Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
A refreshing mix of crunchy apples, crisp celery, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans tossed in a tangy-sweet Maple-Dijon vinaigrette. Finished with shaved Parmesan, this light salad is both vibrant and satisfying—perfect as a side dish or a fresh starter.
Equipment
- Salad shaker or jar with lid
- Small skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Salad bowl
Ingredients
Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (add 1–2 teaspoons more for less sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped, divided
- 6 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- Celery leaves (from stalks), coarsely chopped
- 1 large red apple, chopped (Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Jazz recommended)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette – Add mustard, maple syrup, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a small jar or salad shaker. Seal and shake vigorously until well blended. Set aside.
- Toast the pecans – Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until fragrant and lightly golden, 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the salad – In a large serving bowl, combine celery, celery leaves, apple, cranberries, and about three tablespoons of toasted pecans. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Dress and toss – Drizzle the Maple-Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Finish & serve – Divide onto plates, top with remaining pecans and shaved Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations
- To prevent apple browning, toss chopped pieces with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for variety.
- Add cooked chicken or turkey for a protein-packed main dish salad.
- Swap dried cranberries for golden raisins or dried cherries for a different flavor profile.
- Make the dressing ahead of time; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.