If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for a snack that hits that perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and healthy without taking forever to prep. That’s exactly why I love this Vegetarian Apple and Walnut Salad. It feels like a lighter, quicker twist on a classic Waldorf, but it costs less than my morning coffee to put together! Whether you need a lightning-fast light lunch or a post-workout fuel-up, this creamy, crisp salad is my absolute go-to for busy weekdays.
Prep Time: 5 mins | Servings: 2
Ingredients
- Celery: 1 medium stalk (approx. 1.6 oz / 45g)
- Apple: 1 cup chopped (approx. 4.4 oz / 125g) – about 1 small apple
- Walnuts: 1/3 cup pieces (approx. 1.2 oz / 35g)
- Dressing: 2 tbsp vanilla Greek yogurt (approx. 1.1 oz / 32g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Celery: Wash the celery stalk thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Slice the stalk on the diagonal into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
- Combine the Base: In a small mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery with the 1 cup (125g) of chopped apple and the 1/3 cup (35g) of walnut pieces.
- Add the Dressing: Spoon the 2 tbsp (32g) of vanilla Greek yogurt over the fruit and nut mixture. Toss gently using a spoon or spatula until the ingredients are evenly coated with the yogurt.
- Serve or Store: Plate the salad and serve immediately to enjoy the texture at its crispest, or cover the bowl tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Values are approximate per serving.
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Total Fat: 13g
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 6g
Chef’s Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few secrets to making this Vegetarian Apple and Walnut Salad taste restaurant-quality:
- Toast the Walnuts: To instantly elevate the flavor, quickly toast your walnut pieces in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad to keep the yogurt from melting.
- Prevent Browning: If you are prepping this more than 15 minutes in advance, toss your chopped apples in a teaspoon of lemon juice before mixing them with the other ingredients. This keeps them bright and white.
- Choosing the Right Apple: Texture matters here! Use a crisp, firm apple like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy when tossed with yogurt.
- Chill Your Ingredients: For the most refreshing bite, ensure your yogurt and apples are cold right out of the fridge. This salad relies on that temperature contrast between the cool fruit and the room-temperature nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this Vegetarian Apple and Walnut Salad ahead of time? While it is best served immediately to maintain the crunch of the walnuts, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the celery and apples (tossed in lemon juice) and store them separately from the nuts and yogurt. Combine everything just before serving to avoid a soggy texture.
What is the best way to make this recipe vegan? To make this salad 100% plant-based, simply swap the vanilla Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut milk yogurt or almond milk yogurt. Ensure you choose a vanilla-flavored variety to keep that subtle sweetness.
Can I add other fruits or toppings to this salad? Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Dried cranberries or raisins make excellent additions for extra chewiness, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey works well if you prefer a sweeter profile.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet? Yes, in moderation. While apples do contain natural sugars, the high fiber content and healthy fats from the walnuts help stabilize blood sugar. To lower the carbs further, you can increase the celery ratio and reduce the amount of apple slightly.
I hope this Vegetarian Apple and Walnut Salad becomes a staple in your kitchen just as it has in mine. It is proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Give this recipe a try the next time you need a quick afternoon pick-me-up, and let me know in the comments how you customized it!
