This post may contain affiliate links.
This crispy and refreshing Apple and Celery Salad combines crunchy apples, romaine, and celery with sharp cheddar cheese for the perfect balance of sweet, savory and tangy. A bright lemony dressing ties everything together, adding freshness and zing to every bite. It is a simple salad that works for lunches, a side to our dinner or a great dish to bring to a get together.
This Apple and Celery Salad is the perfect mix of fresh, crunchy ingredients. It is an easy side dish that works perfectly for a busy weeknight, easy lunch or a nice addition to a holiday table. My sister-in-law brought this salad to Thanksgiving and I knew I had to share it with you guys!
With crisp apples, crunchy celery and sharp cheddar cheese paired with a light tangy lemon dressing this salad delivers a balance of sweet, savory and tangy flavor in every bite. If you are looking for a simple, wholesome salad that feels satisfying without being heavy.
This is made with everyday ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes. This salad fits beautifully into a Mediterranean inspired, veggie forward dish. I love how versatile this salad is one that can easily be customized by adding beans like fruit, chickpeas or white beans, extra veggies or nuts and seeds. If you like quick salads you also might like this Easy Lebanese Salad, Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad), Tomato Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad or this Malfouf Salad (Lebanese Cabbage Salad).
Why You Will Love this Celery Apple Salad
This is a simple apple salad recipe! You can have it on the table in under 10 minutes. Here is why we love this salad:
• Fresh, Crisp: This salad is fresh and crisp from the textures of the romaine, apples and celery. The combination makes every bite refreshing.
• Sweet & Savory: The sweet juicy apples, savory cheddar cheese and the lemon dressing works so well together.
• Quick Prep Time: You can have this salad on the table in under 10 minutes. It is super easy and quick making it a great side dish or salad to add to a main dish.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for exact amounts and printable instructions.
- lettuce: this salad uses romaine lettuce. It works nicely with the crispy apples and the crunchy celery. Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce and then chop it.
- apples: gala apples are sweet and tangy and add so much flavor to this salad.
- celery: adds refreshing crunch and a light flavor.
- onion: the red onion adds a nice color and flavor to the salad. You can swap with sweet onion or even shallot.
- cheese: sharp white cheddar cheese is the perfect accompaniment to the sweet, tangy apples and the celery. I like to buy a block of good sharp cheddar and cut it myself so it is fresh and evenly sliced.
- dressing: a light lemony dressing mixes together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar and dijon mustard. It is light and the perfect way to add a touch of finishing flavor.
Recipe Modifications
- protein: you can add protein like chickpeas, white beans, grilled Greek chicken, Greek shrimp or pan-seared Greek salmon.
- apples: swap the gala apples for Honeycrisp, pink lady or granny smith apples.
- nuts & seeds: add crunch with walnuts, sunflower seeds, pecans, sliced almonds, pine nuts or sesame seeds.
- veggies: add veggies like carrots, bell peppers or pickled red onions.
- sweetness: fruit adds sweetness and pairs well with the apples like grapes, golden raisins or dried cranberries.
- creamy: this is an apple salad without mayo, but for a creamy version add a spoon of Greek yogurt into the dressing or add creamy avocado to the salad.
- greens: swap the greens to a spring mix, kale, arugula or spinach.
- grains: bulk up the salad with quinoa, couscous, bulgur wheat or farro.
- cheese: You also can swap it for other cheese like mozzarella cheese, pecorino cheese, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese or goat cheese.
- low-carb: make it low carb by swapping the apples with crisp cucumbers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl mix the romaine lettuce, apples, red onion, celery and cheddar cheese. Add freshly cracked black pepper and toss well.
Step 2: Create Dressing: In a mason jar or salad dressing container mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, red wine vinegar, oregano, kosher salt and pepper and mix well.
Step 3: Add Dressing to Salad: Pour half of the dressing over the fresh apple salad and toss. Taste and add more dressing if needed. Serve or store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe Tips
- Slice the apples last or toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Chill the ingredients before assembling for an extra-crisp celery apple salad.
- Cut the cheddar into small, even chunks so you get balances flavors with every bite of salad.
- Dress the salad right before serving to make sure the salad stays crisp and to prevent sogginess.
- Chill the salad bowl 10 minutes before serving to help keep the crunchy apple salad even more crisp and fresh!
Storage Instructions
Store the leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You might want to add more dressing to the salad to freshen it up when ready to serve.
Recipe FAQ
Toss the sliced apples in a little lemon juice or store them in cold water with a splash of lemon to prevent browning.
Yes, you can! Prep the ingredients ahead but wait to slice the apples until you make the salad to prevent browning. Add the dressing right before serving the salad. For the romaine and celery I suggest wrapping those in damp paper towels to keep them crisp.
Add chicken souvlaki, kafta kabobs, roasted chickpeas or even sliced hard-boiled eggs.
Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette for a touch of sweetness.
More Apple Recipes
Vegetarian
Butternut Squash Apple Bake
Vegetarian
Apple Kale Quinoa Salad
Sides
Easy Skillet Apples
Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Applesauce
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for the latest.
Celery and Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 2 hears of romaine lettuce, washed and dried, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, chopped into chunks
- 2 gala apples, thinly sliced
- Freshly cracked black pepper
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix the romaine lettuce, celery, red onion, cheddar cheese and apples. Add freshly cracked black pepper and toss well.
- In a mason jar or salad dressing container mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper and mix well.
- Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss. Taste and add more dressing if needed.
- Serve or store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- Store the leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You might want to add more dressing when you serve again.
- You can add a different cheese like feta cheese, goat cheese, Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese.
- If you want to add nuts or seeds try pine nuts, sesame seeds, sliced almonds or walnuts.
- Toss the sliced apples in a little lemon juice or store them in cold water with a splash of lemon to prevent browning.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a crisp, crunchy salad that is so easy to make in under 10 minutes.