Celery Salad Recipe

This crisp and refreshing Celery Salad is the ultimate under-30-minute dish that surprises you with just how satisfying a few simple ingredients can be. It’s crunchy, zesty, and delightfully light—perfect as a side or even a main if you’re in the mood for something fresh and fuss-free. With bold flavors from lemon, herbs, and parmesan, plus the unbeatable crunch of celery, this salad is a game-changer for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Fast to Make: We’re talking 10–15 minutes max. No cooking involved, just some quick slicing and tossing.
• Unbeatable Texture: That crisp celery crunch is pure joy in every bite, especially when paired with shaved parmesan and toasted nuts.
• Flavor-Packed: Don’t underestimate celery—it absolutely shines when dressed in a zingy lemon vinaigrette.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad actually tastes better as it sits. Ideal for packing ahead for lunch or serving at a dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Celery: The star of the show. Go for fresh, firm stalks with plenty of leaves—yes, use the leaves! They add wonderful flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and depth. Shave it thinly for beautiful ribbons that melt into the dressing.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Brings brightness and a zingy punch that balances the celery perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin is best for flavor; it ties everything together in the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle tang.
• Fresh Herbs: Think parsley, dill, or tarragon—whatever you love or have on hand. They elevate the whole salad.
• Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds bring crunch and richness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Don’t skip this step—it brings everything to life.

Variations

• Add Protein: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or a boiled egg for a more filling salad.
• Cheese Swap: Try feta or goat cheese for a tangy, creamy twist instead of parmesan.
• More Veggies: Thinly sliced fennel or radish are great crunchy companions to celery.
• Nut-Free Option: Use roasted chickpeas or crispy croutons if you want the crunch without nuts.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey can totally change the vibe—in a good way.

How to Make Celery Salad

Step 1: Prep the Celery

Wash and thinly slice the celery on a bias. Keep the leaves—they add great flavor and look lovely in the bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Add the sliced celery, chopped herbs, and toasted nuts to a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan

Shave parmesan directly into the bowl and give everything one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve

Plate it up and enjoy immediately—or let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors can mingle and deepen.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice Celery Thinly: Diagonal cuts not only look elegant but give the salad a better texture.
• Toast Your Nuts: A quick toast in a dry skillet brings out their full flavor and makes a huge difference.
• Use a Vegetable Peeler for Parmesan: It’s the easiest way to get those beautiful, paper-thin ribbons.
• Let It Sit: If you have time, let the salad rest for 10–20 minutes after mixing. The flavors will meld and mellow beautifully.

How to Serve

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of meals:

###Light Lunch:
Serve it with crusty bread or a hard-boiled egg for a light, satisfying midday meal.

###Side Dish:
Perfect alongside roast chicken, grilled salmon, or any protein-heavy entrée.

###Topping:
Spoon it over hummus or spread onto avocado toast for a crunchy, citrusy topping.

###Picnic Staple:
It travels well and won’t wilt like leafy greens—ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or packed lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

###Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as it sits, which is a bonus.

###Freezing
This isn’t a salad you want to freeze—celery turns mushy when thawed. Keep it fresh.

###Reheating
No reheating necessary—just give it a stir and enjoy cold or room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this celery salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually gets better after sitting for 20–30 minutes. Just hold off on adding the nuts and cheese until serving so they stay fresh and crunchy.

What kind of celery should I use?
Look for bright green stalks that are firm and crisp. Organic celery often has more flavor, but any fresh bunch will work as long as it’s not limp or pale.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, just skip the parmesan or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The flavor-packed dressing and fresh herbs do plenty of heavy lifting.

How do I keep the celery from going limp?
Store sliced celery in ice water if prepping ahead, then drain and pat dry just before assembling the salad. This keeps it extra crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever thought of celery as just a background player, this Celery Salad will totally change your mind. It’s fast, flavorful, and has a satisfying crunch that makes it incredibly crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving it on the side or making it the star, this simple salad delivers every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to eat your greens!

Print