Apple, Celery & Walnut Crunch Salad
This crisp salad combines sweet apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts and raisins in a light Greek yogurt dressing — no mayo, no cooking, ready in 15 minutes.
NOTE: This post contains some links to Amazon, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase from Amazon at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!
If you love a classic Waldorf salad but want something lighter, this Apple, Celery & Walnut Crunch Salad is for you. Crisp apples, snappy celery, toasted walnuts and sweet raisins get tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing — no mayo in sight. It’s ready in 15 minutes and works for everything from weekday lunches to holiday dinners.
This is one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for busy weeks. There’s no cooking, the ingredient list is short, and the crunch factor is off the charts. A quick 10-minute chill lets the flavors settle, but you can serve it straight from the bowl when time is tight.
Why you’ll love this salad
This crunchy apple walnut salad is my answer to the 4 p.m. what’s-for-dinner scramble. Every ingredient is something I usually have on hand, and there’s zero cooking involved. I love how the tart lemon plays against the sweet raisins, the toasted walnuts make it feel a little fancy without any extra work, and the celery adds in the crunch. Best of all, it’s an easy make-ahead salad that holds up in the fridge, so it’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues and busy sports nights.
What makes this apple celery walnut salad healthy?
This healthy apple walnut salad skips the mayo and uses plain Greek yogurt instead, which adds protein and cuts back on fat. Walnuts bring heart-healthy omega-3 fats along with that satisfying crunch. Apples and celery add fiber and plenty of hydration, and the honey is optional, so you control the sweetness. It’s a creamy salad that still feels light — a rare combination.
RELATED: Love this flavor combo? My Classic Waldorf Salad takes it old-school with juicy grapes and a rich, creamy dressing.
Ingredients you’ll need
For the salad
- Crisp apples — Honeycrisp or Fuji hold their crunch in the creamy dressing
- Celery — thin slices give every bite that fresh snap
- Walnuts — toasting brings out their deep, buttery flavor
- Raisins or dried cranberries — a little chewy sweetness in every forkful
For the dressing
- Plain Greek yogurt — the creamy, protein-packed base of this no-mayo dressing
- Lemon juice — brightens the dressing and keeps the apples from browning
- Honey — optional, for a touch of sweetness
- Salt and fresh black pepper — season to taste
Salad making essentials
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
ALLIGATOR CHOPPER
Cheese grater
LEMON SQUEEZER
ELEGANT SALAD BOWL
How to make this Apple, Celery & Walnut Crunch Salad
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the diced apples, sliced celery, toasted walnuts, and raisins.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving, or serve right away. Optional: garnish with extra walnuts.
Make this Apple, Celery & Walnut Crunch Salad, then check out my Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing, Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad, and Classic Waldorf Salad and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips on how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
What are the best apples for this salad?
Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji or Granny Smith are your best bet. They hold their shape and stay crunchy in the creamy dressing instead of turning soft.
Can I make this apple celery walnut salad ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. The lemon juice in the dressing keeps the apples from browning. Give it a quick stir before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The walnuts soften over time, so top with a few freshly toasted ones before serving.
Can I swap the raisins for something else?
Absolutely. Dried cranberries, halved grapes or chopped dates all work. Grapes add extra juiciness and turn this into a lighter take on a classic Waldorf salad.
Is this the same as a Waldorf salad?
It’s a close cousin. A classic Waldorf salad uses grapes and a mayo dressing. This version uses raisins and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing for a lighter, tangier finish.
Don’t lose this Salad recipe!
Save this Apple, Celery & Walnut Crunch Salad to your favorite salads Pinterest board so it’s ready the next time you want a crunchy, creamy side in 15 minutes. Come back and tell me how it turned out — I’d love to hear which apples you picked!
☀️ CELEBRATE Summer with
50+ Easy Salad Recipes for Summer
Summer is here, and do you know what that means? It’s time to enjoy the fresh Summer produce with salad ideas that your whole family will love!
Apple, Celery & Walnut Crunch Salad Recipe
Equipment You’ll Need
- medium mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the salad
- 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, diced)
- 3-4 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted and roughly chopped)
- 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
For the dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- fresh black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the apples, celery, walnuts, and raisins.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving, or serve right away. Optional: garnish with extra walnuts.
Notes
- Crisp apple varieties (Honeycrisp, Fuji) keep their crunch in the creamy dressing.
- Dried cranberries can stand in for the raisins.
- Make it up to a day ahead – the lemon juice keeps the apples from browning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Disclosure
Recipes and photos are for your personal enjoyment only — please share the love by linking, not copying!Other recipes to try
- Classic Waldorf Salad – the timeless mix of apples, grapes, celery and walnuts in a rich, creamy dressing.
- Grilled Peach Quinoa Salad – smoky-sweet grilled peaches over fluffy quinoa, a summer favorite.
- Watermelon Peach Salad with Feta and Mint – juicy, salty and cool, made for hot days.
- Mexican Tuna Salad – a zesty protein-packed lunch that comes together in minutes.
- Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing – hearty enough for dinner, fancy enough for company.
