Crisp & Healthy: The Best Celery Salad with Onions, Parmesan, and Walnuts

Tired of celery being relegated to a mere dip-dipper or a background ingredient? Prepare to be genuinely surprised by this exceptionally flavorful and refreshingly crisp celery salad! Featuring thinly sliced celery and sweet onions, savory Parmesan, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a light, vibrant vinaigrette dressing, this salad is a game-changer. It’s not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably sturdy, making it a perfect choice for everything from summer picnics and outdoor gatherings to festive holiday potlucks and everyday healthy meals. This simple recipe proves that even the most unassuming vegetables can shine brightly.

For many, celery conjures images of uninspired crudités platters or a necessary, albeit bland, component in dishes like tuna salad or classic Thanksgiving stuffing. It’s often seen as a utility vegetable, bought out of necessity rather than desire, or perhaps for the latest juice cleanse trend. However, this perception is about to change dramatically!

We’re here to champion celery as the star of its own show. This recipe will encourage you to seek out fresh, crisp celery specifically to create this salad. We’re confident it will transform your entire perspective on this often-underestimated vegetable, elevating it from a supporting character to a lead role in your culinary repertoire. Get ready for a delightful crunch and a burst of unexpected flavor!

To say we were pleasantly surprised by how good this salad turned out would be a significant understatement. This recipe was born out of a simple need: to utilize the remaining celery in the refrigerator before it lost its crispness. Faced with this common kitchen dilemma, a creative idea sparked – why not combine it with the delicate sweetness of onions and the sharp, salty notes of Parmesan cheese? A handful of walnuts were added for an extra layer of texture and richness, and the result was nothing short of extraordinary.

The combination proved to be an absolute revelation! It’s a wonderful reminder that some of the very best culinary creations often emerge from moments of necessity, or when working within certain limitations. This simple assembly of ingredients transformed into a vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying salad that’s now a cherished staple in our household. It’s truly an unexpectedly delicious celery salad that will change how you think about celery forever!

Is Celery Truly Good for You? Unpacking its Nutritional Benefits

It’s a common question, often debated: is celery just water, offering little to no nutritional value? Many people mistakenly believe it’s just a crunchy filler, but the truth is far more impressive. While celery is indeed composed of a significant amount of water – making it incredibly hydrating – it’s also packed with a surprising array of beneficial nutrients that make it a worthy addition to any healthy diet.

Celery is an excellent source of dietary fiber, a crucial component that, as highlighted by numerous health articles, is often lacking in modern diets. Fiber is essential for digestive health, promoting regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Beyond digestion, adequate fiber intake can help stabilize blood sugar levels, contribute to a feeling of fullness (which can aid in weight management), and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

But the benefits don’t stop at fiber. Celery is also a powerhouse of antioxidants, containing at least six identified types, including powerful compounds like luteolin and apigenin. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, celery provides essential vitamins and minerals, including a good amount of Vitamin K, which is vital for blood clotting and bone health; Folate, critical for cell growth and function; Vitamin A, important for vision and immune function; and a decent amount of Potassium and Vitamin C. While it is very low in calories, its nutrient density makes it a smart choice for adding volume and nutrition to meals without significant caloric impact.

Therefore, while celery should certainly not be the sole component of anyone’s diet, it undeniably deserves a prominent place on your vegetable plate. Embracing the variety that different vegetables offer is key to a balanced and enjoyable diet, and this delightful celery salad is an easy, delicious way to elevate your celery game and bring more nutrients to your table. We hope you’ll give it a try and discover its refreshing goodness!

Celery Salad with Onions & Parmesan: The Recipe Unveiled

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

One of the beauties of this celery salad recipe lies in its simplicity. It calls for fresh, readily available ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The key is to select high-quality, fresh produce to ensure the best texture and most vibrant flavors.

• Celery: Choose firm, crisp stalks with fresh-looking leaves. Trim the ends and thinly slice the stalks for the perfect crunch in every bite.
• Sweet Onion: A medium sweet onion, like a Vidalia or Walla Walla, is ideal here. Halve it and slice it thinly lengthwise to provide a gentle, sweet counterpoint to the celery’s crispness without being overpowering. If sweet onions aren’t available, a red onion can be used for a slightly sharper flavor and a beautiful color contrast.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a world of difference. Its salty, umami-rich flavor adds depth and a savory kick that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture and flavor.
• Walnuts (or Pecans), chopped: These nuts add a delightful crunch and a dose of healthy fats. Walnuts offer a slightly bitter, earthy note, while pecans are sweeter. Feel free to use your preferred choice or a mix. Lightly toasting them before adding can enhance their flavor significantly.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a fantastic base for the dressing, offering a fruity tang. Red wine vinegar or rice vinegar are also excellent alternatives, each lending a slightly different character to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic depth and a subtle spicy kick.
• Dijon Mustard: This acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and vinegar together into a smooth dressing, while also adding a pungent, tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is crucial for the dressing. It provides richness, healthy fats, and a smooth texture.

Effortless Directions for a Quick & Tasty Salad

You’ll absolutely adore how incredibly easy this recipe is to prepare! It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The entire process takes just about 10 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how you bring this vibrant salad to life:

1. Prepare the Salad Base: Begin by prepping your celery and sweet onion. Trim and thinly slice the celery into bite-sized pieces. Halve the sweet onion and slice it very thinly lengthwise. As you chop each ingredient, simply add them directly into a medium-sized mixing or serving bowl. This streamlines the process and keeps cleanup to a minimum. Once your celery and onion are in the bowl, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped walnuts or pecans. Give them a gentle toss to combine.
2. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate container, such as a 1-cup glass measuring cup (which makes pouring super easy) or a small bowl, combine all your dressing ingredients: vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Whisk vigorously until these ingredients are thoroughly blended. Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk. This gradual addition and constant whisking help to emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture that coats the salad perfectly. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary – you might want a pinch more salt or a grind of pepper.
3. Combine and Serve: Pour the freshly whisked vinaigrette evenly over the prepared salad ingredients in the medium bowl. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything thoroughly until every piece of celery, onion, and every nut is beautifully coated in the dressing.
4. Enjoy Immediately: Your crisp and healthy celery salad is now ready to serve! It’s fantastic enjoyed right away, when the celery is at its peak crunch. However, it also holds up beautifully for a few days when refrigerated, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or taking to events.

Yes, that’s it – just about 10 minutes for a surprisingly delicious and healthy salad that will truly impress!

This simple celery salad is wonderfully versatile. It shines brightly when served on its own as a light and refreshing side dish, or you can present it elegantly on a bed of fresh lettuce greens for added volume and visual appeal. Beyond its refreshingly delicious taste, one of its best attributes is its excellent keeping quality. Stored in the refrigerator, it remains crisp and flavorful for several days, making it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions.

Its durability and deliciousness make it a fantastic option for:

• Summer Picnics: It won’t wilt easily in the heat.
• Camping Trips: A fresh and healthy addition to outdoor meals.
• Potlucks of All Kinds: Always a crowd-pleaser and easy to transport.
• Weekday Lunches: A perfect make-ahead component for your meal prep.
• Light Dinners: Pair it with a simple protein for a balanced meal.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

This quick and easy salad makes a superb side dish, particularly alongside recipes that could benefit from a fresh, crunchy vegetable component. It adds a welcome contrast in texture and a burst of bright flavor. Here are some ideas for pairing:

• Quick Sausage & Kale or Swiss Chard Frittata Recipe: The salad’s crispness cuts through the richness of the frittata beautifully.
• Roasted Sausages with Peppers and Onions Sheet Pan Dinner: A refreshing counterpoint to the savory, roasted flavors.
• Healthy Lemon Vegetable & Fish Foil Packets (Grill or Oven Bake): It complements the light, flaky fish and seasoned vegetables perfectly.
• Grilled Chicken or Steak: The vinaigrette provides a zesty lift to grilled meats.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Serve it on the side instead of chips for a healthier alternative.
• Grain Bowls: Add a scoop to your favorite grain bowl for extra crunch and nutrition.

It’s also a wonderfully satisfying light lunch on its own, especially when served with crusty crackers or a slice of warm, homemade artisan bread and a good quality cheese. The combination is simply delicious and incredibly satisfying!

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4.78 from 18 votes

Celery Salad with Onions & Parmesan

A surprisingly delicious and refreshing celery salad featuring crisp celery, sweet onions, savory Parmesan, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a healthy side.

Prep Time
10 minutes mins

Total Time
10 minutes mins

Yield:
4 servings

Author:
Jami Boys

Ingredients

Salad:

• 3 cups celery, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 medium sweet onion cut in half and thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (lightly toasted for extra flavor, optional)

Light Vinaigrette Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar or rice vinegar for varying tang
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon salt or or to taste (we recommend sea salt)
• 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil

Instructions

• Prepare Salad Base: Add all prepped salad ingredients (sliced celery, sweet onion, grated Parmesan, and chopped nuts) to a medium-sized serving bowl. Give them a quick toss to mix evenly.
• Make the Vinaigrette: In a 1-cup glass measure or small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until well combined. Gradually add the olive oil, whisking continuously until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
• Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until all the components are beautifully coated with the dressing.
• Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for maximum crispness, or refrigerate for a day or two for flavors to meld. See notes below for longer storage tips.

Notes

*Optional Tip for Longer Storage: If you plan to store this salad for more than a day, consider omitting the nuts from the initial mixing. Add them in just before serving to ensure they retain their optimal crunch. However, we’ve found that even by day 4, the nuts hold up surprisingly well, so this step is entirely optional and depends on your preference for texture.
*Variations: Feel free to experiment! Add a handful of fresh parsley or dill for an herbal note, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness. For a heartier salad, consider adding cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup |
Calories: 252kcal |
Carbohydrates: 11g |
Protein: 8g |
Fat: 21g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Cholesterol: 11mg |
Sodium: 419mg |
Potassium: 354mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 6g |
Vitamin A: 448IU |
Vitamin C: 6mg |
Calcium: 195mg |
Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?Mention @anoregoncottage or tag #anoregoncottage!

More Simple & Quick Salads to Brighten Your Table

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this Celery Salad, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of our favorite simple and quick salad recipes. These are perfect for adding fresh flavors and healthy ingredients to any meal, whether you need a fast weeknight side or a vibrant dish for entertaining. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward and packed with flavor, just like our star celery salad!