Celery Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish that highlights the often-overlooked celery as the star ingredient. Paired with sweet dates, toasted almonds, and shaved Parmesan, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a unique addition to your salad repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy and Refreshing: The crispness of fresh celery provides a satisfying crunch.
- Sweet and Savory Balance: Dates add natural sweetness, complementing the savory elements.
- Nutty Texture: Toasted almonds introduce a rich, nutty flavor and additional crunch.
- Umami Depth: Shaved Parmesan adds a salty, umami richness that ties the salad together.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, making it ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Celery stalks
- Medjool dates
- Raw almonds
- Fresh lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the Celery: Trim and slice the celery stalks on an angle into ¼-inch thick pieces. Soak them in ice water for about 20 minutes to enhance their crispness. Drain and pat dry.
- Toast the Almonds: In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds until fragrant and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and chop coarsely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sliced celery, chopped almonds, chopped dates, and celery leaves.
- Dress the Salad: Add fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and toss gently to combine.
- Add Cheese: Using a vegetable peeler, shave Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the salad. Toss lightly to distribute.
- Serve: Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled, as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Nut Substitutions: Replace almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Fruit Alternatives: Use dried cranberries or cherries instead of dates for a tart twist.
- Cheese Options: Try crumbled feta or blue cheese in place of Parmesan for a bolder taste.
- Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Note: The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the celery may lose its crispness over time.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to combine and dress the salad just before serving to maintain the celery’s crunch.
What can I use instead of dates?
Dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins are excellent alternatives that provide a similar sweetness.
Is there a vegan option for this salad?
Absolutely. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, thinly sliced fennel or cucumber can add additional freshness and flavor.
How do I make the salad more filling?
Adding a protein source like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas can turn this side salad into a main course.
What type of almonds should I use?
Raw almonds are recommended, but you can also use roasted unsalted almonds for added flavor.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its bright flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
How do I prevent the celery from becoming soggy?
Keep the celery in ice water until just before assembling the salad to maintain its crispness.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add herbs to this salad?
Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill can enhance the flavor profile of the salad.
Conclusion
This Celery Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a unique addition to your meal, this salad is sure to impress. Its combination of crunchy celery, sweet dates, toasted almonds, and savory Parmesan makes it a versatile and delightful choice for any occasion.
Description
This Celery Salad is bright, crunchy, and surprisingly satisfying. Made with thinly sliced celery, fresh herbs, a zippy lemon vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan or nuts, it’s a simple but elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, soups, or sandwiches.
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Prepare the Celery:
Slice celery stalks thinly on the diagonal. Include some of the leafy tops if you like—they add great flavor. -
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. -
Toss the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine sliced celery, parsley, and celery leaves. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly. -
Add Toppings & Serve:
Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan or nuts and sliced radishes if using. Serve immediately or chill for 1015 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
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Add thinly sliced fennel or apple for a sweet twist.
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This salad holds up well for a few hours—great for prepping ahead.
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Make it vegan by using nuts instead of cheese.
