Crunchy Apple, Celery, and Walnut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette: A Healthy Party Favorite

Every entertaining menu benefits from a refreshing counterpoint, and this Apple, Celery, and Walnut Salad is the perfect solution. It’s a deliciously crunchy, vibrant, and remarkably healthy dish that quickly becomes a cherished favorite for any gathering, big or small.

(This post is proudly sponsored by Fisher Nuts, a brand renowned for its high-quality, preservative-free ingredients.)

Are you currently immersed in planning your next menu, perhaps for a major event like the Super Bowl, or simply a casual get-together with friends and family? The sheer volume of enticing recipes and creative ideas can make narrowing down your choices a delightful, yet challenging, task. Often, the best plans come together at the last minute, even on the day of the event itself. However, even with last-minute decisions, incorporating thoughtful and balanced options can elevate the entire dining experience.

While the allure of indulgent, hearty party foods is undeniable, especially when gathered to watch a football game, a wise host understands the importance of culinary balance. This is where a vibrant, healthy salad truly shines. Salads aren’t always the first thing that comes to mind for a Super Bowl spread or game day snacks, but I can confidently assure you that this particular Apple, Celery, and Walnut Salad will be met with genuine appreciation. For those guests diligently striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially during times of year often associated with rich foods, offering a fresh, wholesome option is a thoughtful gesture. In my experience, I often find myself taking on the role of the “salad maker” or “salad bringer” for potlucks and parties – and with a recipe this good, it’s a role I happily embrace.

Why This Apple, Celery, and Walnut Salad is a Must-Try

This Apple, Celery, and Walnut Salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, boasting a delightful crunch in every bite. It’s remarkably versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes. Imagine serving it alongside anything buffalo-flavored – like those savory Baked Hot and Garlic Zingers my husband adores – or complementing smoky barbecue fare, such as tantalizing Pulled Pork and Chipotle Onion Sandwiches. Better yet, skip the typical takeout and elevate your homemade pizza night by serving this fresh salad alongside a mouth-watering creation like this Cheesy Pizza Bread (which is truly astounding!). As I always say, it’s all about finding that perfect balance between indulgence and refreshing goodness.

The Perfect Salad Components for Unforgettable Flavor

I’ve often shared my belief that the foundation of a truly perfect salad rests on a trinity of greens, cheese, and nuts. This Apple, Celery, and Walnut Salad unequivocally fits into that “perfect salad” category. The sweetness of crisp apples harmoniously blends with the earthy crunch of premium walnuts and the sharp tang of white cheddar cheese. It’s a combination that truly sings on the palate. To further enhance its textural appeal, thinly sliced celery is incorporated, adding an extra layer of refreshing crunch and a subtle peppery bite. The combination of these carefully chosen ingredients creates a salad that is both satisfying and incredibly fresh.

Ingredient Spotlight: Freshness and Flavor

Crisp Apples: Apples provide a natural sweetness and a refreshing crispness that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work exceptionally well, offering that perfect balance of sweet and tart. They are also packed with fiber and essential vitamins.
Crunchy Celery: Often underestimated, celery brings an invigorating, slightly peppery flavor and an unparalleled crunch. Its high water content makes it incredibly refreshing, while also contributing vitamins K and C, and a good amount of fiber.
Wholesome Walnuts: The stars of this salad, walnuts from Fisher Nuts, deliver a rich, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch. Beyond their taste, walnuts are a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein, making them an excellent choice for heart health and overall well-being. Using high-quality nuts like Fisher’s ensures the best flavor and texture.
Sharp White Cheddar: The inclusion of shredded white cheddar cheese adds a delightful savory depth and a creamy counterpoint to the crispier components. Its sharp flavor cuts through the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the walnuts, creating a truly balanced profile.
Zesty Honey Dijon Vinaigrette: This homemade dressing is the glue that binds all the flavors together. The tang of apple cider vinegar, the punch of Dijon mustard, and the subtle sweetness of honey create a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that coats each ingredient with a vibrant, irresistible flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Salad Prep

One of the best features of this salad is its suitability for meal prepping. The vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing its flavors to meld beautifully. Similarly, the base of the salad – romaine, celery, walnuts, and cheese – can be assembled and kept chilled. The key is to hold off on adding the apples until just before serving. Apples, when exposed to air, tend to brown quickly. To mitigate this and ensure they look their best, toss the apple matchsticks in a small amount of lemon juice immediately after slicing, before incorporating them into the salad. This simple step helps maintain their fresh appearance and crisp texture, guaranteeing a stunning presentation every time.

Print Recipe

Apple, Celery and Walnut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

For the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
A pinch of coarse salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

1 heart of romaine lettuce, cut in half lengthwise, then cut into strips
4 celery stalks with the greens, thinly sliced
4 – 6 oz white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/3 cup Fisher Walnuts Halves & Pieces, roughly chopped
2 medium-sized apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and cut into matchsticks
Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice for the apples

Directions:

Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid or a container, combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, coarse salt, and freshly ground pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Set aside, or refrigerate if making ahead.
Assemble the Salad Base: In a large serving bowl, gently combine the romaine lettuce, sliced celery, shredded white cheddar cheese, and chopped Fisher Walnuts.
Add Apples and Serve: Just before you are ready to serve the salad, add the apple matchsticks. If you prepared the apples ahead of time, ensure they were tossed with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Pour the prepared Honey Dijon Vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch and fresh flavors!

Make-Ahead Tip: For convenience, the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The base salad (romaine, celery, walnuts, cheese) can also be prepped a few hours ahead and kept chilled. However, to maintain optimal crispness and prevent browning, always slice and add the apples right before serving. A quick toss of the apple slices in a small amount of lemon juice is highly recommended to preserve their fresh appearance.

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The Fisher Nuts Difference

Fisher Nuts are dedicated to providing only the highest quality, preservative-free nuts, ensuring that every bite is as natural and delicious as possible. Their commitment to quality means you’re always getting the best ingredients for your cooking and baking. Discover an extensive collection of inspiring recipes utilizing a wide variety of their premium nuts by visiting their comprehensive website here. Additionally, for those looking to hone their culinary skills, Fisher Nuts offers informative and helpful How-To Videos here, guiding you through various techniques and applications for their products.

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(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Fisher Nuts. As a proud brand ambassador for Fisher Nuts, I will be sharing a variety of recipes featuring their exceptional products throughout the upcoming year. Fisher Nuts is a brand I genuinely admire and enjoy collaborating with, and all opinions expressed in this post are, as always, my own honest reflections.)