Celery, apple and poached chicken salad

Chicken, apple and celery salad recipe

It may not be as famous as the caprese or caesar, but the celery salad is one of the quiet achievers of the salad world. In fact, with its irresistible combination of crunchiness, flavour and freshness, a salad with celery might just be one of the most underrated salads on the block. The most well-known celery and apple salad is the waldorf salad, named after New York’s Waldorf-Astoria hotel, where it was first created for a charity ball in 1896. Originally just celery and apples dressed with mayonnaise, the modern waldorf salad now contains walnuts and grapes and may have a yoghurt dressing instead.

Celery salad additions

In our recipe, celery salad has been elevated with the addition of poached chicken. Chicken and celery are a popular flavour partnership, and here the tender chicken breast also contrasts with the crunchy texture of the celery and apple. Radishes also pair well with celery, adding a spicy crispness and of course, colour.

Other variations to a celery apple salad might be the addition of thinly sliced red onion or substituting the apple with pear slices. Almonds, the aforementioned walnuts or sunflower seeds also add crunch and for a touch of all-important sweetness consider raisins, cranberries, pomegranate seeds (which add a festive touch), dates or chopped apricots.

Cheese is also one of celery’s best buddies. Consider adding shaved parmesan, vintage cheddar or cubed feta for a savoury twist.

Dressing your salad

While our salad is dressed with a creamy buttermilk dressing, mayonnaise is a popular accompaniment to celery although you may want to thin it down with something more acidic such as natural yoghurt or sour cream.

For a lighter option, a vinaigrette also works well for most salad recipes with celery. Try adding some Dijon mustard, lemon, lime or honey for a flavour boost. Finally, consider some fresh herbs. As well as mint, parsley, oregano, tarragon, dill, basil and chives all compliment celery.

Now get cooking

For more celery salad recipes, try a blue cheese and celery salad, this winter waldorf salad or a classic potato salad? If rice is your thing, this brown rice salad with corn, celery and fetta looks as good as it tastes!