Celery Salad With Tahini
Highlighted under: Light Living Recipes
I recently rediscovered the joy of a fresh celery salad, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The crisp, refreshing texture of celery pairs beautifully with a rich tahini dressing, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This salad has quickly become my go-to recipe for a light lunch or as a vibrant side dish. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a part of a larger meal, this celery salad is sure to impress with its unique taste and satisfying crunch. Let's dive into making this delicious dish!
When making this celery salad, I experimented with the tahini dressing until it felt just right. I found that adding a dash of lemon juice not only brightens the flavors but also enhances the creaminess of the tahini. Trust me, the dressing is the star here! I love how it clings to the crunchy celery, creating a delightful contrast in textures. There’s nothing better than a salad that brings both nutrition and flavor to the table.
As I served this salad at a recent gathering, I was thrilled to see how quickly it disappeared! My friends could not get enough of the unique creaminess of tahini paired with crunchy, peppery celery. It's refreshing yet filling, making it an excellent choice for any meal. If you want to amp it up even more, consider adding some toasted nuts for an extra crunch!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispness of fresh celery combined with a creamy tahini dressing
- Bright lemony flavor that adds a refreshing twist
- Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion
The Role of Celery in the Salad
Celery is the backbone of this salad, providing not just crunch but also a refreshing, slightly peppery flavor. The variety of celery you choose can influence the final taste; I prefer using crisp, green stalks with no blemishes since they yield the best texture. If you find the celery has gotten a bit limp, soaking it in ice water for about 30 minutes can help revive its crispness before preparation.
In addition to its delightful crunch, celery is packed with hydration, making it an ideal base for a light and refreshing salad. This recipe shines a spotlight on the natural flavors of fresh produce, so opting for organic celery can enhance the overall taste. Its natural bitterness balances beautifully with the creaminess of tahini, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Crafting the Perfect Tahini Dressing
Tahini is a sesame seed paste that adds a rich, creamy texture to this dressing. Its nutty flavor complements the celery while contributing healthy fats. When making the dressing, it's important to whisk the tahini thoroughly to ensure it’s smooth and free of clumps. If you find the tahini is particularly thick, adding water gradually while whisking can help you achieve a creamy consistency that coats the celery beautifully.
Another key factor in the tahini dressing is the balance of acidity. The lemon juice not only brightens the flavors but also helps bring all the components together. Start with the stated amount of lemon juice, but don't hesitate to adjust based on your taste preferences—more lemon can add an extra layer of zing!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to prepare your delicious celery salad:
Ingredients
- 4 large celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
These ingredients come together for a refreshing and nutritious salad!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your celery salad:
Prepare the celery
Wash and chop the celery stalks into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large salad bowl.
Make the dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
Combine and serve
Pour the dressing over the celery and toss gently to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Your delicious celery salad with tahini is ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Try adding sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor. This salad is great served chilled!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This celery salad can stand alone as a refreshing lunch or serve as a vibrant side dish at dinner. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, adding a crisp contrast. For an even heartier meal, consider topping the salad with chickpeas or your favorite protein, turning it into a complete dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
I often enjoy it with a slice of whole-grain bread or a pita on the side to soak up those delicious tahini flavors. You can also experiment by adding sliced apples or cranberries for a sweet twist, elevating the taste and adding variety to the dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare it ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. Store the chopped celery in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; however, it’s best consumed as soon as possible to maintain its crunch. The tahini dressing can be kept in the fridge for about a week, making it convenient for quick meal prep.
If you have leftovers, give the salad a quick toss before serving, as the dressing can settle. Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice just before enjoyment can refresh the flavors and enhance the salad’s vibrancy, ensuring it tastes just as delightful as when it was first prepared.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the salad in advance?
Yes, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the celery crisp.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can include radishes, carrots, or cucumbers for added crunch and flavor.
→ Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this celery salad is completely vegan and packed with nutrients.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Celery Salad With Tahini
I recently rediscovered the joy of a fresh celery salad, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The crisp, refreshing texture of celery pairs beautifully with a rich tahini dressing, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This salad has quickly become my go-to recipe for a light lunch or as a vibrant side dish. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a part of a larger meal, this celery salad is sure to impress with its unique taste and satisfying crunch. Let's dive into making this delicious dish!
Created by: Harriet Collins
Recipe Type: Light Living Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 large celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Wash and chop the celery stalks into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large salad bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
Pour the dressing over the celery and toss gently to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Extra Tips
- Try adding sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor. This salad is great served chilled!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g