Crispy, fresh and healthy, this Apple Fennel Salad is so flavorful and fast, it's on our table regularly. Apple cider vinegar pairs up with grainy dijon for an easy and super tasty salad that can even be made ahead! (V, GF, DF)

Easy Winter Salad of Apple Celery and Fennel with a Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette

It is early January as I write this and I, like many are craving salads after the rich foods of the holidays and I think this is the perfect salad. Apple fennel salad is a lighter alternative to traditional coleslaw and goes really well with barbecued chicken and pork.

These fruits and veggies are readily available throughout the year and keep well in the crisper if you're trying not to hit the grocery store too often. For more awesome apple recipes, try my Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling, Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese or Apple Walnut Salad. So many apples, so little time.... 😉

Raw Apples For Optimal Nutrients

Raw fruit and veggies are the way to go for optimum nutrients and eating crunchy foods help tell our brain we are satisfied. I've partnered with Cosmic Crisp Washington Apples for this post and they are truly the best apples for recipes where the apples are raw.

Cosmic crisp apples are naturally slower to brown after cutting which makes them awesome for this salad. (They are also awesome in kids lunch bags if your kids are picky about browning apples.)

Crisp Cosmic Crisp Apples Are Extra Sweet And Keep Well

Classically Bred Apples Make Sweet Crisp Fruit

The Cosmic Crisp apples were classically bred at Washington State University and are Non-GMO. To breed apples classically, they graft a branch from a chosen tree with desirable qualities onto rootstock, wait for the fruit to grow, and try the apples that grow. It can take many tries and many years before they know they have a consistently good apple.

Cosmic Crisp is a cross between an Enterprise and Honeycrisp apple. These are naturally sweeter than other varieties and available across Canada at most major retailers. Next time you're at the store, have a look for them and try them for yourself!

Best Health Food Apples Grow Well In Our Climate

Are you wondering how they got their name? It's not from the fancy science, it's from the starburst-like lenticels, (the minute little spots on apples) while the "Crisp" links it to its parent, Honeycrisp. Cool, right?!

Step by step instructions

Back to our Apple Fennel Salad recipe. You know I love fast, right?! Just 5 ingredients in our dressing and 3-5 ingredients in the salad.

Apples, fennel and celery are the main components but thinly sliced jicama or celery root can be added or substituted as you like. (We enjoyed some celery root in the salad in these photos.)

The quick vinaigrette stars grainy mustard which is milder than plain Dijon, some apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey for sweetness.

Grainy Mustard Dressing

Simply mix all ingredients together. Add salt and pepper last, adjusting to taste.

Apple Fennel Celery Salad Assembly

Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice all salad ingredients thinly and add to medium-large bowl.
Drizzle dressing over, add any celery leaves or fennel fronds if using and toss. This will keep nicely for up to half hour before serving.This salad pairs well with pork chops, ribs, sausages and more!

A Delicious Healthy Salad That Can Be Made Ahead

A Little Extra Apple Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Here is the recipe below and a few links if you are interested in learning more. Find out about the Cosmic Crisp Washington Apples here.

If you love the dishes I used with this salad, come check out our shop here, and if you want another super delicious recipe to use these apples in, try my French inspired Easy Apple Beignets.

Cheers Everyone, and remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself!)

📖 Recipe

Quick And Easy Apple Fennel Celery Salad With Grainy Mustard Dressing

Crisp Apple Fennel Salad With Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette

Sweet and savoury, crunchy and satisfying, this is the ultimate winter salad. Grainy mustard and honey combine for an addictive dressing and apple cider vinegar lends acidity.

5 from 27 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Hot Salad, Salad Dressing

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 176kcal

Author: Sabrina Currie