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There’s nothing quite like the refreshing crunch of a perfectly tossed salad on a warm afternoon, and Ina Garten’s Celery Salad delivers just that! I stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a summer get-together, where the vibrant colors and enticing aromas pulled me in. With minimal prep and no cooking required, this salad transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that even the busiest of home cooks will adore.

Imagine biting into crisp celery, mingling with fragrant herbs and a tangy dressing—it’s an explosion of flavor and texture that leaves you feeling light and satisfied. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a quick lunch, this recipe invites you to indulge without the guilt, clocking in at just around 200 calories per serving. So, if you’re tired of the same old fare and craving something fresh, join me in exploring this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to elevate your next meal!

Why is Ina Garten Celery Salad a Must-Try?

Simplicity: With just a handful of fresh ingredients, this salad is incredibly easy to whip up, making it beginner-friendly.
Bursting Flavors: The combination of crisp celery, aromatic herbs, and a tangy dressing creates a symphony of taste that invigorates your palate.
Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal as an appetizer, side, or quick lunch, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Healthier Choice: At about 200 calories per serving, it offers a guilt-free and nutritious option compared to heavier meals.
Perfect for Summer: This refreshing dish is perfect for warm afternoons, adding a zesty touch to any meal—especially when paired with grilled proteins for a hearty feast.

Ina Garten Celery Salad Ingredients

• Get ready to dive into freshness with this delightful salad!

For the Salad

Celery – Provides the primary crunch and refreshing taste; use fresh stalks sliced diagonally for better texture.
Flat-leaf Parsley – Adds a herbaceous note; substitute with fresh cilantro for a different twist.
Tarragon – Offers a sweet, anise-like flavor; can be replaced with fresh dill if you prefer.
Dill – Brightens the flavor; substitute dried dill if fresh isn’t available (use 1/3 of the amount).
Toasted Slivered Almonds – Give a crunchy texture and nutty flavor; walnuts or pecans can be used instead.
Golden Raisins – Introduce a hint of sweetness and chewiness; swap with dried cranberries for a tart contrast.

For the Dressing

Olive Oil – Acts as the base for moisture and richness; extra virgin is recommended for the best flavor.
White Wine Vinegar – Adds the necessary acidity for flavor balance; apple cider vinegar makes a milder substitute.
Dijon Mustard – Provides tanginess and aids in emulsifying the dressing; omit for a milder flavor or use yellow mustard.
Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness; replace with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for perfect balance.

This Ina Garten Celery Salad is not just easy to make; it’s also a refreshing way to eat healthy!

How to Make Ina Garten Celery Salad

Prepare Celery: Wash, trim, and slice fresh celery stalks diagonally into thin pieces. This increases the surface area and enhances flavor absorption.
Combine Herbs and Celery: In a large bowl, add the sliced celery along with chopped flat-leaf parsley, tarragon, and dill. Toss gently to mix all the fresh ingredients together.
Add Nuts and Fruit: Fold in the toasted slivered almonds and golden raisins. This will introduce a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to the salad.
Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the celery-herb mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure that the dressing evenly coats each component.
Season: Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember to adjust according to your preference for the ideal flavor balance.
Rest to Meld Flavors: Allow the salad to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This will enhance the flavors and allow them to meld beautifully.
Serve: Present the salad in a shallow bowl. For an extra touch, you can drizzle with a little more olive oil and add freshly cracked pepper before serving.

Optional: Garnish with extra herbs for added freshness and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Ina Garten Celery Salad

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest celery and herbs possible to ensure maximum crunch and flavor; wilting will diminish the salad’s vibrant taste.
Cut Skillfully: For a clean bite, slice celery diagonally with a sharp knife. This technique not only looks appealing but also enhances flavor absorption.
Dress Just Before Serving: To maintain the perfect crunch, dress the salad right before serving. Adding dressing too early can make the celery soggy.
Store Wisely: If making ahead, keep the dressing separate in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. This keeps ingredients fresh and crisp.
Taste and Adjust: Always season to taste with salt and pepper, focusing on achieving a good balance. This simple step can truly elevate your Ina Garten Celery Salad.

Make Ahead Options

These Ina Garten Celery Salad components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time during your busy week. You can slice the celery and mix the herbs up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dressing can be whisked together and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just remember to store it separately to prevent the salad from getting soggy. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients with the toasted almonds and golden raisins, drizzle the dressing over, and give it a gentle toss. This way, you’ll enjoy a delightful, fresh-tasting salad with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Ina Garten Celery Salad

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remember that the celery may lose some of its crispness over time.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance; just keep the dressing separate and combine right before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the celery and herbs will become mushy upon thawing, losing their delightful crunch.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; simply let it sit out for a few minutes before enjoying.

What to Serve with Ina Garten’s Celery Salad?

Elevate your dining experience with the perfect accompaniments to this vibrant salad that bursts with fresh flavors.

Grilled Salmon: The rich, smoky flavors of grilled salmon beautifully contrast with the refreshing crunch of the salad, creating a satisfying meal.
Garlic Roasted Chicken: Tender chicken infused with garlic complements the herby notes of the salad, adding hearty protein for a balanced dish.
Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, wholesome grain dish brings a delightful texture and complements the salad’s freshness, rounding out your plate perfectly.
Crispy Baguette: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into olive oil, enhancing the dining experience with a satisfying crunch.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Pinot Grigio brightens the meal and highlights the salad’s zesty flavors.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits refreshes the palate and adds a touch of sweetness to your dining experience.
Cheese Platter: A selection of light cheeses, such as goat cheese or feta, offers a creamy contrast to the crunchy elements in the salad.
Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with fresh herbs enhances the meal’s lightness, pairing perfectly with the salad’s vibrant characteristics.
Olive Tapenade: This delicious spread on crackers or bread brings a salty bite, balancing the freshness of the salad with an umami touch.

Ina Garten Celery Salad Variations

Make this refreshing salad uniquely yours by exploring these delightful variations!

Nut-Free: Omit almonds and replace them with additional raisins or diced apples for a sweet crunch.
Herb Swap: Use fresh basil or mint in place of parsley for a completely new flavor profile that’s bright and fragrant.
Cheesy Addition: Crumble feta cheese or goat cheese over the top for a creamy, tangy contrast to the crisp vegetables.
Fruit Twist: Incorporate thinly sliced apples or pears for a juicy sweetness that complements the tangy dressing beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeños for a subtle heat that elevates the flavor.
Creamy Dressing: Swap out the vinaigrette for a creamy yogurt dressing for a richer texture and savory twist.
Citrus Burst: Squeeze fresh lemon or orange juice over the dressing to enhance the tang and brighten the salad.
Quinoa Boost: Mix in cooked quinoa for added protein and a hearty element, making it a more filling option.

Each of these variations invites you to get creative, ensuring that every bite is an adventure!

Ina Garten’s Refreshing Celery Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best celery for my salad?
Absolutely! When selecting celery, look for crisp, firm stalks that are vibrant green with no dark spots or wilting. Fresh celery should snap easily when bent—this ensures it’s crunchy and flavorful for your salad!

How should I store leftover celery salad?
Very good question! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the celery may lose some of its crunch. If possible, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to maintain that delightful freshness.

Can I freeze Ina Garten’s celery salad?
I often recommend against freezing this salad. The main ingredients, such as celery and herbs, will become soggy when thawed, resulting in an unappetizing texture. Instead, prepare it fresh to enjoy the best flavors!

What if I have allergies to some ingredients?
If you have nut allergies, you can easily omit the slivered almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture. For those sensitive to honey, agave syrup can be a great vegan alternative. Always remember to check labels if you’re using packaged dressings!

How can I adjust the flavors and keep it interesting?
You can absolutely have fun with this recipe! If you want to try different flavors, consider adding diced apples for an extra crunch or even crumbled feta for creaminess. Always taste as you go and adjust your dressing, aiming for a balance of sweet, tangy, and salty that pleases your palate.

Is there a difference between fresh and dried herbs in this recipe?
Yes, there is a difference! Fresh herbs provide a vibrant taste that enhances the salad, while dried herbs are more concentrated. If you only have dried dill, use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh. However, I recommend using fresh when possible for the best results!