There’s nothing quite like the crunch of fresh celery to awaken your taste buds, and Ina Garten’s Celery Salad brings that invigorating crispness to your table. This easy-to-make recipe is your new go-to for light summer lunches or elegant side dishes that are sure to impress. I stumbled upon this delightful combination while rummaging through my fridge, and the vibrant herbs mixed with the sweetness of golden raisins had me hooked from the first bite.
With just 15 minutes of prep and zero cooking required, it’s a perfect solution for those busy days when you crave something fresh but don’t have the time to slave in the kitchen. As the tangy honey-Dijon dressing coats each element in this salad, you’ll find that even the simplest ingredients can create a dish bursting with flavor. So why not elevate your meals with this refreshing Celery Salad? Your taste buds will thank you!
Why is Ina Garten Celery Salad a Must-Try?
Crisp Texture: Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch, thanks to the fresh celery.
Herbaceous Flavor: The vibrant mix of parsley, tarragon, and dill transforms the salad into a flavor-packed delight.
Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep, this no-cook recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or light lunch, it pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp or can be served alongside a refreshing gazpacho.
Healthy Choice: Approximately 200 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Impressive Presentation: The colorful ingredients make for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress at gatherings.
Ina Garten Celery Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Celery – This crunchy vegetable is the star of the salad; wash and slice on the diagonal for maximum texture.
• Flat-Leaf Parsley – Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor; choose fresh for the best taste, but dried can substitute at one-third the amount.
• Tarragon – Brings a unique anise-like flavor that elevates the salad; fresh leaves are recommended.
• Dill – Provides a fragrant contrast that pairs beautifully with the other herbs.
• Toasted Slivered Almonds – Offers a delightful nutty crunch; feel free to swap with walnuts or pecans for a different twist.
• Golden Raisins – Add a hint of sweetness; you can opt for dried cranberries for a touch of tartness.
For the Dressing
• Olive Oil – Serves as the base for the dressing, enhancing flavor and emulsifying with vinegar.
• White Wine Vinegar – Imparts tanginess that balances the sweetness of the raisins.
• Dijon Mustard – Thickens the dressing while providing a flavorful punch.
• Honey – Sweetens the dressing and balances acidity; adjust according to your preference.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the Ina Garten Celery Salad.
Note: These simple ingredients come together to create a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Make Ina Garten Celery Salad
- Prepare Celery: Start by washing and trimming your celery stalks. Slice them on the diagonal into thin pieces to maximize that delightful crunch.
- Combine Celery and Herbs: In a large bowl, gently mix the freshly sliced celery with chopped flat-leaf parsley, tarragon, and dill. This combination will infuse the salad with fragrant herbaceousness.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Fold in the toasted slivered almonds and golden raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salad for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth. This dressing will tie all the components together beautifully.
- Dress Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the celery mixture and toss everything together until well-coated. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Season: Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your liking for the perfect finish.
- Rest: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This resting period helps meld the flavors together for a more harmonious taste.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, you can garnish with more fresh herbs before presenting it at the table.
Optional: Garnish with extra almonds for a delightful crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Ina Garten Celery Salad?
Elevate your meal with delightful pairings that will complement the fresh flavors of this refreshing salad.
- Grilled Shrimp: The smoky, tender shrimp adds protein and enhances the overall meal without overpowering the salad’s delicate taste.
- Gazpacho: This chilled tomato soup offers a lovely contrast in temperature, with bright flavors that harmonize beautifully with the celery salad.
- Herbed Flatbreads: Soft, warm flatbreads provide a wonderful texture and are perfect for scooping up the vibrant salad, creating a delightful dining experience.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Light and nutritious, this pilaf adds a wholesome touch. Its nutty flavor complements the salad, creating a satisfying meal.
- Light Chardonnay: This crisp white wine brings out the salad’s herbaceous notes while balancing the sweetness of the raisins.
- Fresh Berry Tart: A refreshing dessert like a berry tart rounds out the meal with a burst of sweetness, echoing the salad’s golden raisins.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These vibrant peppers filled with rice and veggies provide an enjoyable hearty element, making your plate colorful and enticing.
- Roasted Chicken: A subtly seasoned roasted chicken offers a satisfying, juicy contrast to the crunchy salad without competing for attention.
- Cucumber Mint Water: Stay refreshed with this light, hydrating drink. The coolness matches the salad’s flavors and invites a summery vibe.
- Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy, herbed couscous sells its subtle flavors that complement the salad’s earthy herbs, creating a well-rounded meal.
How to Store and Freeze Ina Garten Celery Salad
Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the celery may soften slightly, the flavors will still be delicious.
Room Temperature: If served immediately, the salad can be left out for about 1 hour at room temperature. After that, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and mix them just before serving for optimal freshness. Prepping the dressing in advance is also a great time-saver!
Freezing: Avoid freezing the Инa Garten Celery Salad, as freezing can compromise the crisp texture of celery and herbs, which are essential for this fresh salad.
Ina Garten Celery Salad Variations
Feel free to make this delightful salad your own with these fun and creative variations!
- Nut-Free: Omit the almonds completely for a nut-free option. Add extra celery to maintain crunch and bulk.
- Fruit Twist: Incorporate thinly sliced apples or pears for a fresh burst of sweetness and an enticing medley of textures.
- Extra Tang: Add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing for an additional layer of zesty brightness that pairs beautifully with the herbs.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that will surprise your taste buds in every bite.
- Vegan Option: Replace honey with maple syrup for a perfectly sweet vegan dressing that still hits all the right notes.
- Asian Flair: Swap the olive oil for sesame oil and add a hint of soy sauce for an intriguing Asian-inspired twist on the dressing.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Crumble some feta cheese or goat cheese on top before serving for a creamy, tangy element that enhances the salad’s flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: Try swapping tarragon for basil or cilantro to change the flavor profile completely, giving your salad a fresh identity.
Expert Tips for Ina Garten Celery Salad
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving—this step enhances the meld of flavors and elevates your Ina Garten Celery Salad.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs for maximum flavor. If you must use dried herbs, remember to use only one-third of the amount as it can overpower the dish.
- Proper Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but avoid overpacking to keep the celery crisp and the flavors vibrant.
- No Freezing: Do not freeze this salad; freezing compromises the freshness and crisp texture of celery and herbs, which are essential to this delightful dish.
- Customizable Crunch: Feel free to experiment with different nuts! Swap almonds for walnuts or pecans to personalize your Ina Garten Celery Salad and add a unique twist.
Ina Garten’s Celery Salad Recipe FAQs
What type of celery should I use for the salad?
Absolutely, freshness is key here! Look for firm, crisp stalks of celery that are bright green with no dark spots. The leaves should be vibrant, indicating freshness. If you see any signs of wilting or browning, it’s best to pick another bunch.
How should I store leftover celery salad?
To maintain its delightful texture and flavor, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that while the celery may soften slightly, the overall flavors will still be delicious and refreshing.
Can I freeze Ina Garten’s Celery Salad?
No, I wouldn’t recommend freezing it! Freezing celery salad compromises the crisp texture of the celery and herbs, which are what make this dish so vibrant and refreshing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
What should I do if the salad gets too salty?
If you find the salad a bit too salty for your taste, add a touch of sweetness to balance it out. Try incorporating a tad more honey or even a sprinkle of more golden raisins. You could also add more chopped celery or parsley to help dilute the saltiness. Mix well and taste again until you get it just right!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Great question! Ina Garten’s Celery Salad is naturally gluten-free and it can easily cater to different dietary needs. If you or your guests have nut allergies, just omit the almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch without the risk. Always be sure to check labels if you’re using packaged items for any dietary restrictions.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead of time is a fantastic idea! You can prepare the chopped vegetables and even mix the dressing the day before. Just keep everything in separate airtight containers. Toss everything together right before serving—it makes for a beautifully fresh and crisp salad!
Irresistibly Fresh: Ina Garten's Celery Salad You'll Love
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 stalks Celery washed and sliced on the diagonal
- 1/2 cup Flat-Leaf Parsley fresh, chopped
- 1/4 cup Tarragon fresh leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup Dill fresh, chopped
- 1/3 cup Toasted Slivered Almonds or walnuts/pecans
- 1/3 cup Golden Raisins or dried cranberries
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 teaspoons Honey adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Wash and trim the celery stalks. Slice them on the diagonal into thin pieces.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the sliced celery with chopped parsley, tarragon, and dill.
- Fold in toasted almonds and golden raisins, ensuring even distribution.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 15 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs.
Notes
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