Name: Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 stalks celery (sliced thin); 0.25 cup raisins; 0.25 cup toasted walnuts; 0.25 cup minced red onion; 3 tablespoons plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or 1 teaspoon white vinegar); 0.5 teaspoon pepper; 0.25 teaspoon salt

Introduction to Creamy Celery Salad

If you're on the lookout for a fresh and easy side dish, look no further than creamy celery salad. This delightful combination brings together the crisp crunch of celery, the sweetness of raisins, and the nuttiness of toasted walnuts, all enveloped in a rich, creamy dressing. Whether you're preparing for a summer picnic, a casual dinner at home, or simply craving a satisfying snack, this salad is both versatile and quick to make.

Why Choose a Creamy Celery Salad?

In a world where meals can often become a bit too heavy, this salad offers a light yet satisfying option. It’s packed with nutrients—celery is a fantastic source of vitamins K and C, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. The sweetness of the raisins adds a delightful contrast, making each bite intriguing. Plus, it takes just 10 minutes to whip up, which is perfect for busy young professionals balancing work and fun.

If you’re interested in exploring more about the health benefits of celery and walnuts, you can check out resources here (Healthline) and here (The Health Benefits of Walnuts). So, why not dive into this creamy celery salad and discover how easily it can elevate your meal game?

Ingredients for Creamy Celery Salad

When you're ready to whip up a delicious creamy celery salad, you'll need a few fresh ingredients that combine to create a crunchy and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Celery: Start with 8 stalks of celery, sliced thin for that perfect crunch. Celery is low in calories and high in water, making it a refreshing base for any salad.
Raisins and Walnuts: Use ¼ cup each of sweet raisins and toasted walnuts. The raisins add a burst of sweetness, while the walnuts contribute a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
Red Onion: A quarter cup of minced red onion brings flavor and a slight tang. If red onion is a bit too sharp for you, consider soaking it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the taste.
Creamy Dressing Essentials: For the dressing, you’ll need 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or 1 teaspoon of white vinegar) to balance the flavors.
Seasoning: Finally, add ½ teaspoon of pepper and ¼ teaspoon of salt to bring everything together.

Now that you know the ingredients, let’s get mixing and create a salad that’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrients (nutrition information here). Enjoy making this delightful dish!

Preparing Creamy Celery Salad

Let’s dive into how to prepare a delightful creamy celery salad that’s not only quick but also bursting with flavor and texture. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in just 10 minutes!

Gather your ingredients

Before you start whipping up this creamy salad, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you need:

8 stalks of celery, sliced thin
¼ cup EACH: raisins, toasted walnuts, and minced red onion
3 tablespoons of plain yogurt
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or substitute with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar)
½ teaspoon of pepper
¼ teaspoon of salt

This mixture of ingredients creates a harmonious balance between crunch, sweetness, and creaminess. If you’re looking for a twist, consider adding some chopped cranberries or grapes for an extra pop of flavor!

Prepare the celery and mix-ins

First things first, take your freshly washed celery stalks and slice them thinly. The thinner the slices, the easier they’ll meld with the creamy dressing and other ingredients. Next, prepare your mix-ins: chop the toasted walnuts, mince the red onion, and measure out your raisins. If you can, opt for the toasted version of walnuts to add that beautiful crunch and rich flavor.

For some health benefits associated with walnuts, you can check out Healthline's guide.

Make the creamy dressing

In a separate bowl, it’s time to combine the creamy dressing. Whisk together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, pepper, and salt. Adjust the seasoning to your taste—if you like a bit more zest, add a touch more vinegar. This dressing is what ties all the ingredients together and gives the salad its rich, creamy texture.

Combine everything in a mixing bowl

Now that all your ingredients are prepared, it’s time for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced celery, raisins, toasted walnuts, minced red onion, and the creamy dressing. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated. It’s surprisingly satisfying to see everything come together, and the blend of colors is just beautiful.

Chill and serve

For the best flavor, let your creamy celery salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you're ready to enjoy, serve it chilled as a side dish, or on a bed of greens for a light lunch. This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or turkey bacon, making for a scrumptious meal.

So, there you have it! A super easy recipe to whip up and enjoy with friends or family. Happy cooking!

Variations on Creamy Celery Salad

If you love the classic creamy celery salad, you're in for a treat! Here are a couple of delightful twists that might just become your new favorites.

Creamy Celery Salad with Apples

Adding chopped apples to your celery salad introduces a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness. Simply toss in about one medium apple, diced, along with the other ingredients. The tartness of the apple pairs beautifully with the creaminess, making for a well-rounded dish.

Creamy Celery Salad with Chicken Ham

Elevate your salad by incorporating diced chicken ham for added protein. This variation results in a more filling meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Just add around one cup of chicken ham, chopped into bite-sized pieces, and mix thoroughly. It’s a great way to turn a side salad into a satisfying main dish.

For more creative ideas, check out this article on innovative salad combinations! Get inspired, and enjoy experimenting!

Cooking notes for Creamy Celery Salad

When preparing your creamy celery salad, a few tips can enhance your dish. First, ensure your celery is crisp and fresh for a delightful crunch. If you like a milder onion flavor, consider soaking the minced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad; this helps mellow its bite.

For a twist, feel free to substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein. And for the dressing, you can mix in some herbs like dill or parsley, adding even more depth to your flavors.

Don't hesitate to experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or almonds, or even add apple slices for a fresh twist. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions for Creamy Celery Salad

The creamy celery salad shines as a versatile dish—perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your salad experience:

As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey bacon for a balanced meal that’s packed with flavor and crunch.
Lunch Salad: Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a light but filling lunch option.
Wrap It Up: Spoon the salad into a whole wheat wrap with some sliced chicken ham for an easy grab-and-go meal.
Picnic Perfection: This salad travels well—bring it along to picnics for a refreshing addition to your outdoor feast.

Don't forget to explore culinary tips on how to make your salads even more vibrant!

Time details for Creamy Celery Salad

Preparation time

Making your creamy celery salad is a breeze! You only need about 10 minutes to pull everything together. This makes it the perfect quick side dish for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Total time

In just 10 minutes, you can enjoy a deliciously vibrant salad that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it alongside a meal or as a standalone snack, this creamy celery salad with walnuts and raisins easily fits into any schedule. For additional tips and recipe ideas, check out This Nutrition for more on healthy salads.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Celery Salad

When you're whipping up a creamy celery salad with walnuts and raisins, it's good to know what you're putting on your plate. Here's a quick breakdown of the nutritional highlights:

Calories

Each serving of this delightful salad contains about 119 calories. It's a satisfying choice that won't weigh you down.

Protein

For those mindful of their protein intake, you'll find approximately 3 grams in each serving. This adds a nice touch, especially when paired with the wholesome ingredients.

Sodium

On the sodium front, the salad has around 272 milligrams per serving. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on sodium, and this recipe strikes a balanced profile.

Remember, enjoying food means also making informed choices. This creamy celery salad doesn't just taste great—it also offers nutritional benefits that fit well into a healthy lifestyle. If you want more details, you might check out the USDA for comprehensive food nutritional data (learn more here).

FAQs about Creamy Celery Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! The creamy celery salad is perfect for prepping in advance. You can mix all the ingredients, store them in an airtight container, and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the celery may lose some of its crunchiness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?

If you’re looking to swap out the mayo, there are several tasty alternatives. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice, as it offers creaminess with added protein. You could also use avocado for a creamy texture or a vegan mayonnaise if you're avoiding eggs. Check out this yogurt-based dressing recipe for additional ideas.

How long can I store the creamy celery salad?

Your creamy celery salad can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, although it’s best consumed within the first couple of days for optimal flavor and texture. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container to maintain freshness!

Conclusion on Creamy Celery Salad

This creamy celery salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it an ideal side dish or light meal. With crunchy celery, sweet raisins, and rich walnuts, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy this quick recipe for a refreshing addition to your table!

For more insights on celery's health benefits, check out this resource on Healthline and elevate your culinary experience. Alternatively, try pairing this salad with grilled chicken recipes to balance the meal further.