If you’re craving a fresh, crisp salad that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is simple to make, then this Simple Celery Apple Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining crunchy celery, sweet and tart apples, and nutty gruyere cheese, all brought together by a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this salad has the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It’s a refreshing dish that livens up any meal or stands proudly on its own for a light lunch or snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering the salad’s delightful balance of flavors and textures. The crispness of celery and apples provides that natural crunch, while the gruyere cheese adds a creamy, savory touch. The lemon dressing ties everything together with a bright, tangy punch.
- Celery: Use a large bunch of fresh, bright celery for that satisfying, crisp texture.
- Apples: Pick sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp for juicy sweetness and firmness.
- Gruyere cheese: Shaved thin for an irresistible nutty flavor and smooth mouthfeel.
- Olive oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds smooth richness to the dressing.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to give the dressing its lively zing.
- White wine vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity, balancing the lemon’s brightness.
- Maple syrup: Just a hint to soften the tartness and deepen the flavor profile.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle sharpness that complements the dressing perfectly.
- Garlic powder: A mild layer of savory warmth to round out the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the salad and the dressing to taste.
How to Make Simple Celery Apple Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Lemon Dressing
Begin by combining the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar: olive oil, fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until you get a smooth, emulsified dressing. Setting it aside allows the flavors to meld while you prepare the salad.
Step 2: Prep the Celery
Trim off any brown or damaged ends of the celery stalks, then slice the celery into thin, bite-sized pieces. Don’t toss the celery leaves if they look fresh — chop them finely and save them as a vibrant garnish that also helps reduce waste. The celery is the backbone of this salad’s signature crunch.
Step 3: Shave the Gruyere Cheese
Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, shave your block of gruyere cheese into delicate, thin slices. These shavings will melt slightly into the salad, adding an irresistible creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the apples and celery.
Step 4: Slice the Apples
Core your apples and slice them thinly, then chop those slices into bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat. The apples bring natural sweetness and juiciness that brighten every forkful of this Simple Celery Apple Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, apple pieces, gruyere shavings, and celery leaves. Give your dressing one last whisk to ensure it’s well blended before pouring it over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated with that vibrant lemon dressing. This salad shines brightest when served fresh immediately after tossing.
How to Serve Simple Celery Apple Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra celery leaves, a few curls of gruyere, or even a handful of chopped walnuts can elevate the presentation and add additional texture. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also complement the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled fish thanks to its light acidity and fresh crunch. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to richer mains like creamy pastas or slow-cooked pork, where it provides a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or special occasion, serve this salad in clear glass bowls to showcase its colorful layers. You can also pile it atop mixed greens or stuff it into crisp lettuce cups for a playful twist. The versatility makes it a keeper in your recipe repertoire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the apples and celery can lose crunch over time, it’s best to enjoy the salad within one to two days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
This Simple Celery Apple Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh crunch of the raw ingredients and the delicate lemon dressing, which may separate or lose flavor upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t recommended. Serve it cold or at room temperature to savor the crisp textures and zesty flavors at their best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While gruyere adds a nutty creaminess, you could substitute with feta for a tangier bite or shaved parmesan for a saltier note, depending on your preference.
Will this salad keep its crunch if made in advance?
The salad is best eaten fresh as the celery and apples tend to soften over time. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
What can I substitute for maple syrup in the dressing?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar work well as natural sweeteners that balance the acidity in the dressing nicely.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?
Yes! Toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds add delightful texture and an earthy flavor that complements the salad’s bright ingredients perfectly.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the gruyere cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a salad that is fresh, easy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, and this Simple Celery Apple Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe fits that bill perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a light main, it brings crisp textures and bright tastes to your table without fuss. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might find it becoming one of your favorite go-to salads for any season.
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Simple Celery Apple Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A fresh and crunchy Simple Celery Apple Salad with Lemon Dressing that combines crisp celery and sweet honeycrisp apples with shaved Gruyere cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This light and flavorful salad is perfect for a quick, nutritious snack or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large bunch celery
- 2 medium apples (honeycrisp recommended)
- 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
- Prepare the lemon vinaigrette: Add all dressing ingredients—olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—to a small bowl or jar with a lid. Whisk or shake well to thoroughly combine, then set aside.
- Prep the celery: Trim off any brown or broken ends from the celery stalks. Slice the celery into thin, bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery leaves finely if they look fresh and nice to use as garnish, reducing waste and adding flavor.
- Shave the Gruyere cheese: Using a standard vegetable peeler, shave the block of Gruyere cheese into thin slices for an elegant, easy-to-eat texture.
- Prepare the apples: Core and thinly slice the apples into manageable slices. Then cut those slices further into bite-sized pieces suitable for the salad.
- Toss the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped celery, apple pieces, shaved Gruyere, and celery greens. Whisk the dressing once more to re-emulsify, then pour it over the salad. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed, and toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp celery and sweet, firm apples like Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Gruyere cheese can be swapped with other semi-hard cheeses like Emmental or Comté if preferred.
- The salad is best enjoyed immediately as celery can lose its crunch when dressed for too long.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity in dressing to taste for desired sweetness.
