Celery Salad With Grapes
Highlighted under: Wholesome Ideas
I absolutely love making this Celery Salad with Grapes when the weather is warm. It's refreshing, crisp, and packed with flavor. The sweet burst of grapes combined with the crunch of celery makes for a perfect snack or side dish. I enjoy serving it at picnics or alongside grilled meats. Plus, it's super quick to prepare, taking only about 15 minutes, with no cooking required! This salad is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
When I first tried adding grapes to a vegetable salad, I wasn’t sure how the flavors would blend. To my surprise, the sweet and tart grapes created a beautiful contrast with the crisp and refreshing celery. I used a light dressing to keep the focus on the freshness of the ingredients, and it was a hit! This salad has become a staple in my home for its delightful taste and easy preparation.
One key tip I've learned is to chill the salad for about 10 minutes before serving. This really brings out the flavors and enhances that refreshing quality. It’s an easy way to elevate a simple dish and impress your guests with minimal effort!
Why You'll Love This Celery Salad
- Crisp and refreshing texture perfect for summer days
- Sweet and tangy highlight from fresh grapes
- Simple preparation makes it a quick go-to dish
Understanding the Ingredients
The star of this Celery Salad is undoubtedly the fresh celery. When selecting celery, look for firm stalks with vibrant green leaves, as this indicates freshness. Diced celery adds a satisfying crunch and provides a mild flavor that balances well with the sweetness of grapes. The texture of the celery also serves as a base that holds the other ingredients together, creating a delightful salad experience.
Equally important are the grapes, which introduce a juicy burst of sweetness to every bite. Choose seedless grapes for convenience, and feel free to experiment with different varieties—red or green grapes work beautifully here. The acidity from the lemon juice in the dressing complements the sweetness of the grapes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Tips for Preparation
While the salad comes together quickly, the order of operations can make a difference. I recommend prepping the greens first, drying them thoroughly to ensure the dressing adheres. Inevitably, if they’re wet, the dressing will slide off. Using a salad spinner is a great tool for removing excess moisture and keeping the fabric of the salad crisp.
When mixing the salad, be gentle. Over-tossing can bruise the grapes and break the walnuts, which take away from the satisfying textures you're aiming for. Instead, turn the salad over with a spatula or large spoon, making sure all components are evenly coated with the dressing without losing their structural integrity.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful salad.
Salad Ingredients
- 4 stalks of celery, diced
- 1 cup of grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
With these fresh ingredients, you’re ready to prepare a delicious salad!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your salad:
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced celery, halved grapes, sliced red onion, and chopped walnuts.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Chill and Serve
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your fresh and crunchy celery salad!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to get creative with this salad! You can add in diced apples for extra sweetness or swap walnuts for sunflower seeds if you prefer a nut-free option.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Celery Salad is perfect for make-ahead meals, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To preserve the crunchiness of the celery, it's best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving, but dressed salads can be enjoyed for about 2 hours after combining. Just know that the longer it sits, the more the vegetables will soften, altering the texture.
If you're planning to serve this salad for a gathering, consider doubling the recipe. It scales easily, and the vibrant colors make it an attractive addition to any table. Just make sure to use a large mixing bowl to combine all ingredients without the risk of spilling.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Celery Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats, particularly chicken or pork, as the coolness of the salad contrasts nicely with warm, smoky flavors. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein source like shredded chicken or chickpeas; both would complement the salad without overpowering its freshness.
For a fun twist, you can turn this salad into a wrap by using large lettuce leaves as a base. Spoon the salad mixture onto the leaves, wrap them up, and you’ve got a portable lunch option that's perfect for picnics or easy weekday meals. This version is both healthy and filling, making it a winning choice for any occasion.
Questions About Recipes
→ How long can I store the celery salad?
It's best consumed within a couple of days, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
→ Can I use other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Apples, pears, or even dried cranberries would add a delightful twist.
→ Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the honey in the dressing, if used.
→ What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a picnic spread. It also works great as a light lunch option.
Celery Salad With Grapes
I absolutely love making this Celery Salad with Grapes when the weather is warm. It's refreshing, crisp, and packed with flavor. The sweet burst of grapes combined with the crunch of celery makes for a perfect snack or side dish. I enjoy serving it at picnics or alongside grilled meats. Plus, it's super quick to prepare, taking only about 15 minutes, with no cooking required! This salad is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Created by: Adriana Whitaker
Recipe Type: Wholesome Ideas
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Salad Ingredients
- 4 stalks of celery, diced
- 1 cup of grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the diced celery, halved grapes, sliced red onion, and chopped walnuts.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to get creative with this salad! You can add in diced apples for extra sweetness or swap walnuts for sunflower seeds if you prefer a nut-free option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g