Celery salad

Celery Salad with Carrots and Apples – A Crunchy and Fresh Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of healthy and vibrant flavors! Today, we will prepare a celery salad with carrots and apples, a simple and delicious recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of freshness to your table. This dish is perfect for warm days but can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Celery salad is a dish that has gained popularity worldwide, known for its crunchy texture and combination of sweet and savory flavors. It is an excellent choice for holiday meals, picnics, or simply as a healthy snack. Over time, this salad has evolved, being adapted to local preferences and ingredient availability.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 large celery (about 1 kg)
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 green apples (preferably, for a pleasant contrast of acidity)
- Salt to taste
- A jar of mayonnaise (380 g)
- 4 pickles (for decoration)

Useful Tips about Ingredients

- Celery: Choose fresh celery with green and crunchy leaves. Avoid celery with blemishes or wilted leaves, as these may indicate inferior quality. Celery not only adds a distinct flavor to the salad but is also very healthy, rich in fiber and vitamins.

- Carrots: Carrots should be young and crunchy. They add sweetness and a pleasant texture. You can use carrots of different colors to add a touch of color and variety.

- Green apples: Green apples, such as Granny Smith, are ideal due to their acidity, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the carrots and the crunchy texture of the celery.

- Mayonnaise: If you want to make the salad even healthier, you can use light mayonnaise or prepare homemade mayonnaise from eggs, olive oil, and mustard.

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the celery: Start by peeling the celery. It is important to keep it in cold water with a little lemon juice while you deal with the other ingredients to prevent oxidation.

2. Grating the ingredients: After you have peeled the celery, carrots, and apples, you can cut them into large pieces. Use a food processor or a grater to chop them. If you use the food processor, make sure not to chop them too finely; crunchy textures are essential.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated celery, carrots, and apples. Add mayonnaise and salt to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated with mayonnaise.

4. Decoration: Slice the pickles thinly and use them to garnish the salad. They will add a salty note and a textural contrast, enhancing the salad's appearance.

5. Chilling: It is recommended to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the salad even more refreshing.

Serving Suggestions

Celery salad with carrots and apples can be served as a side dish with various main courses, such as meat or fish dishes. It is also an excellent choice for sandwiches or wraps, adding a crunchy and fresh note.

For a complete culinary experience, you can pair this salad with a glass of fresh lemonade or iced tea.

Possible Variations

1. Add nuts: For an extra flavor and texture boost, you can add chopped nuts or almonds. They not only enhance the taste but also provide additional nutritional benefits.

2. Use Greek yogurt: If you want to reduce calorie content, replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will provide a pleasant creaminess and add protein.

3. Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as black pepper, fresh dill, or even a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to give the salad a more sophisticated touch.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Celery is an excellent source of vitamins K and C, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is beneficial for eye health. Apples add fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Estimated calories per serving: approximately 150 kcal, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of apples? Yes, you can use sweet apples, but it is recommended to choose green apples to maintain the balance of flavors.

- Can the salad be made shortly before serving? It is recommended to prepare it shortly before, but not more than a few hours in advance, to avoid soggy ingredients.

- How long can the salad be stored in the refrigerator? The salad can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best to consume it the same day to maintain its crunchy texture.

I encourage you to try this celery salad with carrots and apples recipe! It is simple, healthy, and full of flavor, and each bite will bring a smile to your face. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or simply as a snack, this salad will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!