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 cups of celery, sliced; 1 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, shaved; 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup of olive oil; 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; 1 teaspoon of honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Nutritious Delights

I love making this Celery Salad with Walnuts and Parmesan; it’s refreshing and surprisingly satisfying. The crispness of the celery, combined with the crunch of walnuts, is elevated by the salty richness of Parmesan cheese. Toss in a bright lemon vinaigrette, and you have a salad that can be a delightful side dish or a light main course. I always make extra because it's the perfect recipe for meal prep, easily storing in the fridge for a few days. Trust me, you'll want to whip this up for your next gathering!

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:58:10.701Z

When I first decided to make this Celery Salad, I was skeptical about how simple ingredients could blend into something so delicious. To my surprise, the crispy celery not only added a refreshing crunch but also provided the perfect base to highlight the walnuts and Parmesan. Pairing these ingredients with a homemade lemon vinaigrette proved to be a game-changer for elevating the flavors.

After perfecting the dressing, I discovered that a little honey balanced the acidity splendidly, enhancing the overall taste. I often experiment with adding fruits like apples for sweetness, and this really takes the salad to another level of yum. Enjoying this salad with grilled chicken or fish makes for a light and healthy meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crunchy texture from fresh celery and walnuts
Savory notes from aged Parmesan cheese
A zesty lemon dressing that brightens the dish

Understanding the Ingredients

Celery is the star of this salad, providing not only crunch but also a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the walnuts and Parmesan. For the best results, choose fresh, firm celery stalks. Avoid any that show signs of browning or wilting, as they can affect the overall texture and taste of the salad. Trim the ends and slice the stalks at a diagonal for a touch of elegance.

Walnuts contribute a delightful crunch and their slightly bitter notes contrast nicely with the salty Parmesan. Toasting the walnuts for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F enhances their flavor, making them nuttier and more aromatic. If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute with pecans or almonds, keeping in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.

Dressing It Right

The dressing for this salad is crucial, as it ties all the elements together. Using fresh lemon juice not only adds brightness but also helps to maintain the vibrant color of the celery. If you're short on fresh lemons, feel free to use bottled juice, but fresh is always best. Whisk the dressing until it is well emulsified; you want it to achieve a glossy appearance, which indicates that it's combined properly.

Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon, but feel free to use maple syrup for a vegan option. Adjust the honey to your taste; start with a teaspoon and gradually add more if you like a sweeter dressing. Lastly, always taste the dressing before drizzling it over the salad. If it feels too tart, a pinch more honey can do wonders.

Serving and Storing Tips

For the best flavor, serve the salad immediately after mixing the ingredients, but letting it sit for just 10 minutes can help meld the flavors beautifully. This salad also works well as a plated side dish or a light main course; portion it onto individual plates and garnish with additional Parmesan shavings for an appealing presentation.

When it comes to storing leftovers, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad holds up well for 2-3 days, though the celery will soften as it absorbs the dressing. If you prefer a crunchy texture, store the salad and dressing separately and combine them right before serving. You can also make a larger batch for meal prep, ensuring an easy, quick, and healthy option throughout the week.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 cups of celery, sliced
1 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, shaved
1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, chopped walnuts, shaved Parmesan, and parsley.

Make the Dressing

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

Combine Ingredients

Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to enhance flavors before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some crispy bacon bits or thinly sliced radishes to the salad.

Key Technique Tips

When combining ingredients, use a large mixing bowl to give yourself enough space to toss without spilling. Gently toss the salad using your hands or a salad tongs; aiming to lift and turn rather than mash. This preserves the delicate texture of the celery and prevents the Parmesan from clumping.

A great tip for achieving a balanced flavor profile is to taste as you go. After combining the salad with the dressing, take a small taste to see if it needs more acidity, sweetness, or salt. This allows you to personalize the salad to your liking, ensuring that it's perfect for your palate.

Variations to Try

Feel free to add other ingredients to the salad to boost its nutritional value. Shredded carrots or diced apples can add a touch of sweetness and color. If you're looking for additional protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken or chickpeas. Each addition will provide unique flavors while keeping the salad delightful and satisfying.

For a different flavor twist, try adding fresh herbs such as basil or mint instead of parsley. These herbs can complement the specific palate and give a refreshing note to the lemon dressing, making your salad feel like a whole new dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your salad is too soggy after mixing, it might be because the dressing was added too early. To avoid this, dress the salad just before serving. This keeps the celery fresh and crunchy, maintaining the overall texture you want.

Sometimes, salads can come off as bland. If that happens, try adding a touch of vinegar, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a squeeze of more lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Salads can easily be adjusted, so don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the perfect balance!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving.

→ What other nuts can I use in this salad?

You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.

→ How long will this salad last in the fridge?

It can last up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. However, the celery may become less crisp over time.

→ Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.