Did you know salads can be both tasty and healthy? This celery salad with apples and blue cheese has 348 calories per serving. It’s a gourmet treat that’s refreshing and nutritious. It’s great for parties or a light lunch, ready in just 20 minutes and serves up to 8 people.
Imagine wowing your guests with its taste and health benefits. It’s a win-win!
Start your journey to a healthy salad here. This salad combines crunchy celery, sweet apples, and rich blue cheese. It’s not just delicious but also supports healthy eating.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This salad serves 8 people, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Preparation time is only 20 minutes, allowing for quick meal preparation.
- Contains 348 calories per serving, fitting perfectly into healthy salad recipes.
- Use quality blue cheese varieties like Roquefort or Gorgonzola for enhanced flavor.
- Pair with grilled meat or a baguette for a filling meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and refreshed with a bit of lemon juice.
Introduction to Celery Salad with Apples and Blue Cheese
The mix of fresh celery, tart apples, and bold blue cheese is a treat. This salad is not just tasty but also refreshing. It’s perfect for dinner parties or a healthy lunch.
The sweetness of apples and the saltiness of blue cheese make it special. You can change it up to fit your taste. It’s best eaten right away for the freshest taste. But, you can also keep it in the fridge for later.
This recipe is simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you get a salad that’s good for you. It goes well with seafood, pasta, or other salads. It’s a hit with everyone.
Health Benefits of Celery and Apples
Celery and apples are great for your health. Celery, mainly grown in California, is low in calories but full of nutrients. Just two stalks have about 15 calories, making it a good snack for those watching their weight.
Celery is also high in dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and keeping a healthy weight. It’s packed with vitamins A, B6, C, and K, and minerals like calcium and iron.
Apples are a perfect match for celery in a salad. They’re full of antioxidants that help your heart and aid in weight control. The sweet and crunchy apples add a nice balance to the earthy taste of celery.
Together, these ingredients make a delicious salad that’s good for you. Celery has compounds that can lower blood pressure and reduce cancer risk. Apples support healthy digestion and heart health.
Looking for a tasty salad? Try this healthy salad recipe that uses celery and apples. It’s a vibrant dish full of nutrients, great for any meal.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Salad
Making a fresh celery salad with apples and blue cheese is fun. The right ingredients are key to great flavors and textures. Choose fresh celery, the right apples, and blue cheese for a tasty salad.
Fresh Celery
Look for bright green, crisp celery stalks. The quality of celery greatly affects your salad’s taste and texture. Celery’s crunch pairs well with apples, adding depth to your salad. Use about 2 cups of thinly sliced celery for the best balance.
Choosing the Right Apples
Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady. They add a nice crunch and sweetness that goes well with blue cheese. You’ll need 1 to 2 medium apples for the right flavor mix. Apples also add nutrients to your salad.
Blue Cheese Varieties
The blue cheese you pick can change the salad’s taste. Options include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Bleu d’Auvergne. Each has its own flavor, so pick what you like. Mixing different cheeses can lead to new and exciting tastes.
Check out more recipes like this fresh fennel orange salad at this link for more healthy salad ideas.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Celery Salad
Starting your journey to make a tasty celery salad is exciting. Follow this easy salad recipe to enjoy a healthy meal. First, make your dressing to mix flavors well in the salad.
To make the dressing, mix 1/3 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard. Add 1 tablespoon of minced shallot for extra flavor. Once mixed, set the dressing aside to start preparing the salad.
Now, get your main ingredients ready. You’ll need:
- 4 cups of thinly sliced celery – the salad’s base.
- 2 cups of thinly sliced Granny Smith apples – for a crunchy touch.
- 1 cup of crumbled blue cheese – for a rich taste.
- 1/2 cup of grapes or sultanas – for sweetness.
- 1/4 cup of walnuts or pecans – for a nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries – to match the apple.
Put all the ingredients in a big bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently. This makes the salad taste great and feel right.
Let the salad chill for about 30 minutes before eating. This lets the flavors mix well. Also, you can keep leftover salad in the fridge for up to 24 hours and it will still taste fresh.
Enjoy this salad as a starter with dishes like Fish Almondine or Pork Tenderloin. Each serving has 393 calories, 12g of protein, and 32g of fat for a healthy meal.
For more ideas, check out simple salad recipes that are healthy and tasty.
How to Prepare Homemade Salad Dressing
Making your own salad dressing can really boost the taste of your meals. You just need a few simple things like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and some seasonings. This easy dressing recipe gives you a mix of tangy and creamy that’s perfect for any salad.
Begin by combining these ingredients in a bowl:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Remember to taste and adjust the flavors as you like. Adding fresh lemon juice or herbs can make it even better.
This dressing is great with celery and apples in your salad. It also goes well with green salads. For something more filling, try it over roasted veggies or grains.
Here’s a quick summary of the homemade salad dressing:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey or Maple Syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Serving Suggestions for Your Salad
Adding a delicious celery salad with apples and blue cheese to your meal is a great idea. It’s perfect with many main dishes, making both taste and look better. Here are some tips to pair well and present your salad nicely.
Pairing with Main Dishes
Choosing the right main dish to go with your celery salad is key. Here are some top picks:
- Grilled chicken seasoned with herbs
- Roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze
- Quinoa-stuffed bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option
- Fish tacos topped with a zesty lime crema
These options make sure your salad and main dish go well together, creating a great meal.
Ideal Presentation Tips
How you show off your salad matters a lot. Here are some salad presentation tips:
- Use a shallow platter to display the vibrant colors of the salad.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added color.
- Arrange components artfully, layering the celery, apples, blue cheese, and hazelnuts for visual interest.
These tips help make your salad look stunning, enhancing your dining experience.
Celery Salad with Apples and Blue Cheese: Variations to Try
Trying different salad variations can make your celery salad with apples and blue cheese even better. Adding fresh and exciting ingredients makes each serving unique and fun. You can also try new cheeses or healthy add-ins to give it a twist.
Add-Ins for Extra Crunch
Adding healthy salad add-ins can make your salad crunchier. Toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts add a nice crunch. You can also try:
- Radishes for a peppery bite
- Sweet Mandarin segments for a refreshing contrast
- Cucumber slices for extra hydration
Alternative Cheeses
Exploring different cheeses can change the flavor of your salad. Feta cheese adds a tangy taste, while goat cheese makes it creamy. Try these to find your favorite mix:
- Feta cheese for a briny twist
- Goat cheese for a rich, creamy texture
- Ricotta for a lighter cheese choice
Conclusion
Exploring this refreshing salad with blue cheese shows how easy it is to make a gourmet salad. The mix of crisp celery, sweet apples, and savory blue cheese makes a great dish. It’s not only tasty but also healthy.
By following the simple steps, you can make this vibrant salad. It’s perfect for any meal or event. You can also customize it to your liking, adding granny smith apples for tartness or nuts for crunch.
Make this healthy salad recipe a regular in your kitchen. Mix different flavors and textures in each bite. Adding nuts or a drizzle of vinaigrette can make it even better. Check out this vegan cheese ball recipe to add to your meal.
F.A.Q
What are the health benefits of celery salad with apples and blue cheese?
This salad is full of health benefits. Celery helps keep you hydrated and supports digestion. Apples are packed with antioxidants that are good for your heart. The blue cheese adds a tasty twist, making it a great choice for your meals.
How do I choose the right ingredients for the salad?
For a fresh salad, pick bright green, crisp celery. Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best taste. Pick blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort based on what you like.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead. Mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate until serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
What can I pair with this salad for a complete meal?
This salad goes well with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or light soups. It makes any meal better with its unique flavors.
How can I customize this salad to suit my taste?
Try adding toasted nuts for crunch or swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese. Adjust the amount of apples and celery to your liking.
What type of dressing works best for celery salad?
A homemade dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard is perfect. Adjust the seasoning to bring out the salad’s fresh flavors.
Is this celery salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! It’s vegetarian-friendly and offers a tasty mix of flavors. It’s a great choice for a healthy, delicious salad.
