It's Spring and time to lighten up!

OK! Spring is not really here.. atleast not in NYC. The ground hog predicted more winter and so far, it's prophecy has been sadly true. Nevertheless, one has hope; When all else fails, resort to make-believe. So, in an effort to evoke some spring time cheeriness, I decided to go with a light and fruity salad for dinner last night.

Celery and Apple salad - simple yet delicious enough to forget about the cold winds billowing outside. The tart and tangy flavor of the celery contrasts with the sweetness of the apple and the mustard and lemon vinaigrette binds it all together nicely. Oh! you can even incorporate the leaves of the celery (which I usually discard) into the salad. Now, you can really use any kind of apple but, to keep the flavors balanced, I would recommend a Golden Delicious or Gala over Granny Smith.

Anyway, it did put a smile on my face and I almost believed Spring is here (which was the idea!). So I would say, the salad was a success!

Celery and Apple Salad with Lemon-Mustard Dressing

(serves 4)

1 bunch of celery with leaves, sliced at a deep angle

2 apples, julienne

1/2 cup celery leaves, chopped

Dressing

1/4 cup lime juice

3 T Dijon mustard

3 T honey

2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Whisk together the lime juice, mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Continue whisking and add the olive oil till it is incorporated completely. Place the celery, celery leaves and apples in a salad bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss to combine. Serve immediately.