Creamy Celery Salad With Parmesan

Name: Creamy Celery Salad With Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups celery, chopped; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy Table Creations

I absolutely love how refreshing this Creamy Celery Salad With Parmesan is! The crunchy texture of the celery paired with the creamy dressing makes it a delightful side dish or light lunch. I’m always on the lookout for easy yet satisfying recipes, and this one checks all the boxes. It’s quick to prepare and bursts with flavor, especially with the addition of equal parts tangy and savory parmesan. I can’t wait for you to try it out and brighten up your meal table with this vibrant salad!

Created by

Adeline Morris

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:25:12.257Z

When I first decided to make this creamy celery salad, I was looking to bring a refreshing twist to our dinner table. I was amazed by how the simple ingredients came together to create a salad that feels both light and indulgent at the same time. The creamy dressing serves as a beautiful contrast to the crunchy celery stalks, and it’s so easy to whip up!

I also discovered that letting the salad sit for a few minutes before serving really enhances the flavors. The dressing seeps into the celery, making every bite incredibly delicious. Plus, adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives it that extra touch of richness that transforms this salad into something truly special!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crisp celery providing a refreshing crunch
Creamy dressing with a hint of tanginess
Adds a delightful twist to any meal
Quick and easy preparation for busy days

The Role of Celery

Celery is the star ingredient in this salad, providing an unmistakable crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. When selecting celery, look for stalks that are firm, with crisp, vibrant green leaves. This ensures optimal freshness and flavor. Celery not only brings texture to the dish but also adds a subtle earthiness that balances the tanginess of the dressing, making each bite exciting.

To enhance the celery's flavor, consider soaking the chopped stalks in cold water for about 30 minutes before using them in the salad. This step can help revitalize the celery, making it even crisper. A little trick I've learned is to slice the celery diagonally to create more surface area, which allows the dressing to cling better, ensuring a saucy bite.

Perfecting the Dressing

The dressing for this Creamy Celery Salad is a harmonious blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, which combines richness and tang. The Greek yogurt not only lightens the dressing but also adds a probiotic kick, making it a healthier choice. If you're looking to reduce calories further, you can replace half of the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt, still achieving a creamy texture while decreasing fat content.

It's essential to mix the dressing until completely smooth, ensuring no lumps of mayonnaise remain. If you're short on time, use a hand mixer or an immersion blender to achieve that perfect, glossy consistency in a matter of seconds. Additionally, a splash of apple cider vinegar can be added for an extra layer of tang that complements the flavors wonderfully.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This salad is incredibly versatile and can serve as a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or fish, adding a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. Serve it chilled, and for an impressive presentation, consider plating it in a shallow bowl, garnished with additional Parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper.

For a twist, feel free to incorporate other ingredients like chopped apples for a touch of sweetness or toasted walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats. The addition of fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also elevate the flavors, making this salad adaptable for any palate. If you're preparing it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge; it can hold up well for 1-2 days without losing its texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make an incredibly tasty Creamy Celery Salad:

Salad Ingredients

4 cups celery, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all these ingredients in a bowl, and you're on your way to a delicious salad!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Creamy Celery Salad:

Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped celery to the dressing and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and give it a final gentle toss. Serve immediately or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

Enjoy this delightful salad with your favorite entrée or as a refreshing snack!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try tossing in some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley. They complement the salad beautifully and add a lovely fragrance.

Storage Tips

This Creamy Celery Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for about 24 to 48 hours without losing its crunchiness. Keep in mind that the celery may soften slightly over time but will still maintain its flavor.

If you're preparing this salad for a gathering, consider making the dressing in advance and storing it separately. You can chop the celery a few hours ahead of serving, refrigerating it in a sealed bag with a damp paper towel to retain its crispness. Combine them just before serving for the freshest experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan mayonnaise along with your favorite dairy-free yogurt alternative. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for Parmesan cheese, providing that savory flavor without the dairy. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some substitutes may vary in saltiness.

Additionally, if celery is not available, thinly sliced jicama or cucumber could work well as substitutes, offering a similar crunchy texture. Just be mindful that these alternatives will bring different flavors. Adjust the lemon juice and seasoning to suit the new ingredients; every tweak can lead to a delightful twist on the original recipe.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is simple, making it perfect for any occasion. For a smaller gathering, halve the quantities, preserving the same ratios. If you're looking to serve a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients, and you shouldn’t have to worry about changing cooking times as this salad is assembled rather than cooked.

For larger servings, consider presenting the salad in a festive bowl with a large serving spoon, which encourages guests to help themselves. This method not only makes serving easier but also adds a casual and inviting feel to your dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

You can use a light vinaigrette or a dairy-free mayo if you're looking for a healthier or vegan alternative.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it is best eaten fresh.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in sliced radishes, bell peppers, or even diced apples for an extra crunch and flavor.