Celery Salad With Cucumber

Name: Celery Salad With Cucumber
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks celery, chopped; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Vital Plates

I absolutely love making Celery Salad With Cucumber during the summer months when fresh produce is at its peak. The crispness of the celery paired with the refreshing coolness of cucumber creates a delightful crunch in every bite. It's a light, healthy dish that is perfect for picnics or as a side for barbecues. Plus, the zesty dressing adds a vibrant flavor that brings everything together wonderfully. I can’t get enough of how easy it is to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for those busy days!

Created by

Rosalie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:37:36.224Z

Making this Celery Salad With Cucumber has become a cherished experience for me over the years. I remember the first time I prepared it for a family gathering; it disappeared within minutes! The preparation is so simple yet serves as a delightful accompaniment to any meal. My favorite tip is to use fresh and crisp vegetables to ensure that each bite is full of crunch and flavor.

What I love most is that you can easily customize the salad based on your preferences. Sometimes I add a handful of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of taste. It’s this versatility that keeps me coming back to this recipe every summer!

Why You Will Love This Salad
Crisp and refreshing crunch in every bite
Easy to prepare and requires no cooking
Versatile ingredients that you can customize
Perfect for summer picnics and gatherings

Crispness of Fresh Ingredients

When preparing Celery Salad With Cucumber, the quality of your ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving that refreshing crunch. Opt for firm, bright green celery that snaps when bent. This not only ensures a satisfying texture but also indicates freshness. For cucumbers, choose ones with smooth skin and minimal blemishes. English cucumbers are particularly great here; they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor, which adds to the salad's overall lightness. Incorporating freshly chopped parsley enhances both the color and the herbal notes, marrying beautifully with the other vegetables.

Before starting, make sure to wash all your produce thoroughly. I recommend slicing the celery stalk at an angle to increase surface area and enhance its crunch. For the cucumber, you can peel it if desired, but leaving some skin on provides extra nutrients and a nice contrast in color. Preparing the vegetables just before serving keeps them crisp, which is essential for a salad this fresh and vibrant.

Zesty Dressing to Elevate Flavor

The dressing for this salad is not just an afterthought; it is a key component that brightens all the flavors. Using high-quality olive oil can greatly impact the taste, so don’t skimp on this ingredient. Whisking the dressing ingredients together until emulsified creates a glossy sheen—this shows that the oil and vinegar have combined well. This emulsification allows the flavors to cling to the salad ingredients rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

Feel free to adjust the acidity of the dressing to suit your taste. If you prefer a tangier flavor, a bit more apple cider vinegar can enhance the salad's freshness. Conversely, for those who enjoy a milder dressing, reducing the vinegar by half a tablespoon can still provide enough brightness without overwhelming the crunch of the vegetables. Also, do keep a good quality Dijon mustard on hand; it not only adds flavor but helps to stabilize the dressing.

Ingredients

Gather all the fresh ingredients for this delectable salad:

Salad Ingredients

4 stalks celery, chopped
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Celery Salad:

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to mix.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until all ingredients are well-coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your fresh and vibrant salad!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables or toppings, such as cherry tomatoes or croutons, for added flavor and texture!

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is perfect for making ahead, especially if you're preparing for a gathering. You can chop the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling the salad. However, I recommend waiting to add the dressing until just before serving to avoid sogginess. Tossing the salad lightly with the dressing right before serving helps maintain that delightful crunch and fresh taste.

If you're looking to scale up for a larger crowd, simply double or triple the quantities of each ingredient. Just make sure you have a large enough bowl to mix everything together without making a mess. You can also serve the salad in smaller individual cups for easy grabbing, which is particularly great for picnics or potlucks.

Serving Variations

While the traditional recipe is fantastic on its own, you can elevate it by adding or swapping other ingredients. Avocado chunks can provide creaminess, while cherry tomatoes bring a pop of sweetness and color. For a crunchier texture, consider adding sunflower seeds or slivers of toasted almonds. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of feta cheese offers a nice salty contrast to the fresh vegetables.

Another fun twist is to use different herbs. Dill or mint can be interesting alternatives to parsley, infusing the salad with a unique flavor profile that can transport your taste buds. In the warm months, incorporating some freshly squeezed lemon juice in addition to the apple cider vinegar lends an invigorating zing—perfect for those hot summer days.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the salad's crispness.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Leftover celery salad can last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I use other types of vinegar?

Absolutely! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with balsamic or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.

→ What can I add to make it more filling?

You can add chickpeas, cooked quinoa, or even grilled chicken to turn this salad into a more substantial meal.