Creamy Celery Salad With Parmesan

Name: Creamy Celery Salad With Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups celery, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light Healthy Meals Ideas

I absolutely love making this Creamy Celery Salad With Parmesan! It's a delightful combination of crisp celery, rich creaminess, and savory Parmesan cheese that always brightens my day. This salad comes together quickly, making it perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner. I've experimented with different dressings, but the classic combination really enhances the flavors and textures of the fresh ingredients. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat with this refreshing salad!

Created by

Sophie Adams

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:21:34.112Z

Creating this Creamy Celery Salad was a delightful experience! I was looking for a salad that wasn't too heavy but was still packed with flavor. The combination of fresh celery and Parmesan really shines, offering a crunchy texture alongside that creamy dressing. To help the flavors meld, I let it chill for about 30 minutes before serving, which made a huge difference in taste.

What I truly love about this recipe is how versatile it can be! I sometimes add a touch of lemon juice or even toasted nuts for extra crunch. It's appealing not just for its taste but also for its simplicity—often, the best salads are those that celebrate their ingredients!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and refreshing flavor that awakens the palate
Creamy consistency that's indulgent yet light
Easily customizable with additional toppings or ingredients

Perfecting the Creamy Dressing

The dressing is a standout component of this salad, combining mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to create a luxurious creaminess. Mayonnaise provides richness while the Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor that lifts the entire dish. Make sure to mix these ingredients well until you achieve a smooth and glossy consistency. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the mayonnaise for a yogurt-based dressing, but be cautious as it might alter the creaminess you're aiming for.

Incorporating the grated Parmesan into the dressing not only enhances the flavor profile but also contributes to a velvety mouthfeel. When selecting your Parmesan, opt for freshly grated, as it melts into the dressing more effectively than pre-packaged varieties. This allows the cheese to fully integrate, ensuring that every bite is infused with that irresistible savory note you expect in a creamy salad.

Celery: The Star Ingredient

Choosing the right celery is essential for the best results in this salad. Look for crisp, vibrant stalks with fresh green leaves. Avoid any that appear wilted or have rusty spots, as these indicate age. It’s best to slice the celery just before mixing it with the dressing, as this maintains its snap and crunch. Keeping the pieces uniform in size will ensure consistent flavor in every bite.

Celery adds not just flavor but also a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. To enhance its taste, consider soaking celery in cold water for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will further crisp it up and remove any bitterness, making for a more refreshing salad. You can also experiment with different celery varieties, such as the sweeter 'Pascal' or the slightly stronger-flavored 'Celeriac' for a unique twist.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delightful dish:

Salad Ingredients

4 cups celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to add your favorite toppings if you like!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad:

Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Add Celery

Add the sliced celery to the dressing and toss until well coated.

Season

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as desired.

Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Your Delicious Creamy Celery Salad is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider mixing in some toasted nuts or seeds before serving. Also, freshly cracked black pepper can elevate the dish even further!

Make-Ahead Tips

This creamy celery salad is excellent for meal prep, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully if made a day in advance. Simply prepare the dressing and toss the celery together, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, if you want to keep the celery extra crisp, consider mixing the dressing with the celery just before serving. This prevents any moisture from making the celery soggy, ensuring a delightful crunch.

To store leftover salad, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the celery's texture may soften. If you notice this happening, refreshing it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can help reinvigorate the salad’s crunch and flavor.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic creamy dressing is delicious, you can elevate this salad by adding additional ingredients. Chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley can introduce a fresh, aromatic quality. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider incorporating sliced radishes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. If you prefer a sweeter note, diced apples or pears would complement the celery beautifully, providing a delightful contrast to the savory elements.

For a heartier version, mix in some protein such as shredded chicken, diced hard-boiled eggs, or even chickpeas. This transforms the salad into a fulfilling main dish, perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Just remember to adjust the dressing accordingly, as additional ingredients may require tweaking the quantities to ensure everything remains balanced and flavorful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?

Yes, low-fat mayonnaise will work fine! It will slightly change the flavor but will keep the dish creamy.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ Is there a vegan alternative to this salad?

Absolutely! You can substitute the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives or avocado for a creamy texture.

→ What else can I add to this salad?

You can add ingredients like diced apples, nuts, or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.