If you are craving a refreshing and vibrant salad that effortlessly balances crunchy and creamy textures with a burst of zesty brightness, this Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together crisp celery, juicy apples, and velvety gruyere cheese, all wrapped in a tangy lemon vinaigrette that elevates those fresh flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner side, or whenever you want a wholesome dish that feels both sophisticated and simple, this salad has quickly become one of my personal favorites to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe is how the ingredients are minimal but incredibly purposeful. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor and texture, making the salad come alive with every bite.
- 1 large bunch celery: Provides a crisp, refreshing base with a subtle herbal note.
- 2 medium apples (I used Honeycrisp): Adds natural sweetness and juicy crunch for balance.
- 1/2 cup gruyere cheese, shaved: Offers a creamy, nutty depth that complements the fresh ingredients.
- Salt + pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Creates a smooth, luscious texture in the dressing.
- 1 lemon, juice only: Brings brightness and tang that wakes up every ingredient.
- 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tsp maple syrup: Just a touch to round out the dressing with gentle sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard: Offers a mild kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory undertone without overpowering.
How to Make Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette
Start by combining all the dressing ingredients into a small bowl or jar with a lid — olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar instantly to create a smooth, tangy vinaigrette. Setting this aside will allow the flavors to meld while you prep the salad ingredients.
Step 2: Chop the Celery
Remove any brown or damaged ends from the celery stalks. Cut the stalks into thin, bite-size pieces that provide a satisfying crunch without being bulky. If the celery leaves look fresh and vibrant, give them a rough chop too — they make a lovely garnish and help reduce food waste.
Step 3: Shave the Gruyere Cheese
Grab a block of gruyere cheese and use a vegetable peeler to shave it into delicate, thin slices. The cheese melts slightly on your tongue when combined with the crisp vegetables, lending creaminess and a mildly nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Slice and Dice the Apples
Core the apples and thinly slice them into manageable pieces. Then chop those slices further into bite-sized chunks that mix beautifully with the celery and cheese. This approach ensures every forkful is balanced in flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
In a large salad bowl, toss together the celery, apples, shaved gruyere, and chopped celery greens. Give your lemon vinaigrette one last vigorous whisk or shake, then pour it over the salad. Season with extra salt and pepper if desired, and toss everything gently but thoroughly. This salad is best served immediately to enjoy the crispness and fresh, vibrant flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Adding an extra flair is always rewarding. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper or a few more celery leaves on top for a pop of color. Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans also offer an added crunch and a warm nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the lemon dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a hearty sandwich. Its bright, fresh character helps balance heavier, richer dishes and provides a satisfying contrast in texture and taste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad layered in clear glass bowls or individual jars. You can even create bite-sized lettuce cups filled with the mixture for a fun appetizer at your next gathering. Whichever way you choose, the colorful ingredients make it look as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and the lemon dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to preserve the crunch and freshness, as the dressing can cause the celery and apples to soften over time.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so I do not recommend freezing. The texture of celery and apples changes dramatically after thawing, losing their crispness, which is key to the salad’s appeal.
Reheating
Because this dish is served cold and relies on fresh, crisp textures, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Just bring leftovers to room temperature and add the dressing for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Gruyere brings a creamy and nutty flavor, but you can substitute with sharp cheddar or even a tangy goat cheese if you prefer a different twist on the salad.
What apples work best in this salad?
Honeycrisp apples are fantastic because of their sweetness and crisp texture, but tart Granny Smith apples or sweet Gala apples are also excellent choices, depending on your flavor preference.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The lemon dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a good shake or stir before using to recombine the ingredients.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a light and healthy option.
How long will leftovers stay fresh?
When stored properly with the dressing separated, the salad can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, for optimal crispness, it is best eaten the day it’s made.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe is a bright and refreshing way to bring together crunchy celery, sweet apples, and nutty gruyere cheese in a zesty, lemony dressing. It has a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s an effortlessly elegant salad to make anytime you want something fresh, flavorful, and a little bit special.
Print
Simple Celery Apple Salad With Lemon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and crunchy celery apple salad dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, enhanced by the creamy texture of shaved Gruyere cheese. This simple, quick-to-prepare salad offers a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a refreshing side dish or light lunch option.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large bunch celery
- 2 medium apples (I used Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shaved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon Vinaigrette 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
- Make the Dressing: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar with a lid. Whisk or shake well to blend all ingredients into a smooth lemon vinaigrette. Set aside.
- Prepare the Celery: Trim off any brown or broken ends from the celery stalks and discard. Cut the celery into thin, bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery leaves finely if they look fresh to use as garnish, minimizing waste.
- Shave the Gruyere: Use a vegetable peeler or a similar tool to shave the block of Gruyere cheese into thin slices or curls for easy mixing and texture.
- Prepare the Apples: Core the apples and slice them thinly. Then cut those slices into bite-sized pieces to match the celery size for consistent texture in the salad.
- Toss the Salad: Place chopped celery, apple pieces, shaved Gruyere, and celery greens into a large salad bowl. Whisk the vinaigrette once more to ensure it is well combined, then pour it evenly over the salad. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and toss everything gently to combine all flavors thoroughly. Serve immediately for the best fresh flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh celery leaves as garnish to add flavor and reduce waste.
- Choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp for sweetness and crunch.
- Shaving the cheese thinly ensures it distributes evenly and melts slightly when mixed.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crisp texture of apples and celery.
- Adjust salt and pepper in dressing to your taste preference.
