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Crunchy Celery Salad with Apples, Aged Cheese, and Cauliflower Rice

Discover this refreshing celery salad with crisp apples and cauliflower rice—a light, vibrant dish perfect for warm days or as a side to pasta. As a home cook with years of experimenting in the kitchen, I've refined this family favorite.

This celery apple salad is my husband Frank's signature recipe in our household. Though he rarely makes it himself, I've taken the reins, tweaking it to perfection with our family's input. 😊

Table of Contents

Celery Salad with Apples and Cauliflower Rice

Simple ingredients yield big flavor for 4 servings—ideal with leftovers for lunch the next day.

Related: Prefer a couscous salad with feta?

Ingredients for Celery Salad (4 servings)

  • 1 bunch celery
  • 2 apples (Elstar)
  • 1 sachet cauliflower rice (±150g)
  • Aged cheese cubes (to taste, small pieces)

Dressing Ingredients

  • Glass sauce (1 tablespoon)
  • Whole cottage cheese (2 tablespoons)
  • White wine vinegar (splash)
  • Jam (2 tablespoons—strawberry, cherry, apricot, or your choice)

Preparing the Celery Salad

Start by thoroughly cleaning the celery. I take time to remove the strings for the best texture, though thin slicing makes them unnoticeable. Peel and cube the apples, then toss everything together with the cauliflower rice and cheese. Your salad base is ready.

Tip: Customize with cashew nuts, mandarin segments, or marinated grilled chicken for a complete meal salad—all variations are equally delicious!

Preparing the Dressing

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and mix well. Pour over the salad, toss gently, and enjoy this nutritious, fresh, super-healthy dish. Even our kids enjoy it occasionally.

Related: Try our healthy pizza alternative!

Perfect Pairing: SMASH IT Potatoes & Bacon

For a heartier meal, pair with this fun side. Recently, a summer food box from a PR agency introduced us to SMASH IT potatoes & bacon— the name alone sparks joy! 😊 Smashing them felt playful, and the kids joined in.

Flavor-packed with bacon and herbs, it's savory without needing extras. From CâlaVita, find it at Albert Heijn or Jumbo.