Organic Celery Hearts, known for their subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch, are a fantastic ingredient that often goes overlooked in favor of more conventional salad greens. However, they’re the star of the show in this Apple and Celery Heart Salad, complemented by the rich flavors of blue cheese and the sweet crunch of candied walnuts. This salad is a celebration of texture and flavor contrasts, making for a refreshing, nutritious, and deeply satisfying dish.
What You Will Need:
Organic Celery Hearts https://greenelly.com/product/earthbound-farm-organic-celery-hearts-1-lb/ (4, thinly sliced)
Apples (2 large, your favorite variety, cored and thinly sliced)
Blue Cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled)
Walnuts (1 cup, roughly chopped)
Sugar (2 tablespoons)
Lemon (1, juiced)
Extra-virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup)
Honey (1 tablespoon)
Salt (to taste)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
Steps to Prepare:
Candy the Walnuts: Begin by heating the sugar on low heat in a small skillet, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a rich caramel color. Add the chopped walnuts to the melted sugar, stirring to ensure they’re well-coated, then spread them on a sheet of parchment paper, separating them with a fork. Allow them to cool and harden.
Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well-combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the thinly sliced celery hearts and apples. Pour the dressing over the top and toss the salad to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Add Cheese and Walnuts: Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and candied walnuts over the salad. For an extra touch of freshness, you can also add some finely chopped parsley or mint at this stage.
Serve: Toss lightly to combine the ingredients or leave the toppings on top for a more picturesque presentation. Serve immediately.
This Apple and Celery Heart Salad is a feast for the senses, combining various textures and flavors to create a harmonious dish. The crunchiness of the celery hearts and apples provides a satisfying counterpoint to the creamy richness of the blue cheese, while the sweetness of the candied walnuts cuts through the tanginess of the dressing. This salad is perfect as a light meal on its own or a complementary side dish. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavors and textures, proving that healthy, organic eating can be both delicious and exciting. Enjoy this dish year-round for a refreshing, nutritious, and flavorful option that’s sure to delight your palate.
