Celery salad with apples and walnuts

Delicious celery salad recipe with apples and walnuts

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of celery salad with apples and walnuts is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions that combine fresh flavors with crunchy textures. This salad is not only a perfect accompaniment for festive meals but also an ideal choice for a healthy and quick lunch. Combining crisp celery, sweet apples, and nutrient-rich walnuts, this salad offers an explosion of flavors and nutritional benefits.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized celery root (approximately 300-400 g)
- 1 apple (preferably a sweet apple, such as Gala or Fuji)
- 100 g walnut kernels, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the celery, ensuring you remove any damaged parts. Wash the celery well under cold running water. Once clean, cut the celery into thin sticks, about 1 cm wide. This will help achieve a crunchy and pleasant texture in the salad.

2. Preparing the apples: Wash the apple well, then cut it in half. If you prefer, you can remove the core, but for added flavor, you can leave the skin on. Cut the apple into sticks similar to those of the celery. The sweet aroma of the apples will contrast perfectly with the slightly spicy taste of the celery.

3. Chopping the walnuts: If you have whole walnuts, you can chop them easily with a knife or in a food processor. The walnuts add not only a delicious taste but also a crunchy texture that makes the salad even more appealing.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the celery, chopped apple, walnut kernels, and chopped parsley. The parsley not only adds a note of freshness but also a splash of color to your salad.

5. Preparing the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to emulsify the dressing. This will add a note of acidity and balance the sweetness of the apples.

6. Assembling the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to ensure each ingredient is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Chilling the salad: It is recommended to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld perfectly and make the salad even more refreshing.

Serving suggestions: You can serve this salad as a side dish alongside grilled meat, but it is also a delicious appetizer, perfect for festive meals. Give it an elegant look by garnishing with a few walnut halves and some parsley leaves.

Practical tips:
- Choose fresh ingredients: Make sure the celery and apples are fresh to achieve a crunchy and tasty salad.
- Vary the ingredients: You can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamy note, or you can replace the walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
- Storage: The salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy the crunchy texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of celery salad with apples and walnuts has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of walnuts used. This salad is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fatty acids, providing a nutritious snack that supports heart health and digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts? Absolutely! Pecan nuts or hazelnuts are excellent alternatives.
- How can I make the salad spicier? You can add a few chili flakes or a little cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Is the salad vegan? Yes, all ingredients are plant-based, but ensure that the dressing does not contain animal products.

This celery salad with apples and walnuts is not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to enjoy healthy and flavorful ingredients. Its preparation doesn’t take much time, and the result is a salad that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!