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Thanksgiving Celery and Apple Crunch Salad Recipe


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4.1 from 23 reviews

  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Thanksgiving Celery and Apple Crunch Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for your holiday table. Combining crisp celery, sweet Honeycrisp apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, it offers a delightful contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, this salad adds a burst of color and nutrition to any festive meal.


Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped celery
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, diced
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare the celery: Wash and chop the celery into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for easy eating.
  2. Dice the apples: Core and dice the Honeycrisp apples into small cubes, retaining the skin for added texture and nutrients.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, diced apples, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries.
  4. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
  5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the apples.
  6. Chill and meld flavors: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to chill for optimal freshness.
  7. Serve and garnish: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl and garnish with extra toasted walnuts or dried cranberries if desired for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • For best texture, use Honeycrisp apples or other crisp, sweet varieties like Gala or Fuji.
  • Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
  • Adjust sugar and lemon juice according to your preferred balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead; keep refrigerated and toss gently before serving.
  • Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can add a fresh aroma and color contrast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American