Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing: Side Dish You’ll Love

There’s something about a salad that combines crisp, juicy apples, crunchy celery, toasted pecans, and a tangy-sweet vinaigrette that just feels refreshing and light. This Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing is exactly that kind of dish—vibrant, textural, and absolutely delicious. Tossed with dried cranberries and topped with shaved Parmesan, it’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty.

It’s quick to prepare, full of natural flavors, and versatile enough to serve as a fresh starter, a side dish, or even a light lunch. Best of all, it’s the kind of salad that makes eating vegetables exciting.

Where This Crisp Apple Celery Salad Shines

I first made this salad on a crisp autumn afternoon, when apples were in peak season and I wanted something lighter to balance out a hearty roast chicken dinner. I remembered my grandmother always saying, “Celery is the crunch every salad needs,” and she wasn’t wrong. Adding apples, a maple-sweetened Dijon dressing, and some toasted pecans brought everything together.

It’s now one of my favorite salads for fall and winter, though honestly, it’s refreshing enough for spring and summer too. Whether served at a holiday table, alongside grilled meat, or just as a quick weekday salad, it always gets compliments..

Why You’ll Love This Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing Recipe

You’ll love this Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing because it’s refreshing, flavorful, and super easy to make. Let’s break down why it’s so special:

Refreshing Crunch

The combination of celery and apples gives every bite a crisp, juicy texture that feels light and refreshing—perfect for a snack, lunch, or side dish.

Sweet & Savory Harmony

The maple syrup and cranberries provide natural sweetness, which balances beautifully with the tangy Dijon mustard and salty Parmesan cheese. Each forkful hits a perfect sweet-savory flavor balance.

Quick & Easy

This salad comes together in about 15 minutes. Only one pan is needed to toast the pecans, so cleanup is minimal. It’s a simple recipe that still feels special.

Customizable

You can swap nuts or fruits, or even add proteins like grilled chicken or tofu to make it a full meal. It’s flexible enough to suit your taste or what you have in your pantry.

Healthy & Satisfying

Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats, this salad is nutritious and filling without being heavy. It’s perfect for a light, wholesome meal or a smart side dish.

Ingredients & Benefits

For the Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (add more for less sweetness) – Provides tanginess and helps emulsify the dressing.
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – Natural sweetness with a caramel-like depth.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – Bright acidity to balance the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – Smooth, healthy fat for richness.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper – Elevates and balances the dressing.

For the Salad

• ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped, divided – Nutty crunch plus healthy fats.
• 6 celery stalks, thinly sliced – Crisp, hydrating, and subtly peppery.
• Celery leaves (from stalks), coarsely chopped – Don’t toss these—they add freshness and extra flavor.
• 1 large red apple, chopped – Juicy sweetness; Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Jazz are excellent choices.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries – Tart-sweet bursts that complement the apple.
• 3 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese – Salty, savory richness that ties the salad together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette

In a jar or salad shaker, combine Dijon mustard, maple syrup, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake vigorously until smooth and blended. Set aside.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Place chopped pecans in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prevent Browning – Toss apple pieces with a splash of lemon juice before adding to the salad.

Toast Nuts Gently – Keep heat medium and stir often to avoid burning.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine celery, celery leaves, chopped apple, dried cranberries, and about three tablespoons of toasted pecans. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Dress & Toss

Drizzle the Maple-Dijon vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently until evenly coated.

Shake, Don’t Stir – A tightly sealed jar makes blending the vinaigrette easier.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Divide onto plates, sprinkle with the remaining pecans, and top with shaved Parmesan. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Prep Ahead – Dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance; assemble salad just before serving.

Recommended Equipment

Salad shaker or jar with lid – For quick dressing prep.

Small skillet – Ideal for toasting nuts.

Cutting board & knife – For chopping apples and celery.

Salad bowl – To toss and serve.

How to Serve Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing

This salad works beautifully in many settings:

• As a starter – Serve small portions before a heavier main course.
• Holiday side dish – Brightens up rich meals like roast turkey, ham, or beef.
• Lunch option – Add grilled chicken or leftover turkey for protein.
• Summer gathering – Refreshing and light, perfect for outdoor dining.

Serve it chilled or at room temperature—just don’t let it sit too long after dressing, or it may lose its crunch.

Pair With

Here are 5 fresh pairing suggestions (different recipes from your list) that work beautifully with Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing:

Butterflied Cranberry Orange Pork Tenderloin – A Quick & Elegant Dinner

Pork and apples are a classic pairing. The bright cranberry-orange glaze complements the maple-dijon dressing, creating a sweet-tart balance with both dishes.

Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs with Zhoug Sauce – A Bold & Flavorful Delight

The smoky, spicy shrimp contrasts the crisp sweetness of the salad. The zesty Zhoug sauce adds a vibrant kick, keeping the meal light yet exciting.

Delicious Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken Breasts with Summer Veggie

Juicy roasted chicken with seasonal veggies forms a hearty but balanced plate. The salad adds crunch and tang, brightening the earthy roasted flavors.

Quick & Tasty Chicken Fried Rice – A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

This savory, umami-rich fried rice is lifted by the apple-celery salad, which cuts through the richness and adds freshness to the plate.

Spicy Peach Salsa: A Flavorful Fiesta in Your Mouth!

Served as a side or topping, this sweet-spicy salsa plays off the maple in the salad while adding a juicy, tangy kick. It turns a simple meal into a vibrant spread.

This way, your salad can pair with pork, chicken, shrimp, or even a fruity salsa depending on the mood—whether light, elegant, or family-style.

Diet-Friendly Options

Vegan – Skip Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.

Gluten-Free – Naturally gluten-free as written.

Dairy-Free – Omit Parmesan or swap with nutritional yeast.

Nut-Free – Use roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds instead of pecans.

Low-Sugar – Use unsweetened dried cranberries or reduce maple syrup in the dressing.

Best Ways to Store

Vinaigrette – Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake before using.

Salad (without dressing) – Keep celery, apples, and cranberries prepped in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Dressed Salad – Best eaten immediately; otherwise, the apples soften and the celery loses crunch.

Recipe Variations

Nuts – Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or cashews.

Fruit – Try golden raisins, dried cherries, or fresh grapes instead of cranberries.

Greens – Add arugula or baby spinach for a leafier salad.

Protein Boost – Add shredded chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas.

Cheese Alternatives – Use blue cheese or feta for a stronger, tangier bite.

Your Top Questions Answered

Wrap Up

This Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing is proof that simple ingredients can make an unforgettable dish. With a refreshing crunch, a balance of sweet and savory, and a dressing you’ll want to put on everything, this salad works for just about any occasion.

Serve it at your holiday table, pair it with a weeknight dinner, or make it a light lunch—it’s versatile, quick, and full of flavor. One bite, and you’ll understand why this has become a staple in my kitchen.