When the warm weather rolls in, I find myself gravitating toward bright, vibrant dishes that celebrate the freshness of seasonal ingredients. One such delight that has transformed my summer meals is Ina Garten’s Celery Salad. You wouldn’t think celery could shine so brightly, but this recipe elevates its crispness with bold herbs and a sweet and tangy dressing.
Just the sight of this salad makes my taste buds dance; the vibrant greens beckon you to take a bite. Imagine the satisfying crunch of celery, accentuated by toasted almonds and the unexpected sweetness of golden raisins—perfect for transforming leftover picnic fare or enlivening a simple weeknight dinner.
This isn’t just any salad; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together effortlessly, bringing a refreshing escape from the usual heavy meals. Grab your favorite bowl and let’s dive into this simple yet impressive dish that will have your friends and family asking for seconds!
Why is Ina Garten Celery Salad a Must-Try?
Crispy Texture: Fresh, sliced celery provides a delightful crunch that elevates any meal.
Herb Burst: The mix of flat-leaf parsley, tarragon, and dill creates a fresh, aromatic flavor that dances on your palate.
Sweet Surprise: Golden raisins add a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory elements perfectly.
Healthy Option: With only 200 calories, this salad is a guilt-free addition to any diet!
Quick Prep: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
Versatile Side: Pair it with grilled meats or enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. This Ina Garten Celery Salad will surprise you with its delightful combination of tastes and textures!
Ina Garten Celery Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Celery – 6 stalks thinly sliced on the diagonal, providing that irresistible crispness.
• Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley – 1/2 cup chopped, adding a burst of color and freshness.
• Fresh Tarragon – 1/4 cup chopped, which brings a unique, slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
• Fresh Dill – 1/4 cup chopped, contributing a fragrant herbiness that complements the other ingredients.
• Slivered Almonds – 1/4 cup, toasted for a delightful crunch and nutty richness.
• Golden Raisins – 1/4 cup, bringing a sweet surprise that balances the savory notes perfectly.
For the Dressing
• Olive Oil – 1/4 cup, adding richness and helping to marry the flavors together.
• White Wine Vinegar – 2 tablespoons, providing the tangy zing that brightens the flavors.
• Dijon Mustard – 1 tablespoon, giving the dressing depth and a hint of spiciness.
• Honey – 1 teaspoon, a touch of sweetness to unify the dressing’s flavors.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – to taste, enhancing all the wonderful tastes in this Ina Garten Celery Salad.
How to Make Ina Garten Celery Salad
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Prepare the Celery: Start by washing and trimming 6 stalks of celery. Slice them diagonally into thin pieces to enhance their crisp texture.
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Combine the Herbs: In a large bowl, toss together the sliced celery, 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill. Mix gently to ensure even distribution.
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Add Crunch and Sweetness: Fold in 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup golden raisins into the celery mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate these delightful elements.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon honey. Blend until you have a smooth, cohesive dressing.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the celery mixture and toss everything together gently. Ensure every piece is beautifully coated in this flavorful dressing.
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Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the salad according to your personal preference. Adjust seasoning until the flavors are just right.
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Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This pause lets all those tantalizing flavors meld beautifully before serving.
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Serve it Up: Enjoy this refreshing salad either chilled or at room temperature, making it a fantastic light side dish.
Optional: Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving for added richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ina Garten Celery Salad
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Optimal Celery: Choose fresh, firm stalks for the best crunch. Avoid limp or discolored celery to ensure a vibrant salad.
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Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Dried herbs won’t deliver the same bright flavor and aroma as fresh ingredients.
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Toast the Nuts: Toast the slivered almonds before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet makes all the difference.
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Dressing Balance: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by modifying the honey amount. Taste and tweak to ensure the flavors balance perfectly.
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Resting Time: Allowing the salad to sit for 15 minutes helps meld the flavors. Don’t skip this step; good things take time!
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Serving Suggestions: This Ina Garten Celery Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served on its own for a light meal, making it incredibly versatile!
What to Serve with Ina Garten Celery Salad?
Nothing complements the fresh crunch of this salad quite like delightful accompaniments that enhance your dining experience.
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken pair beautifully with the salad’s fresh herbs, making for a satisfying meal.
- Lemon Herb Quinoa: This light, fluffy side dish mirrors the vibrant flavors of the salad, adding a nutty texture and citrus zing.
- Baked Salmon: Tender, flaky salmon complements the salad perfectly, bringing richness that balances the refreshing crunch of celery.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread offers a satisfying contrast against the crunchy salad, perfect for mopping up any remaining dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Earthy roasted veggies add depth to your plate and subtly enhance the overall flavor profile with warm, comforting notes.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink that uplifts the senses, enhancing the bright flavors of the dish while keeping your palate cleansed.
- Fruit Sorbet: The sweet, icy treat serves as a luscious dessert, echoing the salad’s sweetness while providing a light, refreshing finish.
Ina Garten Celery Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative and adjust this salad to suit your taste; there are so many delightful twists to explore!
- Nut-Free: Substitute slivered almonds with sunflower seeds for a crunchy, nut-free alternative that still brings texture.
- Dairy Boost: Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese to add a creamy, tangy depth to the salad. These cheeses play beautifully with the other fresh ingredients.
- Fruit Addition: Toss in diced apples or pears for a refreshing sweetness that enhances the crunch of the celery. This adds seasonal flair if you’re using fresh fruit!
- Spice Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a zesty heat that livens up every bite. It’s an unexpected burst of flavor!
- Herb Variation: Swap in fresh basil for the tarragon for a totally different aromatic profile that brightens the entire dish. The fragrant basil adds a sunny twist!
- Vegan Dressing: Replace honey with maple syrup for a completely vegan-friendly dressing that retains the sweetness everyone will love. It’s a simple yet effective swap!
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate some lemon or lime juice into the dressing for extra brightness, enhancing the salad’s fresh flavor even further. A hint of citrus can make a world of difference!
- Crunchy Texture: Mix in some crispy chickpeas or roasted quinoa for added texture and protein, turning this salad into a satisfying main dish. This twist is both nutritious and filling!
How to Store and Freeze Ina Garten Celery Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover celery salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the celery will lose its crisp texture. Enjoy fresh for best results!
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; no reheating is necessary.
Freshness Tip: For optimal flavor, add the dressing just before serving. This keeps your salad crisp and vibrant!
Make Ahead Options
These Ina Garten Celery Salad components are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dressing (olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey) up to 3 days in advance, refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, wash, trim, and slice the celery up to 24 hours ahead, keeping it stored in a sealed bag with a damp paper towel to prevent wilting. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped celery with the herbs, almonds, and raisins, then drizzle with the prepared dressing. This way, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful salad ready in a flash, making your meal prep hassle-free!
Ina Garten Celery Salad Recipe FAQs
What type of celery should I use for this salad?
Absolutely! Choose fresh, firm stalks of celery that are bright green and crisp. Avoid any that have dark spots, wilting, or a limp texture, as these will not provide the desired crunch and flavor.
How long can I store leftover celery salad?
Very! You can store leftover Ina Garten Celery Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it sealed tight to maintain its freshness.
Can I freeze this salad?
It’s not advisable to freeze celery salad, as the celery will lose its delightful crunch once thawed. Enjoy it fresh instead for the best taste and texture!
What can I do if I find my celery salad too soggy?
If you find your salad has become overly soggy, you can try adding a bit more fresh celery to absorb some of the moisture and boost the crunch. Adding more toasted slivered almonds is also a great way to enhance the texture. It’s always a good idea to hold off on adding the dressing until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Is this salad suitable for those with nut allergies?
If you or someone you’re serving has nut allergies, you can easily omit the slivered almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch, without the risk of allergens.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare most of the salad ingredients ahead of time, such as washing and slicing the celery and chopping the herbs. Store them separately in the fridge, and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. For the best flavor experience, I recommend assembling it no more than a few hours in advance.
Ina Garten Celery Salad: A Refreshing Twist You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing and trimming 6 stalks of celery. Slice them diagonally into thin pieces to enhance their crisp texture.
- In a large bowl, toss together the sliced celery, 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill. Mix gently to ensure even distribution.
- Fold in 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup golden raisins into the celery mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate these delightful elements.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon honey. Blend until you have a smooth, cohesive dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the celery mixture and toss everything together gently. Ensure every piece is beautifully coated in this flavorful dressing.
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the salad according to your personal preference. Adjust seasoning until the flavors are just right.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This pause lets all those tantalizing flavors meld beautifully before serving.
- Enjoy this refreshing salad either chilled or at room temperature.