This Creamy Celery Salad is an incredibly refreshing, crisp, and nostalgic side dish that brings a bright burst of crunch to any meal. By tossing sliced, tenderized celery stalks in a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy mayonnaise dressing, you create a simple yet deeply satisfying salad. It serves as a fantastic alternative to classic coleslaw, making it a reliable staple for summer picnics, barbecues, or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Chopped celery (about 6 / to 7 / medium stalks, sliced 1/4 / inch thick) |
4 / cups |
| Mayonnaise (Substitute: plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option) |
1/2 / cup |
| Granulated sugar (Substitute: honey or maple syrup) |
2 / tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar (Substitute: fresh lemon juice) |
1 / tablespoon |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper |
to taste |
| Yellow onion, red onion, or fresh parsley (finely chopped) |
2 / tablespoons (optional) |
Step-by-Step Directions:
Phase 1: Prepping the Vegetables & Dressing
1.Prep the Celery: 10 min.
Wash the celery stalks thoroughly under cool running water. Trim away the base and any leafy tops (you can save clean leaves to use as a garnish later). If the outer stalks feel particularly fibrous, use a vegetable peeler to gently shave off the tough surface strings. Slice the stalks into uniform 1/4-inch thick crescent pieces.
2.Whisk the Dressing: 5 min.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Whisk vigorously until the sugar dissolves and the dressing becomes completely smooth and creamy. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust if you prefer a bit more tang or sweetness.
Phase 2: Combining and Chilling
1.Toss Together: 2 min.
Dump your 4 cups of chopped celery (along with the 2 tablespoons of optional minced onion or fresh parsley, if using) directly into the bowl with the creamy dressing. Use a large spoon or flexible spatula to fold the ingredients together until every slice of celery is evenly coated.
2.Chill to Develop Flavor: 30 minutes to overnight.
Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into an airtight storage container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can marry and the celery gets ice-cold. For the absolute best flavor depth, let it chill for 2 to 4 hours before serving.
3.Final Stir and Serve: 2 min.
Right before serving, remove the salad from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom. Do a quick final taste check, adding an extra crack of black pepper or a tiny pinch of salt if desired. Serve cold!
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