Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing

Name: Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups celery, chopped; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Home Healthy Meals Favorites

I absolutely love making Celery Salad with Lemon Dressing because it's a crisp, refreshing dish that can elevate any meal. The vibrant flavors of the fresh celery combined with the tanginess of the lemon dressing make for a delightful experience. This salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Whether it's a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, every crunchy bite feels invigorating. I often serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, but it stands out beautifully on its own too!

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:53:34.533Z

When I first tried making Celery Salad with Lemon Dressing, I was amazed by how a few fresh ingredients could create such a flavorful dish. I experimented with different herbs to complement the lemon, discovering that fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness. By toasting the sesame seeds before adding them, I found that it brought out a nutty flavor that truly enhances the salad.

This salad is my go-to during warm days when I crave something light. I usually make a larger batch because it keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavors meld beautifully over time. It’s a perfect accompaniment to just about any main dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp celery adds a refreshing crunch
Zesty lemon dressing brightens every bite
Quickly prepared, making it ideal for busy days

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to elevating the flavors of this Celery Salad. Celery, when crisp and fresh, delivers a satisfying crunch that forms the backbone of the dish. I recommend visiting your local farmer's market for the best picks, as home-grown celery tends to have a superior taste and texture compared to store-bought varieties. Look for stalks that are firm, have vibrant green leaves, and are free from browning or wilting.

The red onion adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the salad, balancing the earthiness of the celery. When slicing, aim for paper-thin rounds for a more harmonious bite. If you find red onion too pungent, soaking it in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad helps to mellow the flavor while keeping its charming crunch.

Enhancing the Lemon Dressing

The lemon dressing is what truly brings this salad to life. When selecting lemons, opt for those that are heavy for their size and have a slight give when squeezed, indicating juiciness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice yields the brightest flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch—just ensure it's pure and not from concentrate to avoid artificial flavors.

The combination of honey in the dressing adds a touch of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tang of the lemon. If you prefer a vegan option, agave syrup works excellently as a substitute. Additionally, feel free to adjust the acidity by adding more or less lemon juice to suit your taste; a truly zesty dressing always brightens the entire dish.

Customizing and Serving the Salad

While the base of this salad is classic, you can easily customize it to reflect your preferences. Adding diced apples or pears could provide a sweet contrast, while toasted walnuts or pecans can enhance the nutty flavor profile, especially if you're a fan of sesame seeds. For a kick, consider throwing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for an unexpected twist.

Serving this salad can be incredibly versatile. While I usually pair it with grilled chicken or fish, it can also stand alone as a light lunch or appetizer. For presentation, serve it in a chilled bowl to keep everything crisp. It’s also an excellent make-ahead dish; just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to ensure that the salad remains fresh and the celery retains its crunch.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a deliciously zesty salad.

Salad Ingredients

4 cups celery, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix these ingredients to create a fresh and tangy taste.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your salad.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, red onion, and parsley.

Make the Dressing

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

Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the celery mixture and toss until the vegetables are coated. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Your fresh celery salad is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, add some diced avocado or a splash of rice vinegar to the dressing.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Celery Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days, although the celery may start to lose some of its crispness. To maintain that delightful crunch for as long as possible, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture, which can cause sogginess.

When storing, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to enjoy leftovers. This practice prevents the salad from becoming mushy. If the salad seems a bit wilted upon reopening, try tossing it gently with a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving to perk it back up.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep. If you’re hosting a large group, simply double or triple the ingredient quantities to match the number of servings you need. However, I recommend preparing the dressing in smaller batches to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful when made in larger quantities.

When scaling up, consider using a larger mixing bowl or even a clean bucket for mixing. This allows for more space to toss the ingredients thoroughly without spilling. Remember that flavor intensity may vary slightly, so taste as you go; sometimes, a bit more lemon or honey may be needed to bring out the best flavor in a larger batch.

Health Benefits of Celery

Celery is not only refreshing but also offers impressive health benefits. It's low in calories and high in fiber, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, it contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, which is essential for heart health and maintaining proper blood pressure levels.

The fresh parsley in this salad also contributes to its health benefits. It’s loaded with antioxidants and brings anti-inflammatory properties. Including herbs like parsley in meals can aid digestion and act as a natural breath freshener. So, not only is this salad delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients to nourish your body!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the celery.

→ What can I substitute for sesame seeds?

If you don't have sesame seeds, walnuts or slivered almonds can be great alternatives for added crunch.

→ Is this salad vegan?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based, making it a vegan-friendly option.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize it by adding ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots.