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but it’s best consumed fresh.