Celery Salad With Olive Oil

Name: Celery Salad With Olive Oil
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh celery, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Healthy Meals Ideas

I absolutely adore this Celery Salad with Olive Oil! It’s fresh, crunchy, and incredibly easy to put together. The combination of vibrant celery with smooth, rich olive oil creates a delightful balance that makes this dish perfect as a side or a light meal. I always find myself reaching for a second helping, especially during the warmer months, when the crispness of the celery truly shines. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies without overcomplicating things in the kitchen.

Created by

Megan Scott

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:25:36.347Z

When I first made this Celery Salad with Olive Oil, I was amazed at how simply dressing fresh ingredients could elevate the dish. The method allows the crispness of the celery to really stand out, while the olive oil adds a luscious texture that beautifully complements the crunch. I love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for a busy day.

One thing I’ve learned is to always use high-quality olive oil—it really makes all the difference in flavor. I also enjoy experimenting with additional herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up. Trust me, this salad is a keeper!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crisp and refreshing texture with every bite
Rich, fruity flavor from high-quality olive oil
Quick to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute side dish

The Role of Celery

Celery is the star of this salad, bringing not only its distinctive crunch but also a refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the silky olive oil. Choose firm, crisp stalks for the best results; the fresher the celery, the better the salad will taste. When you're at the store or farmer’s market, look for vibrant green stalks without blemishes, as these indicate peak freshness. The water content in celery also helps keep the salad light and refreshing, especially on hot days.

For added complexity, consider using a mix of celery varieties, such as golden or red celery, which can introduce subtle flavor differences and vary the salad’s visual appeal. The natural saltiness in celery can enhance the overall flavor profile, so seasoning should be balanced to accentuate this rather than overpower it.

Choosing Your Olive Oil

The olive oil you select plays a pivotal role in the flavor of this salad. High-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate the dish significantly, lending fruity, grassy notes that complement the crisp celery. Aim for an oil that has a bright, peppery finish; this will provide a delightful contrast to the mellow notes of the celery. Ideally, use oil stored in dark glass bottles for optimal freshness, and check for a harvest or pressing date to ensure you're using the freshest product possible.

If you're looking for alternatives, avocado oil is a fantastic substitute that has a similar richness but with a slightly buttery taste. For those who may want a lower-fat or oil-free version, consider using a light broth or even a tangy yogurt dressing to achieve a different yet delicious experience.

Serving and Storing Tips

This salad is best served freshly tossed since the celery retains its crunch and vibrancy. However, if you want to prepare it in advance, you can chop the celery and mix the olive oil and lemon juice in a separate container. Just combine them right before serving to prevent the celery from wilting. This makes it an ideal side dish for gatherings, as you can do the prep a few hours ahead of time and store the ingredients separately in the fridge.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days. However, keep in mind that the longer it sits, the less crunchy the celery will become. To revitalize the salad before serving leftovers, consider adding a splash more of olive oil and lemon juice, giving it a refreshing boost and restoring some moisture.

Ingredients

Celery Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh celery, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions

How to Make Celery Salad

Prepare the Celery

Wash and chop the celery into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl.

Add Olive Oil and Seasoning

Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the celery. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Mix and Serve

Toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or dill if desired.

Enjoy Your Salad!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding sliced almonds or walnuts for a crunchy twist. You can also mix in some chopped tomatoes for color and sweetness.

Variations to Enhance Flavor

Feel free to add an extra crunch by introducing other ingredients like sliced nuts or seeds, which will complement the celery with their texture. Sunflower seeds or slivered almonds can be tossed in just before serving for added nutrition and a delightful contrast to the soft richness of the olive oil. You could also consider adding diced apples or grapes for a sweet and savory twist, which pairs especially well with the salad's existing flavors.

For those who enjoy a hint of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes or slices of jalapeño can be added for kick. The fresh flavors of herbs like cilantro or basil also work beautifully here; just be sure to chop them finely to integrate fully into the salad.

Nutritional Benefits

Celery is an excellent source of vitamins K and C and provides a good amount of dietary fiber. This makes it not just a refreshing addition to meals, but also a healthful one. The olive oil introduces healthy fats that promote heart health, and its anti-inflammatory properties add to the health benefits of the dish. With its low-calorie count, this salad makes for a nutritious option that won’t weigh you down, making it great for light lunches or as a side at dinner.

Since this salad is both gluten-free and vegan, it serves as a versatile choice for various dietary preferences. Those looking to cut back on carbs or simply eat more vegetables can feel good about enjoying a generous serving without guilt, making it a perfect choice for clean eating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your celery is too tough or stringy, this may be indicative of older, less fresh produce. When choosing celery, look for firm, crisp stalks without browning or limpness. If you accidentally season too much, a splash of vinegar or additional lemon juice can help cut through the over-salting without overpowering the salad. Balance is key, so taste along the way to perfect the flavor.

Should you anticipate a gathering where you need to scale the recipe up, simply double or triple the quantities accordingly and ensure you have a large enough bowl for mixing. When scaling up, consider that you may need to adjust the seasoning; remember to add salt and pepper gradually and taste as you go, as larger batches can require different amounts to achieve the same flavor balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the celery and olive oil mixture ahead of time and toss it just before serving.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

You can add ingredients like carrots, cucumbers, or even apples for a touch of sweetness and additional crunch.

→ Is this salad low in calories?

Yes, this salad is light and generally low in calories, making it a healthy option for any meal.

→ Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, while olive oil is recommended for its flavor, you can also use avocado oil or any other oil you prefer.