Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing
Highlighted under: Fresh Recipes
I absolutely love making this Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing because it’s refreshing and packed with flavor. The crunch of the celery combined with the creaminess of the yogurt dressing creates a delightful texture that’s hard to resist. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal or a light lunch on its own. I often make extra dressing to dip fresh veggies in, and it never disappoints. Plus, it comes together in just minutes, making it a fantastic recipe for busy days.
When I first tried pairing celery with yogurt, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors complemented each other. Crunchy and refreshing, the celery provides the perfect crunch, while the tangy yogurt dressing adds a rich creaminess that elevates the dish entirely. I've found that chilling the salad for a little while before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
One detail that makes this salad stand out is the addition of fresh herbs, which bring a burst of freshness and aroma. I typically use parsley or dill, but feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs. This simple yet satisfying salad has earned its place in my recipe repertoire, always bringing smiles at the dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crisp and crunchy texture that delights the palate
- Creamy yogurt dressing that adds a tangy kick
- Quick and easy preparation, perfect for any meal
Choosing the Right Celery
When selecting celery for your salad, look for firm, crisp stalks with bright green leaves. The leaves will enhance both the flavor and presentation of your dish. Avoid any celery that appears limp or has brown spots. Fresh celery offers a crunchiness that is essential for a salad, providing texture contrast to the creamy dressing.
If you want to elevate your salad, consider using a mix of regular and purple celery. The purple variety adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color, making your dish even more visually appealing. Remember to wash the celery thoroughly to remove any dirt before slicing.
Perfecting the Yogurt Dressing
The yogurt dressing is the star of this salad, providing a creamy yet tangy flavor. For the best results, opt for a high-quality plain yogurt, preferably Greek for its thicker consistency. This will give your dressing a luscious texture without being overly runny. If you prefer a lighter dressing, regular plain yogurt works well too.
Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices in your dressing. A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of cayenne can add a nice kick, while other chopped fresh herbs like chives or basil can introduce intriguing flavor variations. Just make sure to balance the ingredients so the flavors do not overwhelm the fresh celery.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the celery is well-coated with the dressing.
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-mixed.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced celery and chopped herbs. Pour the yogurt dressing over the celery and toss to coat evenly.
Chill and Serve
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Once chilled, give the salad another quick toss and serve fresh!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or seeds for crunch or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a summery meal. Alternatively, you can use it as a topping for sandwiches or wraps, bringing a creamy element that pairs beautifully with hearty ingredients.
For a complete lunch, consider adding protein like chickpeas or shredded chicken into the salad. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also makes it more filling. You can also serve it atop a bed of mixed greens to create a more substantial salad.
Making Ahead and Storage
This salad is perfect for making ahead. The flavors will actually improve after sitting for a few hours in the refrigerator, allowing the dressing to soak into the celery. You can prepare the dressing and chop the celery in advance, but I recommend combining them just before serving for the best crisp texture.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just keep in mind that the celery may lose some crunch over time due to the dressing. If you find that it has become too soggy, toss in a few fresh celery sticks to revive the texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a thicker dressing or any non-dairy yogurt for a vegan option.
→ How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
It’s best enjoyed fresh but can last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or even carrots for added crunch and flavor.
→ Is this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing
I absolutely love making this Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing because it’s refreshing and packed with flavor. The crunch of the celery combined with the creaminess of the yogurt dressing creates a delightful texture that’s hard to resist. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal or a light lunch on its own. I often make extra dressing to dip fresh veggies in, and it never disappoints. Plus, it comes together in just minutes, making it a fantastic recipe for busy days.
Created by: Greer Montgomery
Recipe Type: Fresh Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-mixed.
In a large mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced celery and chopped herbs. Pour the yogurt dressing over the celery and toss to coat evenly.
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or seeds for crunch or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g