January Celery Salad: w/ Dates, Apples & Walnuts

Healthy eating is always on my mind in January, after a holiday season full of too many indulgences.  

But how can something so simple be this good?

IT IS!  Trust me! 

 Simple is best, and it's winter, and this crunchy salad is so wonderful (and healthy).

I can eat it 5 days in a row for lunch.  Sans cheese, or with.  (sorry for all the Frenchy words).

Doesn't matter what kind of apples you use, I use Gala mostly, but go ahead and use your favorite.

Make sure you toast those walnuts, it adds all the difference.

And what kind of dates?   
I love Deglet Noor the best (I buy them from California on amazon).  Link here, they are my fave.

Thin slices of Parmigiano Reggiano are a delicious addition to this salad, but I use feta most of the time, and sometimes no cheese at all.

Make this, you will thank me later.

January Celery Salad w/ Apples, Dates & Walnuts:

4 ribs of celery, washed and sliced on the diagonal

2 crisp apples, cut into slices, then in quarters (keep skins on please)

big handful of walnuts, toasted

handful of pitted dates, sliced

lemon juice to keep the apples from browning

cheese (optional)

Dressing:

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp honey

2 tbsp olive oil

pinch of sea salt

black pepper

Place your apple pieces in a large bowl and squeeze a lemon over them to prevent oxidation.

Toss everything else in the bowl with the apples and add in the dressing ingredients.

Add in cheese last.   Season with a pinch of sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper.

SO good!

PS you can make this in February and March too.....;)

xo