Celery Salad With Grapes And Walnuts

Name: Celery Salad With Grapes And Walnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 celery stalks, chopped; 1 cup red grapes, halved; 1 cup green grapes, halved; 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Balanced

I always find myself craving something light and refreshing, particularly during the warmer months. That's why this Celery Salad with Grapes and Walnuts has become a staple for me. The crispness of the celery combined with the sweetness of fresh grapes creates an exhilarating contrast. Adding toasted walnuts gives it an appealing crunch, making it not only satisfying but also nutritious. Whether I serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light lunch, this salad is vibrant and full of flavor!

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:01:15.475Z

When I first tried out this Celery Salad with Grapes and Walnuts, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. I genuinely love how each bite offers a unique texture and flavor burst. The refreshing combination of celery and grapes keeps the salad light, while nuts add the much-needed crunchiness. It’s perfect for potlucks or a quick lunch on a hot day!

I found that using a selection of grapes—both red and green—adds an extra dimension of sweetness. Tossing everything in a simple vinaigrette allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Salad
Crisp and refreshing ingredients that dance on your palate
Nutty crunch from walnuts that enhances the salad’s texture
Extremely quick to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion

Texture and Flavor Harmony

The combination of crisp celery and sweet grapes creates a delightful contrast that stimulates your taste buds. Celery provides a refreshing crunch, while the grapes add a juicy sweetness that balances the dish. When you bite into this salad, you'll experience a pleasing array of textures, from the snap of the celery to the pop of the grapes. This makes it not just a salad, but a textural experience that enlivens your palate.

Toasting the walnuts is a crucial step. It intensifies their flavor and results in a deeper, nuttier taste that complements the sweetness of the fruit. Be sure to toast them carefully, stirring frequently, as they can burn quickly. You want them golden and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes over medium heat. This step enhances the overall taste profile and adds a satisfying crunch that sets this salad apart.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for ways to adapt this salad, consider swapping out walnuts for other nuts like pecans or almonds. Each type of nut brings its distinct flavor and texture to the salad. Pecans offer a buttery taste while almonds provide a slightly firmer crunch. Just ensure that any nut you choose is toasted to bring out its full flavor potential.

Additionally, if you're not a fan of red onion, try substituting it with green onions for a milder taste, or omit it entirely for a simpler version. You can even incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an aromatic twist. These changes can refresh the salad's flavor and make it your own.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Celery Salad with Grapes and Walnuts is not only delicious but also great for make-ahead meals. If you prepare it a few hours in advance, it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if you're making it the day before, then drizzle it right before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and crunch.

For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. However, be aware that the celery may lose some of its crunch over time. If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider storing the components separately and assembling them fresh whenever you want to serve the salad again.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup red grapes, halved
1 cup green grapes, halved
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping the celery into bite-sized pieces. Halve the grapes and toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Let them cool.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, halved grapes, toasted walnuts, and sliced red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a refreshing treat.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients like apples or raisins for extra sweetness, or even feta cheese for a savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent side dish for summer barbecues or family dinners. The freshness of the salad cuts through rich flavors, providing a balanced meal. I often enjoy it as a light lunch on its own, perhaps with a crusty piece of bread to soak up any extra dressing.

For a heartier meal, consider adding slices of avocado or crumbled feta cheese on top. These additions not only enhance the salad's creaminess but also boost its nutritional value. Avocado contributes healthy fats, while feta adds a tangy zing that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the grapes.

Flavor Variations

Experimenting with different types of grapes can lead to exciting variations. For example, using black or Concord grapes can give the salad a unique flavor boost while maintaining the balance of sweetness. You can even try a mix of grapes for added visual appeal and flavor depth.

Another way to enhance this dish is by introducing seasonal fruit additions such as diced apples or pears. These fruits meld wonderfully with the existing ingredients, lending a refreshing twist while still aligning with the salad's light and refreshing theme.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your salad feels too acidic, it may be a result of the apple cider vinegar. To remedy this, add a touch more honey to the dressing to balance out the flavors—this often works wonders in enhancing overall harmony without feeling overly sweet.

Conversely, if your salad seems bland, consider adding a pinch more salt or pepper, as these are essential for elevating flavors. Don't hesitate to taste as you go; this salad is versatile, and minor adjustments can truly enhance its deliciousness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep the celery crisp.

→ What can I substitute for walnuts?

You can use pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies.

→ How long does the salad last in the fridge?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last up to 2 days in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

→ Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely! Red wine vinegar or lemon juice can also work well for the dressing.