Here's a masterful celery salad recipe that combines the crispness of celery with the sweetness of apples, the richness of walnuts, and the tangy punch of a homemade vinaigrette. The addition of blue cheese or feta adds a creamy, salty element that ties it all together.

### **Celery Salad**

#### **Ingredients:**

- **For the Salad:**
  - 6-8 large celery stalks, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  - 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), thinly sliced or julienned
  - 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  - 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
  - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  - 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or golden raisins (optional, for added sweetness)

- **For the Tangy Vinaigrette:**
  - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  - 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  - Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra zing)

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Prep the Salad Ingredients:**
   - Wash and thinly slice the celery on the diagonal for a nice presentation.
   - Core the apples and thinly slice them, or julienne if you prefer smaller pieces.
   - Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before roughly chopping.

2. **Make the Vinaigrette:**
   - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and lemon zest if using.
   - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity or sweetness to your liking.

3. **Assemble the Salad:**
   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, apples, and chopped walnuts.
   - Add the dried cranberries or golden raisins if using.
   - Drizzle the tangy vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

4. **Add Cheese and Parsley:**
   - If you're using blue cheese or feta, sprinkle it over the top of the salad.
   - Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

5. **Serve:**
   - Serve the salad immediately for the best texture, or let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   - This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, or can be enjoyed as a light, refreshing main course.

### **Tips:**
- **For Extra Crunch:** Add thinly sliced radishes or a handful of arugula for a peppery bite.
- **For a Heartier Salad:** You can add cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling.
- **Storage:** If you need to prepare the salad in advance, toss the apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning and store the vinaigrette separately until ready to serve.

This celery salad is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Enjoy!