Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese

Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese is a delightful dish that combines crisp celery with sweet apples and tangy blue cheese. This refreshing salad is perfect for a variety of occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual weeknight dinners. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Crunchy: The combination of celery and apples offers a satisfying crunch that brings vibrancy to your meal.
• Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, this salad is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful Pairing: The blue cheese adds a creamy, bold flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
• Versatile Side Dish: This salad works wonderfully alongside various main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian options.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Mandoline (optional)
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spilling.
• Whisk: Whisking the vinaigrette helps incorporate all flavors for a balanced dressing.

Ingredients

For the Vinaigrette

• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
• 4 teaspoons coarse mustard
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest, plus 4 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad

• 1 head celery, trimmed, stalks peeled and thinly sliced on the diagonal, leaves reserved
• 2 tart red apples, such as Pink Lady
• 1 small celery root (about 12 ounces)
• 1 packed cup fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped roasted, salted almonds
• 1 cup crumbled bold, creamy but firm blue cheese (4 to 5 ounces)

How to Make Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Olive oil
2. Shallot
3. Mustard
4. Lemon zest and juice
5. Sugar

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the sliced celery and toss well to coat.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples and Celery Root

Core the apples:
1. Slice them lengthwise into very thin wedges using a knife or mandoline.
2. Add them to the sliced celery and toss gently.

Prepare the celery root:
1. Peel or slice off any brown skin until it’s clean.
2. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice into very thin half-moons.
3. Add these to the celery and apple mixture; toss again.

Note: The salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours or even overnight at this stage.

Step 3: Combine Final Ingredients

Just before serving:
1. Add parsley, almonds, and half of the cheese.
2. Toss lightly to combine; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Serve Your Salad

Transfer the salad to a shallow serving bowl or platter:
1. Top with remaining cheese.
2. Garnish with reserved celery leaves and additional parsley.
3. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!

How to Serve Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese

Celery salad with apples and blue cheese is a delightful dish that can elevate any meal. Its refreshing crunch and bold flavors make it versatile for various dining occasions.

As a Standalone Dish

• A light lunch option: Serve it alone for a refreshing midday meal packed with nutrients.
• Perfect for picnics: Its sturdy ingredients hold up well, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Accompanied by Proteins

• With grilled chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the salad’s tangy notes.
• Paired with roasted turkey: This hearty pairing is great for holiday meals or family dinners.

Ideal for Special Occasions

• As a Thanksgiving side: This salad brings freshness to the table amidst richer dishes.
• Serve at Christmas gatherings: Its vibrant colors enhance festive platters.

With Toast or Bread

• On toasted baguette slices: Create a delicious appetizer by serving the salad on crispy bread.
• Alongside whole-grain crackers: A crunchy snack option that balances well with creamy blue cheese.

How to Perfect Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese

Creating the perfect celery salad with apples and blue cheese requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh celery, crisp apples, and quality blue cheese significantly impact taste and texture.
• Slice thinly: Thin slices of celery and apples ensure every bite is crunchy and flavorful.
• Dress just before serving: To maintain the freshness of the salad, toss it in the vinaigrette right before serving.
• Experiment with nuts: Try different nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor variation.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your palate.

Best Side Dishes for Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese

Celery salad with apples and blue cheese pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies drizzled with olive oil make a delicious accompaniment.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds protein while keeping the meal light.
3. Grilled Asparagus: Charred asparagus enhances the earthy flavors of the salad beautifully.
4. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides a comforting contrast to the refreshing salad.
5. Couscous Salad: A fluffy couscous mix with herbs offers another layer of texture and flavor.
6. Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup creates a cozy meal alongside this crisp salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Vinaigrette: Not preparing the vinaigrette properly can lead to bland flavors. Always whisk together the olive oil, mustard, and other ingredients until well combined before adding the salad components.

• Using Overripe Apples: Choosing apples that are too soft can ruin the salad’s texture. Opt for tart, crisp apples like Pink Lady for that perfect crunch.

• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Under-seasoning is a frequent issue. Taste your salad after mixing and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.

• Cutting Ingredients Incorrectly: Cutting celery or apples too thick may affect the overall consistency of the salad. Make sure to slice them thinly for a better bite.

• Forgetting Garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley or reserved celery leaves can take away from both flavor and presentation. Always add these right before serving for freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• For best quality, consume within 24 hours.

Freezing Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
• Freezing can alter the texture of celery and apples significantly.

Reheating Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese

• Oven: If you prefer a warm dish, gently heat in an oven at low temperature. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container; heat in short intervals to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a pan, stirring frequently until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese:

How long does Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese last?

This salad lasts up to 2 days if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I replace blue cheese in this recipe?

Yes! You can use feta or goat cheese as alternatives for a different flavor profile while still keeping it creamy.

What types of apples work best?

Tart apple varieties like Pink Lady or Granny Smith work well because they offer a nice contrast to the celery’s crunchiness.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad holds up well when prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

Can I add other ingredients?

Feel free to customize your salad with nuts or dried fruits such as cranberries or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese is a delightful dish that combines crunch with creaminess, making it versatile enough for any occasion. Whether served at dinner parties or casual lunches, it’s easy to customize based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. Give this refreshing salad a try — you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Celery Salad With Apples and Blue Cheese is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances the crispness of celery, the sweetness of tart apples, and the rich creaminess of blue cheese. This salad is not just a side dish; it can elevate your dining experience for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, it is an ideal choice for those with busy schedules. The delightful crunch from fresh ingredients combined with a zesty vinaigrette makes every bite a treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
• 4 teaspoons coarse mustard
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 head celery, trimmed, stalks peeled and thinly sliced on the diagonal, leaves reserved
• 2 tart red apples, such as Pink Lady
• 1 small celery root (about 12 ounces)
• 1 packed cup fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped roasted, salted almonds
• 1 cup crumbled bold, creamy but firm blue cheese (4 to 5 ounces)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped shallots, mustard, lemon zest and juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add sliced celery to the vinaigrette and toss well to coat.
3. Core apples and slice them thinly; add to the bowl along with prepared celery root cut into half-moons.
4. Chill for up to 2 hours if desired.
5. Just before serving, mix in parsley, almonds, and half of the blue cheese; adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve on a platter topped with remaining blue cheese and garnished with parsley.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg