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 large celery stalks, thinly sliced; 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Vital Plates

I love making this Celery Salad With Walnuts And Parmesan on warm days. The crispness of the celery, combined with the crunch of walnuts and the rich flavor of Parmesan, creates a refreshing dish that brightens up any meal. It’s quick to prepare yet feels elevated, making it a go-to for lunch or as a side for dinner. Plus, it’s an excellent way to incorporate more greens into our diet. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become one of your favorites too!

Created by

Rosalie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:19:13.418Z

When I first attempted this Celery Salad with Walnuts and Parmesan, I was thrilled by how well the flavors complemented each other. The crunchy texture of the celery is further enhanced by the nutty walnuts, creating a satisfying bite. A light vinaigrette brings everything together without overwhelming the freshness of the ingredients.

One tip I discovered is to let the salad sit for a few minutes after tossing it with the dressing. This allows the celery to absorb the flavors, making each bite more delightful. Trust me, you’ll love how the Parmesan adds a touch of umami!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crunchy and refreshing, perfect for summer days
Easy to make and requires minimal cooking
A delightful contrast of textures with creamy cheese and crunchy nuts

Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh, crisp celery is essential for achieving the best texture in this salad. Ensure your celery stalks are firm and bright green, as older or limp celery can lead to a mushy salad. You can also add a bit of fresh parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor. These herbs not only complement the walnuts and Parmesan, but also bring an aromatic freshness that ties the dish together beautifully.

To elevate the nuttiness of the walnuts, consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. This simple step enriches their flavor profile and adds depth to the salad. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning; you want them golden-brown with a toasty aroma.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This salad shines as a standalone dish or as a complementary side. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light but satisfying meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the citrusy dressing. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some thinly sliced apples or pears for a sweet contrast that goes beautifully with the crunch of the walnuts and the saltiness of the cheese.

For a healthier twist, consider substituting the olive oil with a Greek yogurt dressing, which adds creaminess without the extra calories. You can also replace the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative if you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free while maintaining that rich, savory flavor.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 large celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the above ingredients in a large bowl before dressing to ensure even distribution.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Thinly slice the celery and chop the walnuts as needed, ensuring you have all the ingredients ready before you start.

Mix the Salad

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

Make the Dressing

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

Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Enjoy this salad as a light meal on its own or as a refreshing side dish.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other ingredients such as apples or cranberries for a sweet twist!

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare this salad in advance, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. Tossing the salad too far ahead can result in the celery becoming limp and losing its delightful crunch. You can slice the celery and chop the walnuts, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours ahead of time.

Another useful tip is to add the shaved Parmesan just before serving. This keeps it from becoming soggy and helps maintain the integrity of your salad. When ready to serve, simply mix the prepared ingredients and dressing, and enjoy the freshness.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover celery salad, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, though be aware that the texture will change slightly. The celery may lose some of its crispness, but the flavors will continue to meld and develop, making it still quite enjoyable.

To refresh leftovers, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice and a few extra walnuts just before serving. This will revitalize the flavors and give the salad that fresh taste again. If the salad appears dry, a splash of olive oil can help bring it back to life.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best eaten fresh. If preparing ahead, mix the dressing separately and combine just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for walnuts?

Pecans or almonds can be great alternatives if you're looking for a different nut flavor.

→ Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, all ingredients are gluten-free.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.