Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing

Name: Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups celery, sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Natural Inspiration

I absolutely love this Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing—it’s crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to whip up! Whenever I'm looking for a quick side dish that doesn't skimp on flavor, this salad comes to mind. The zesty lemon dressing perfectly complements the crunchy texture of the celery, making it a delightful addition to any meal. What I love most is that it takes just 10 minutes to prepare, giving me more time to enjoy with family and friends. It's become a staple in my kitchen, and I know you’ll love it too!

Created by

Darcy Penrose

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:03:34.724Z

When I first tried making this Celery Salad, I was amazed at how something so simple could be so delicious. The combination of fresh celery and a tangy lemon dressing elevates a basic salad into something special. I experimented with different add-ins, but I found that keeping it simple really lets the flavors shine. The crunch of the celery is what really makes it a standout dish.

One tip I highly recommend is to use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t give you that bright, zesty flavor that fresh lemon does. Plus, if you slice the celery just before serving, it keeps its crunchiness, making the salad even more enjoyable. Don't be surprised if this beauty becomes a regular on your table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp and refreshing texture that’s perfect for warm days
Zesty lemon dressing adds a bright, tangy flavor
Healthy and low-calorie option for any meal

Choosing the Right Celery

Selecting the perfect celery is crucial for achieving that crisp texture in this salad. Look for fresh, vibrant stalks with firm, upright leaves. Avoid any celery that appears wilted or has brown spots, as this can affect both flavor and texture. For the best taste, opt for organic celery if possible, as it tends to have a more robust flavor and is free from pesticides.

When preparing your celery, rinsing it under cold water is essential. This not only removes any dirt but also helps to maintain its crunch. For a more flavorful salad, you could consider incorporating celery hearts, which are sweeter and more tender than the outer stalks. This small adjustment can bring a delightful sweetness that balances beautifully with the tangy lemon dressing.

Making the Lemon Dressing

The lemon dressing is a standout component of this salad, offering a bright and zesty flavor that elevates the dish. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended; it has a liveliness that bottled lemon juice simply cannot replicate. When squeezing lemons, roll them on the counter with a bit of pressure first to maximize the juice yield—this little trick can save you from needing to squeeze multiple lemons.

Balancing the acidity of the lemon with olive oil and honey is key. The olive oil helps to mellow the sharpness of the lemon, while honey adds a touch of sweetness. If you're looking to reduce sugar intake, you could replace the honey with a teaspoon of agave syrup. Just be cautious not to overdo it; a little sweetness goes a long way in achieving the right balance.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 cups celery, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

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

Instructions

Prepare the Salad

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

Mix the Dressing

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

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

For best flavor, enjoy the salad within a few hours of preparation, as the celery retains its crunchiness.

Serving Suggestions

This Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing is incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of main dishes. It's a great side for grilled chicken or fish, offering a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the protein. You can also serve it alongside hearty dishes like pasta or risotto to lighten the meal. For a unique twist, consider serving it on top of crostini or in lettuce wraps for a fun appetizer.

If you're preparing this salad for a larger gathering, doubling the recipe is simple and can be done without compromise. Simply mix the ingredients in a larger bowl, ensuring you're using a sufficient amount of dressing to avoid a dry salad. When serving a big crowd, presentation matters; consider layering the salad ingredients in a clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of celery, red onion, and parsley.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the crunch of the celery, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This prevents the marinade from wilting the greens, allowing the salad to retain its refreshing crispness.

If you're planning to make this salad ahead of time, prepare the ingredients and store them in separate containers. The dressing can also be whisked together a day in advance. Just give it a good stir or shake before using, as the ingredients might separate—a normal occurrence with homemade dressings. It’s quick to put everything together at the last minute, making it ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even carrots for extra crunch.

→ How long will this salad keep in the fridge?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this salad is completely vegan-friendly!