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Tasty Celery Herb Salad

Featured in Salads You'll Actually Want to Eat.

This salad takes crisp celery and makes it the highlight of your table. Packed with fresh herbs, toasted nuts, and nutty Parmesan shavings, it's tied together by a light lemon dressing. The clean crunch of celery shines, supported by aromatic herbs and nutty textures. Walnuts and shaving-ready Parmesan add richness. The dressing gently elevates the flavors without taking over. It's a refreshing choice for summer days or a sidekick to hearty winter dishes, bringing bright flavors to all seasons!
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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:31:09 GMT
A bowl of vegetables with cheese and nuts. Pin it
A bowl of vegetables with cheese and nuts. | mecooking.com

This crunchy celery dish turns an underrated veggie into something amazing with its snappy texture, herby freshness, and rich undertones. Taking a page from Ina Garten's playbook, this easy combo packs fancy flavors through well-matched items and a simple, citrusy coating that boosts the natural taste instead of burying it. Every mouthful gives you different feels – from the snap of celery to the soft herbs, chunky walnuts, and thin slices of aged Parmesan.

I stumbled on this salad at a buddy's house and it totally changed how I saw celery. I'd always stuck it in veggie platters or used it for soup, but I was blown away seeing it take center stage. After making it tons of times since, it's become my favorite side for everything from regular Tuesday dinners to Christmas feasts.

Smart Veggie Picking

  • Celery: Go for crisp, bright green bunches with lively leaves.
  • Parsley: Grab flat-leaf type for better taste.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano: Pick aged stuff for that nutty kick.

How To Build Your Salad

Getting Celery Just Right:
Cut off ends, toss tough bits, and slice at an angle.
Dealing With Fresh Herbs:
Clean, pat dry, and chop parsley and dill right before using.
Making Walnuts Extra Good:
Brown them in a plain pan until they smell toasty.
Mixing Up The Perfect Dressing:
Blend lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.

My mom always called celery 'water with a crunch' until I brought this salad to our family dinner. The way her face changed from doubt to joy was awesome to see.

A bowl of food with broccoli, nuts, and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of food with broccoli, nuts, and cheese. | mecooking.com

Amazing Health Perks

Celery gives you water and antioxidants, walnuts pack good fats for your heart. The Parmesan throws in some calcium, and olive oil helps your body grab all the vitamins.

Fancy Ways To Serve It

Lay it out on a white dish to make the colors pop or put it in lettuce cups for a classy starter. Try a round mold for personal portions and top with extra cheese.

Fun Flavor Twists

  • Greek Style Mix: Throw in olives, feta, and cucumbers.
  • Fall Combo: Switch to pecans, apples, and dried cranberries.

Keeping It Fresh

Best Storage Trick:
Keep whole celery in aluminum foil to stay crisp.
Smart Ingredient Handling:
Put cut celery in cold water and mix everything just when you'll eat it.
A bowl of food with a nut on top. Pin it
A bowl of food with a nut on top. | mecooking.com

This salad makes a forgotten veggie the main attraction. The mix of textures and tastes creates something that feels homey yet fancy, showing that the easiest dishes often make folks happiest.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I get this salad ready earlier?
You can prep some parts ahead! Slice the celery, chop up the herbs, toast your walnuts, and mix the dressing a day in advance. Keep them separated in the fridge. To keep the best crunch and flavor, toss it all together with dressing and other toppings right before serving.
→ What are good walnut substitutes for allergies?
If nuts are a no-go, try toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They give a crunchy texture and work well with the rest of the salad. Looking for something different? Crispy chickpeas or homemade croutons would make great additions too!
→ What mains go with this celery salad?
This dish is super flexible and pairs well with plenty of mains. It’s perfect with roasted chicken or grilled seafood since the tart flavors balance richer options. Pair it with lasagna or pasta for a fresh contrast, or serve alongside sandwiches or egg dishes for brunch. The refreshing crunch is a nice match for heartier meals too.
→ How can I make perfect Parmesan shavings?
Start with a high-quality cheese block. Gently run a veggie peeler over it to create thin, flat pieces. It’s easier if the cheese is at room temp—cold blocks tend to crumble. Fresh Parmesan shavings make so much difference, so peel them shortly before adding to the salad!
→ What if I don't like dill in it?
No worries! Swap dill with tarragon for a hint of anise, or try chives, basil, or mint for fresh, vibrant flavors that match the salad perfectly. Just stick with fresh herbs for the best taste in this raw, crisp dish!
→ How do I keep celery super crunchy?
Soak your celery slices in ice water for half an hour before use. This keeps them hydrated and crunchy. After soaking, dry them off before throwing them in. For max crunch, choose tight, firm stalks and slice them close to when you serve the salad.

Celery Herb Parmesan Salad

Crunchy celery paired with fresh herbs, nutty Parmesan, and toasted walnuts, all brought together with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Salad

01 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped into pieces
02 1/2 cup Parmesan, shaved into thin ribbons
03 6 celery stalks, sliced diagonally
04 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely minced
05 1/4 cup parsley leaves, roughly torn

→ Dressing

06 1/4 cup olive oil
07 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground fresh
09 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 01

Rinse the celery stalks well under cold water to get rid of dirt. Use some paper towels to dry them off, then cut them thinly at a diagonal angle for a nice look.

Step 02

Throw the sliced celery, the rough-cut parsley, and the finely chopped dill into a big mixing bowl.

Step 03

Warm up a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the walnuts and stir now and then. When the aroma comes out and they look lightly browned (about 2–3 minutes), take them off the heat. Let them cool before chopping.

Step 04

In a smaller bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir briskly with a whisk until it looks well mixed.

Step 05

Drizzle the dressing over the mixture in your large bowl. Use your hands or utensils to toss gently, making sure everything’s coated.

Step 06

Right before you serve, sprinkle the shaved Parmesan and toasted walnut bits over the top. This keeps the nuts crunchy and the cheese fresh.

Notes

  1. With its crisp texture and tangy dressing, this dish puts celery in the spotlight alongside fresh herbs.
  2. To keep it tasty and crunchy, it’s best to enjoy this salad not long after putting it together.
  3. Chop everything ahead, then combine and dress right before bringing it to the table for the freshest results.
  4. This light yet flavorful dish works great alongside grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or as part of a party spread for sides.

Tools You'll Need

  • A cutting board and sharp knife
  • A big bowl to mix everything in
  • Smaller bowl for stirring the dressing
  • A whisk
  • Pan to toast the nuts
  • Tool to shave Parmesan, such as a vegetable peeler

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes walnuts, a type of tree nut
  • Uses Parmesan, which contains dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 157
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g