Celery Crunch Salad With Yogurt

Name: Celery Crunch Salad With Yogurt
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups celery, chopped; 1 cup cucumbers, diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill

Highlighted under: Light Living Kitchen

I absolutely love making my Celery Crunch Salad with Yogurt, especially during the warmer months. The crisp and refreshing flavors of celery combined with the creamy yogurt dressing create a delightful contrast that never fails to impress. I often prepare this salad for barbecues or family gatherings, as it's simple to whip up and can be enjoyed by everyone. Plus, the added crunch of nuts and seeds elevates the dish to a whole new level of texture and flavor that I just can’t get enough of!

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-16T01:25:36.626Z

When I first tried a celery salad, I was skeptical about the flavors, but the crispiness of the celery and the creaminess of the yogurt were a game-changer for me. It quickly became one of my go-to dishes, especially when I needed something light yet filling. I discovered that using fresh herbs like dill and parsley gives the salad an amazing fragrance that enhances every bite!

One tip I learned is to let the salad sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it finger-licking good. Plus, the yogurt dressing coats the crunchy vegetables so perfectly that it makes for a visually appealing dish on the table, adding to its charm!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crisp and refreshing blend of flavors
Creamy yogurt dressing that ties it all together
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy days

Celery: The Star Ingredient

Celery is not just a crunchy addition; it's the backbone of this salad, offering a refreshing bite that balances the creaminess of the yogurt dressing. When selecting celery, look for firm stalks with vibrant green leaves, as this indicates freshness. The freshness translates into a sweeter taste and a satisfying crunch, making it the ideal choice for salads. If the celery is too woody, trim away the tougher outer layers and chop the tender inner stalks for a perfect texture.

For those who wish to experiment, celery root can serve as an interesting alternative. Simply peel and chop the root into matchsticks. It has a similar crunch but offers an earthier flavor. This would lend a unique twist to the overall taste profile while maintaining the freshness that makes the salad enjoyable.

Mastering the Yogurt Dressing

The yogurt dressing is what truly elevates the salad. To achieve the perfect consistency, make sure to whisk it until completely smooth; this usually takes about 30 seconds. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute half of the yogurt with buttermilk. This will not only thin it out but also add a tangy kick that complements the vegetables beautifully.

Additionally, consider infusing the dressing with herbs beyond dill. Fresh mint or basil can add a vibrant flavor that enhances the salad's overall profile. When mixing, taste continuously to ensure it meets your preference for tang and sweetness, especially after incorporating the honey. Remember, the goal is a dressing that enhances without overpowering.

Ingredients

Gather the following fresh ingredients for your Celery Crunch Salad with Yogurt.

Salad Ingredients

4 cups celery, chopped
1 cup cucumbers, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Yogurt Dressing

1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried dill

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, cucumbers, red bell pepper, and red onion. Toss them together to mix.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and dried dill until smooth.

Combine Salad and Dressing

Pour the yogurt dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Add Nuts and Serve

Gently fold in the walnuts and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes.

Enjoy your refreshing Celery Crunch Salad with Yogurt!

Pro Tips

For added protein, you can include cooked chicken or chickpeas. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats as a side dish!

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish or a light main course. To amp up the protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. If you opt for chickpeas, use canned ones for convenience; simply rinse and drain before mixing them in. For an appealing presentation, serve the salad in individual bowls topped with additional walnuts and a sprinkle of parsley.

Chilling the salad for about 10-15 minutes in the fridge before serving can enhance the flavors as they meld together. It’s also a great way to serve it cold during warm weather. If you anticipate leftovers, keep the yogurt dressing separate until you're ready to enjoy the salad again, preventing the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re planning to make this salad ahead of time for a gathering, prepare the vegetables and nuts, but hold off mixing in the dressing until just before serving. This ensures the crunch remains intact and the vegetables stay crisp. The prepared salad can last in the fridge for about 2 days, but be mindful of the freshness of the cucumbers and celery, as they tend to lose their texture over time.

For freezing, while it's not ideal due to the yogurt dressing separating and vegetables becoming mushy, you could freeze the finely chopped vegetables (without salt or dressing) for up to a month. When ready to use, simply thaw and add fresh ingredients and yogurt dressing to recreate the original salad essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt or any plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.

→ How long can I store this salad in the fridge?

It’s best consumed within 1-2 days, but the flavors improve if you let it sit for a bit before eating.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to experiment with other crunchy vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added flavor.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it to maintain the salad’s crunch.