Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing

Name: Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium celery stalks, chopped; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Smart Healthy Choices

I love making Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing for a refreshing, crunchy side dish that pairs wonderfully with nearly any meal. The bright lemon dressing adds a zesty flavor that elevates the crispness of the celery, making it not just healthy but also incredibly tasty. When I serve this salad, I always get compliments on the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s simple to whip up and a great way to use fresh celery, which I often find in abundance when it’s in season.

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-10T21:59:35.952Z

When I first experimented with this salad, I was amazed at how a simple dressing could transform crunchy celery into something spectacular. The combination of freshly squeezed lemon juice with olive oil creates a bright and vibrant dressing that’s perfect for highlighting the natural flavors of the vegetables. I also love adding a pinch of salt to enhance the taste further—it's amazing how little tweaks can make big differences!

Over time, I learned that letting the salad sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This makes it even more refreshing. I often add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, to elevate the taste. Celery Salad With Lemon Dressing is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into our diet.

Why You'll Love This Salad
Crisp and refreshing texture that's perfect for hot days
Zesty lemon dressing that elevates the flavors
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients

Choosing the Right Celery

When making Celery Salad, the quality of your celery is key to achieving the desired crunch and freshness. Opt for stalks that are firm, crisp, and have vibrant green leaves. Avoid any with yellowing or wilting, as these indicate age and loss of flavor. If you're looking to purchase celery, choose organic options when possible—they tend to be fresher and more flavorful.

If you find yourself with larger celery stalks, you can easily slice them into thinner strips or even use a peeler to create ribbons for a more visually appealing presentation. This not only enhances the texture but can also add an interesting twist to the salad.

Elevating the Dressing

The lemon dressing is what really brings this salad to life. To maximize the brightness of the lemon juice, consider using fresh lemon over bottled options. Freshly squeezed juice provides a vibrant acidity that balances perfectly with the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Additionally, taste the dressing after mixing; you can adjust the salt and pepper to your personal preference, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

For a unique variation, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing. This will bring an extra layer of complexity and help emulsify the oil and lemon juice, giving the dressing a creamy texture without the use of any dairy.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This Celery Salad can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal preps or picnics. If you're planning to enjoy it later, prepare the salad and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the celery crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy. Store the salad in the refrigerator for up to two days; however, I recommend consuming it within a day for freshness.

For a twist on the classic dressing, incorporate different herbs or even a hint of honey for sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can complement the salad beautifully, adding more flavor and color. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a refreshing summer buffet.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 medium celery stalks, chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup bell pepper, diced

For the Dressing

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper. Toss gently to mix.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until all vegetables are evenly coated. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips

For added crunch, consider including some chopped nuts or seeds. You can also make this salad a day ahead
just store the dressing separately until you're ready to serve.

Making It Your Own

Don't hesitate to customize the ingredients in this salad to suit your tastes. For instance, if you love crunch, consider adding ingredients like radishes or sliced cucumber. These vegetables not only add more textual variety but also enhance the visual appeal with their bright colors.

You can also swap out the bell pepper for a sweeter option, such as corn or diced avocado. These substitutions can provide different flavor profiles and textures while still keeping the salad balanced and refreshing.

Nutritional Benefits

Celery is a low-calorie vegetable packed with water and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a weight-conscious diet. The addition of cherry tomatoes boosts the salad's nutritional value, offering vitamins like C and K, which are essential for overall health. Pairing these veggies with a healthy fat like olive oil helps to absorb these fat-soluble vitamins, enhancing their benefits.

The lemon in the dressing not only contributes flavor but is also rich in vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant supports immune health and adds zest to your dish, complementing the earthiness of the vegetables perfectly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like cucumber, carrots, or radishes for additional flavor and texture.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.

→ How long can I store leftover salad?

Leftover salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it's best consumed fresh.

→ Can I use a different dressing?

Yes! A vinegar-based dressing or a yogurt dressing would also work well with this salad.