Looking for a refreshing and vibrant salad that brings a burst of flavors and textures to your table? This Matchstick Apple and Celery Salad is just the recipe you need. With the crisp sweetness of Pink Lady apples, the refreshing crunch of celery, and the tangy zest of pickled red onions, this salad is both delicious and nutritious. Topped with a light honey and olive oil dressing and garnished with fresh herbs and crunchy pecans, it’s a delightful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Rice wine vinegar (enough to cover the onion)
- 1 Pink Lady apple, sliced into thin matchstick pieces
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a slant
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Cracked black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup pecans
- 4 mint leaves
- 4 basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
Instructions:
- Pickle the Red Onion:
- Start by placing the thinly sliced red onion in a bowl. Pour enough rice wine vinegar over the onions to cover them completely. Let them sit for at least 15-20 minutes to pickle. This will mellow the onion’s sharpness and add a tangy flavor to the salad.
- Prepare the Apple and Celery:
- While the onions are pickling, cut the Pink Lady apple into matchstick-sized pieces. Thinly slice the celery stalks on a bias, creating elegant, angled pieces. Combine the apple and celery in a large salad bowl.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and honey together using a whisk. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper to taste. This simple dressing will add a touch of sweetness and enhance the natural flavors of the salad ingredients.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Drain the pickled onions and add them to the bowl with the apple and celery. Pour the honey-olive oil dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add the Nuts and Herbs:
- Roughly chop the pecans and add them to the salad for a delightful crunch. Tear the mint and basil leaves into small pieces and finely chop the cilantro. Sprinkle these fresh herbs over the salad, adding a burst of color and aromatic flavor.
- Serve:
- Give the salad a final gentle toss to combine all the elements. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors at their best. This salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a starter for a more elaborate meal.
Conclusion
This Matchstick Apple and Celery Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a vibrant medley of flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony. The sweetness of the Pink Lady apples, the crispness of the celery, and the tang of the pickled onions create a balanced and refreshing bite. The honey and olive oil dressing adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the pecans and fresh herbs bring a delightful crunch and aromatic finish. Share this delightful dish with your loved ones and elevate your salad game with this easy and elegant recipe. Enjoy the freshness and vitality of each bite!