Creamy Celery Salad
Description
This Creamy Celery Salad is a crisp, refreshing side dish made with crunchy celery, a creamy tangy dressing, and simple ingredients that come together in minutes. It’s light yet satisfying, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, potlucks, or holiday meals. The combination of fresh celery, herbs, and creamy dressing creates a delicious balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
🥗 Salad
- 6 cups celery, thinly sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
🥄 Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and thinly slice the celery.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Chop the parsley.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine celery, onion, parsley, nuts, and dried cranberries if using.
4. Toss
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Serve cold.
Servings
- 6 servings
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 240mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Benefits
🌿 Low in Calories
Celery is naturally low in calories, making this a lighter side dish.
💧 Hydrating
Celery contains a high percentage of water, helping support hydration.
🥜 Healthy Fats
Nuts provide heart-healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
🥗 Rich in Fiber
Supports healthy digestion and helps promote fullness.
⚡ Quick & Easy
Ready in minutes with simple ingredients.
Notes
- Thinly sliced celery provides the best texture.
- Greek yogurt adds extra protein and tanginess.
- Chilling enhances the flavor and crispness.
- Fresh herbs brighten the overall taste.
Tips
- Add diced apples for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Use sunflower seeds instead of nuts for a nut-free version.
- Stir in crumbled feta cheese for added richness.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate until needed.
- Serve within 24 hours for maximum freshness.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, it can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated until serving.
Q: Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
A: Absolutely. Sour cream provides a rich, creamy texture.
Q: How long does it last in the refrigerator?
A: Up to 2 days, though the celery is crispest on the first day.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes, use dairy-free yogurt or additional mayonnaise.
Q: What proteins pair well with this salad?
A: Grilled chicken, turkey, ham, fish, or roast beef pair beautifully.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes! Cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, or radishes work well.