Celery Salad With Lemon And Olive Oil

Name: Celery Salad With Lemon And Olive Oil
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, sliced; 1 lemon, juiced; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: A handful of olives, pitted and sliced

Highlighted under: Balanced Living Kitchen

I absolutely love making this Celery Salad with Lemon and Olive Oil. The crispness of the celery combined with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon makes for a refreshing dish that never fails to impress. Whether I'm serving it as a side at dinner or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad always feels like a celebration of fresh ingredients. The simplicity comes together beautifully with just a few high-quality ingredients, and I find it so rewarding to create something so vibrant and delicious in just minutes.

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:16:07.311Z

When I first discovered this Celery Salad, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could create such a flavorful dish. The lemon juice not only adds a tangy brightness but also enhances the natural flavor of the celery, making it a true hero in this salad. I love experimenting with different types of olives too, each bringing its unique taste, which keeps the dish exciting every time I make it.

I've learned that fresh, crunchy celery is essential for this salad to shine. I've even tried adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill, which elevates it further. This simple salad has become a staple in my kitchen, and I know it will become a favorite for you too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp celery with a satisfying crunch
Bright, zesty flavor that refreshes the palate
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days

Understanding Celery's Role

Celery is the star of this salad, boasting a unique combination of crunch and subtle earthiness. When selecting celery, look for stalks that are firm and have vibrant green leaves. This indicates freshness and ensures maximum flavor. The quality of celery can greatly impact your salad—older stalks may become limp and lose their crisp texture. If you have leftovers, wrap them in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator to maintain that crunch.

The natural flavors of celery work beautifully with the lemon and olive oil dressing, creating a light and invigorating taste. Celery also contains high water content, which helps to keep the salad refreshing. You can experiment with different types of celery, such as red or Chinese celery, which can offer slightly different flavors and textures, adding a unique twist to your dish.

Dressing Techniques

Creating the perfect dressing is crucial for this salad. When whisking the lemon juice and olive oil, aim for an emulsified texture—this should look slightly thicker and glossy. If your dressing separates, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a drop of honey to help bind the ingredients together. This adds depth to the flavor profile while ensuring an even coating over the celery.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or shallots to the dressing. These aromatics can bring out the zestiness of the lemon and complement the olive oil's richness. Letting the dressing sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together, providing a more harmonious taste when poured over the salad.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, sliced
1 lemon, juiced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: A handful of olives, pitted and sliced

Instructions

Prepare the celery

Rinse the celery stalks under cold water and pat them dry. Slice each stalk into thin rounds and place them in a bowl.

Make the dressing

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

Combine and serve

Pour the dressing over the sliced celery and toss gently to coat. If using, add the sliced olives and toss again. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

For a variation, try adding chopped apples or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This celery salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, making it a fantastic side dish for barbecues or summer gatherings. The crispness of the celery cuts through richer flavors, enhancing your overall dining experience. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken or fish for a refreshing contrast.

If you're looking for a light lunch, consider adding protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or shredded chicken to the salad. This not only makes the dish more filling but also balances textures and flavors, making it a complete meal.

Make-Ahead and Storing Tips

Though best enjoyed fresh, this celery salad can be made ahead of time. When preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This prevents the celery from becoming soggy and preserves its crunch. You can store the salad components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days.

If you have any leftover salad, it's easy to refresh it. Just add a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil before serving to revive the flavors. However, avoid freezing the salad, as celery's texture deteriorates once frozen.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It's best to enjoy this salad fresh due to the crispy texture of the celery. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and mix them just before serving.

→ What can I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or can be served as part of a larger spread with other salads and appetizers.

→ Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally vegan, and you can enjoy it without any modifications.

→ What type of olives should I use?

Any type of olives will work well, but I recommend Kalamata or green olives for their flavor. Feel free to experiment!