Broccoli, Apple and Celery Salad

I have been thinking about making a simple green salad, but I want something not made up of leafy greens. The next simple green salad I can think of is with green apples and celery, so this is what I made. I find this salad is more than just an ordinary celery salad. This has a variety of texture and refreshing flavour. To make it a meal on its own, you can add canned white beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian meal, or chicken for non-vegetarian. Add a bit more mayonnaise in this case.

In traditional Oriental medicine celery was used to treat hypertension. This is because phthalide compounds in celery can act as a sedative as well as lower blood pressure.

Ingredients for broccoli, apple and celery salad

1 green apple

5 celery stems with leaves

1 medium broccoli head

¹/₃ cup raisins

¼ cup slivered almonds

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

Method

1. Cut the broccoli into small florets and steam them for 3 minutes so they retain crunch.
2. Thinly slice the apple and dip into cold water with vinegar or salt to prevent browning. Sit for 5-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.
3. Chop celery leaves. Cut the stalks into small pieces.
4. Pan fry the slivered almonds for a few minutes until fragrant.
5. On a serving dish, spread the broccoli florets at the base.
6. Place apple slices on top of broccoli, continue with celery stalks and leaves, end with raisins and slivered almonds.
7. Place mayonnaise on top in dollops. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
8. Keep in the fridge before serving. Serve chilled is best.

Written by Lismi Wong