Downton Abbey Dinner Party Salad Recipe

Written By Jody Smith

🎄 A Downton-Inspired Holiday Dish: Celery Apple Salad

As the holidays roll into Jasper and twinkling lights line Main Street, there’s no better time to slow down, set the table, and bring a bit of old-world tradition to your Christmas menu. This Celery Apple Salad, inspired by the Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook, is a refreshing and elegant nod to Edwardian holiday fare.

Served in the grand dining rooms of English country houses like Downton Abbey, this light and crisp salad would have offered a welcome contrast to rich roasts and heavy puddings. Today, it’s still a beautifully simple way to bring balance—and a little sophistication—to your holiday table.

🥗 Celery Apple Salad (From the Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook)

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Very easy

✨ Ingredients:

  • 4 ribs of celery, thinly sliced

  • 2 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), cored and julienned

  • 1-2 heads of thinly chopped romaine lettuce

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh mint leaves

  • Celery leaves or fresh parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, toss the julienned apples with lemon juice to keep them from browning.

  2. Add the sliced celery and chopped walnuts to the bowl and stir to combine.

  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), finely chopped mint leaves, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. Pour the dressing over the celery and apple mixture. Gently toss until well coated.

  5. Garnish with celery leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.

🕰 A Touch of Nostalgia

Recipes like this one remind us that holiday cooking doesn’t always have to be heavy or complicated. Sometimes the most memorable dishes are the simplest—ones that let a few fresh ingredients shine.

This salad works well as a light starter or a crisp side dish alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a Christmas quiche. Whether you're setting out your finest china or just gathering around the kitchen table, it’s a small way to bring a bit of history—and a lot of flavor—to your holiday season.

Thanks for stopping by the blog. From all of us here at Main Street Market in Jasper, we hope your holidays are filled with warmth, good food, and joyful moments.

Follow us for more seasonal recipes, gift ideas, and local holiday inspiration.

Jody Smith
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