Celery Salad With Walnuts And Parmesan

Name: Celery Salad With Walnuts And Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large stalks of celery, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light Living Recipes

I love the crunch of a fresh celery salad, especially when it’s tossed with walnuts and parmesan. This combination brings out the bright, crisp flavor of the celery while adding rich, nutty undertones. Whenever I serve this salad, it disappears quickly, and I often find myself savoring it for lunch the next day. The simple dressing allows the ingredients to shine without overwhelming them. Whether I’m preparing for a quick family meal or entertaining guests, this salad always fits the bill and impresses everyone at the table.

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:31:12.642Z

When I first made this celery salad, I never expected it to become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of crunchy celery, earthy walnuts, and sharp parmesan creates a delightful medley of textures and flavors. I remember experimenting with different cheeses, but the nutty parmesan truly elevates the salad. A squeeze of lemon juice adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the richness of the walnuts.

One fun tip I learned was to toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad. This simple step intensifies their flavor and adds an extra layer of depth to the dish. Each bite is a burst of freshness, and I can’t help but share this recipe with everyone who visits!

        Why You'll Love This Salad
        Crisp, refreshing texture with every bite
Nutty flavor from toasted walnuts that enhances the dish
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion

      

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

The key to a vibrant celery salad lies in the quality of your fresh ingredients. When selecting celery, look for firm, crisp stalks with a bright green color. Wilting or browning indicates the celery is past its prime, which can affect the salad's overall texture and flavor. Combine fresh, high-quality walnuts, lightly toasted to enhance their nutty flavor, and the sharp, salty notes of freshly grated Parmesan. This trio provides a beautiful contrast in textures while highlighting the essence of each ingredient.

Using fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the walnuts and cheese. For the best results, juice your lemon just before making the dressing to capture its zesty flavor. This salad’s light dressing not only complements the ingredients but also creates a mouthwatering contrast, allowing the freshness of the celery to stand out.

Preparing and Combining

When slicing your celery, aim for uniform pieces, approximately 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even distribution throughout the salad, promoting a consistent crunch in every bite. If you prefer a more tender bite, consider soaking the celery in cold water for about 15 minutes before slicing; it will add extra crispness and refreshment. After preparing the salad, I like to allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period encourages the flavors to meld beautifully without wilting the celery, keeping its texture intact.

As you combine the ingredients, take care to toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring that every piece is coated with the dressing. Proper mixing not only helps in flavor absorption but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish. A large, wide bowl can facilitate easier tossing and helps showcase the salad's colorful components.

Ingredients

Celery Salad Ingredients

4 large stalks of celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, chopped walnuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine

Drizzle the dressing over the celery mixture and toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Serve

Serve immediately or let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try adding some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the freshness of the salad.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While this celery salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components in advance. Slice the celery and chop the walnuts a day ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar, and whisk it again before drizzling it on the salad just before serving. This minimizes the risk of the ingredients wilting, allowing for a crisp, refreshing dish even when made in advance.

If you have leftovers, it’s best to consume the salad within a day. The celery will start to soften and lose its crunch over time. If you need to keep it longer, store the mixed salad without the dressing and add it just before you plan to eat. This helps maintain the structural integrity of the celery.

Variations to Try

Consider adding other ingredients to customize your salad according to your preferences. For a protein boost, incorporate diced grilled chicken or chickpeas. You can also add thin slices of apple or pear for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. For a twist of flavor, try swapping Parmesan for feta or goat cheese, which adds a different creaminess that pairs beautifully with the celery and walnuts.

Herbs can also elevate your salad's taste profile. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a pop of color and introduce fragrant notes. Toss in a handful of herbs at the end for a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens the whole dish, providing a new take each time you make it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

You can omit the cheese or replace it with a vegan parmesan alternative.

→ How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but it can last in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just note that the celery might lose some crunch.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.