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

Highlighted under: Fresh Nourish Kitchen

I absolutely love whipping up this Celery Salad with Walnuts and Parmesan when I want something fresh, crunchy, and invigorating. The combination of crisp celery, rich walnuts, and salty Parmesan always brings a delightful twist to my dining table. Whether I'm serving it as a starter or a side dish, this salad never fails to impress. Plus, the ease of preparation means I can enjoy it on a whim, making it a staple recipe in my kitchen. You’ll find that it's a brilliant balance of flavors and textures that keeps me coming back for more.

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:58:08.729Z

Creating this Celery Salad With Walnuts and Parmesan was a delightful experiment for me in balancing flavors. The freshness of the celery pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of the walnuts, while the Parmesan adds a lovely umami kick. I remember the first time I added a splash of lemon juice to the mix; it really brightened up the dish and took it to another level.

What makes this recipe special is how versatile it is. I often switch up the nuts depending on what I have on hand, and it still turns out amazing every time! One little tip is to toast the walnuts for added depth of flavor; it’s a game-changer that elevates the salad further!

Why You'll Love This Salad
Crisp celery brings a refreshing crunch
Earthy walnuts add a satisfying texture
Savory Parmesan elevates the flavor profile
Simple preparation makes it perfect for any occasion

The Role of Celery

Celery is the star of this salad, providing both a crisp texture and a refreshing flavor. When selecting celery, look for firm stalks with vibrant green leaves as they tend to be the freshest. Slice the celery at an angle for a more elegant presentation and increased surface area, which helps it absorb the dressing better. This can elevate every bite, making the salad even more enjoyable.

The crunch of fresh celery not only enhances the salad's overall texture but also offers a good source of vitamins and fiber. When paired with the rich, waxy texture of walnuts and the savory notes of Parmesan, the celery helps to create a satisfying contrast, keeping each mouthful interesting and delicious. Be sure to taste the celery before cutting to confirm its ideal freshness.

Perfecting the Dressing

The dressing in this salad is notably simple but incredibly effective. Using fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that complements the earthy walnuts and nutty Parmesan beautifully. I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled, as it enhances the overall freshness of the dish. Give it a taste after mixing, and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences; a pinch more salt can sometimes make a world of difference.

When combining the olive oil with the lemon juice, you can whisk them together until they emulsify slightly, allowing the dressing to cling more effectively to the greens. This technique not only helps to coat the salad but also prevents it from becoming soggy too quickly, allowing you to enjoy leftovers if you have any.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This salad shines as a side dish, but it can easily stand alone as a light lunch. Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas can transform it into a heartier meal, perfect for satisfying those mid-day cravings. If you're looking for a unique twist, consider incorporating diced apples or pears for added sweetness, or substitute the walnuts with toasted pecans for a different nutty flavor.

For meal prep enthusiasts, this salad holds up well for a day in the fridge. If you plan to make it ahead, store the components separately until you're ready to serve. This way, the celery stays crisp, and the dressing’s bright flavors remain intact, offering a perfectly fresh salad when you’re ready to dig in.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make a vibrant Celery Salad:

Salad Ingredients

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

Once your ingredients are ready, you’ll be all set to make this delicious salad!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad:

Combine the Ingredients

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

Dress the Salad

Drizzle in the lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently until the salad is well coated.

Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or chill for 10 minutes for a more refreshing experience.

Finally, enjoy your fresh and hearty salad!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad. It enhances their nuttiness and adds a rich depth to the overall flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to adjust the recipe for dietary preferences, there are numerous substitutions you can make. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, both of which still provide a satisfying crunch. You could also replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese if you are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Celery root (celeriac) can be diced and used to imitate the flavor of celery in this salad while adding a creamy texture. If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can serve as excellent alternatives, albeit with a slightly tangier flavor. Adjust the amount to maintain the balance in your dressing, tasting as you go.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re considering making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate. This will help retain the celery’s crunchy texture, as mixing in the dressing too early could cause it to wilt. Store the mixed salad components in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The dressing can be prepared in advance as well; just shake it well before drizzling it onto the salad to re-emulsify.

When it comes to leftovers, this salad can last in the fridge for about a day. The freshness of the ingredients is what makes it truly shine, so for the best experience, I recommend enjoying it soon after preparation. If you’ve prepped too much, consider recreating it by adding some cooked grains or legumes for a delicious twist the next day.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your salad is too salty after seasoning, adding a touch more lemon juice can cut through the saltiness and balance the flavors. Alternatively, incorporating more celery and walnuts can help absorb the excess salt. Always taste as you go, especially when it comes to seasoning the salad before serving.

In the event that the salad looks wilted after storage, consider refreshing it with a splash of lemon juice and tossing it gently. You can also add in some fresh, raw ingredients like cucumber or additional celery to brighten it up again. This tactic can breathe new life into your salad, making it enjoyable once more.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the celery crunchy.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the celery may become less crunchy.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or even radishes would complement this salad wonderfully.