Name: Ina Garten Celery Salad: A Refreshing Twist for Summer
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 stalks Celery (Slice diagonally for best texture.); 1/2 cup Fresh Herbs (parsley, tarragon, dill) (Substitute dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.); 1/2 cup Toasted Slivered Almonds (Pecans can be a tasty alternative.); 1/4 cup Golden Raisins (Try dried cranberries for variation.); 1/4 cup Olive Oil (Opt for high-quality extra virgin.); 2 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute.); 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard (A smooth mustard is preferred.); 1 tablespoon Honey (Adjust according to taste.); to taste Salt (Essential for seasoning.); to taste Black Pepper (Use freshly ground for best flavor.)

As I tossed together the vibrant ingredients for the ultimate cool dish, the crunch of fresh celery sliced on the diagonal brought me back to sun-soaked summer days. Ina Garten’s Celery Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic side, showcasing how simple ingredients can turn into something truly special. With just a handful of easy-to-find elements and zero cooking required, this salad really shines as a healthy, gluten-free companion to any meal. Whether you’re seeking a light appetizer or the perfect side for grilled salmon, this delectable dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Curious about the secret to its irresistible balance of flavors? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is Ina Garten’s Celery Salad a Must-Try?

Simplicity at Its Best: With no cooking involved, this salad requires minimal effort, perfect for busy days!
Refreshing Crunch: Crisp celery combined with vibrant herbs delivers a satisfying bite that brightens any meal.
Versatile Pairing: Great alongside grilled proteins like shrimp or salmon, it pairs wonderfully with dishes like High Protein Salad.
Healthy Indulgence: At around 200 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition to your summer menu, retaining flavor without the heaviness of traditional salads.
Quick Preparation: Just toss the ingredients together, let them marinate, and serve! You’ll be amazed at how easy crowd-pleasing meals can be.

Ina Garten Celery Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• Celery – Provides a refreshing crunch; slice diagonally for the best texture.
• Fresh Herbs (parsley, tarragon, dill) – Adds aromatic flavors; substitute dried herbs in smaller amounts if fresh is unavailable.
• Toasted Slivered Almonds – Offers delightful crunch and nutty flavor; pecans can be a tasty alternative.
• Golden Raisins – Adds a sweet touch that balances the earthiness of the salad; try dried cranberries for variation.

For the Dressing
• Olive Oil – Acts as the base, providing richness; opt for high-quality extra virgin for better taste.
• White Wine Vinegar – Introduces tanginess; apple cider vinegar makes a suitable substitute if needed.
• Dijon Mustard – Imparts a subtle heat; a smooth mustard is preferred for emulsification.
• Honey – A natural sweetener to balance acidity; adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall flavor.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ina Garten Celery Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Celery
Start by rinsing the fresh celery stalks under cool water to ensure they are clean. Trim the ends and slice the celery diagonally into thin pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. This technique enhances the crunch factor and increases the surface area for dressing absorption. Once sliced, place the celery in a large mixing bowl to set the foundation for the Ina Garten Celery Salad.

Step 2: Add Fresh Herbs
With the celery ready, finely chop a handful of fresh parsley, tarragon, and dill. Sprinkle the freshly chopped herbs over the celery in the bowl, creating a colorful and aromatic blend. Gently toss the ingredients together using a large spoon, ensuring each piece of celery gets coated with the fragrant herbs. This adds a burst of flavor and elevates the overall taste of your salad.

Step 3: Incorporate Nuts and Raisins
Next, take a handful of toasted slivered almonds and golden raisins; these additions will bring delightful crunch and sweetness to the salad. Carefully fold the almonds and raisins into the celery and herbs mixture, ensuring even distribution without crushing any ingredients. This step introduces texture and a balanced flavor profile to your Ina Garten Celery Salad.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together high-quality extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a drizzle of honey. Aim for a smooth emulsion, which should take about 30 seconds of whisking. The dressing should be well blended and slightly thickened, enhancing the refreshing nature of the salad while adding richness and a tangy touch.

Step 5: Combine Salad with Dressing
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the celery-herb mixture in the large bowl. Using a spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is nicely coated with the dressing. This ensures every bite of Ina Garten Celery Salad is bursting with flavor. Look for a shiny appearance on the mixture, signaling that it’s well-dressed and ready for seasoning.

Step 6: Season to Taste
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad to enhance the flavors. Stir gently to incorporate the seasoning, tasting to adjust the salt and pepper levels according to your preference. This final touch is essential for bringing out the vibrant flavors of the celery, herbs, and dressing in your refreshing salad.

Step 7: Let It Rest
Allow the assembled salad to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that elevates the taste of your Ina Garten Celery Salad. During this time, the celery will also slightly soften while retaining its crunch.

Step 8: Serve the Salad
When ready to serve, present the salad at room temperature or chilled for an even more refreshing experience. Use a slotted spoon for easy serving, allowing excess dressing to drip back into the bowl. Enjoy this vibrant salad as a delightful side dish with grilled meats or as a light appetizer on its own!

Expert Tips for Ina Garten Celery Salad

Slice for Crunch: Diagonal cuts: Always slice celery diagonally to enhance its crunch and maximize dressing absorption. This small technique makes a big difference!
Herb Freshness: Go fresh: Fresh herbs make a world of difference. If using dried, remember to reduce the quantity as they are more potent.
Optimal Tossing: Gentle folding: When mixing in the almonds and raisins, fold gently to avoid crushing and maintain texture in your Ina Garten Celery Salad.
Resting Time: Allow flavors to meld: A 15-minute rest is crucial. It allows the dressing to soak into the celery and enhances the salad’s overall flavor.
Proper Storage: Airtight container: Store leftovers in an airtight container to avoid excess moisture, ensuring your salad stays fresh for up to 2 days.

Ina Garten Celery Salad Variations

Feel free to explore these fun and flavorful twists that will add your personal touch to the refreshing Celery Salad!

Nut Variation: Swap slivered almonds for walnuts or pecans for a heartier nut flavor. Each nut offers a unique crunch that elevates this salad even further.
Sweetness Swap: Replace golden raisins with dried cranberries or figs to introduce a different sweetness that plays wonderfully against the celery’s crunch.
Fruity Addition: Consider adding diced apples or pears for a burst of juiciness and extra crunch. This twist not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful textural surprise.
Herb Variety: Experiment with fresh basil or mint for a fragrant alternative to the traditional herbs. Each brings a fresh perspective and aromatic punch to the dish.
Zesty Kick: For a little heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. This adds a spicy warmth that takes the salad to a whole new level.
Dressing Swap: Use lemon juice instead of white wine vinegar for a brighter, citrusy dressing. The zesty flavor complements the salad’s freshness beautifully.
Crunch Factor: Toss in some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and a touch of nuttiness. This small addition can make a big difference in texture.

Let your creativity shine as you brighten up Ina Garten’s Celery Salad with these tantalizing variations! If you’re feeling inspired, try pairing it with our delicious Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad or a light dish like the High Protein Salad. Happy cooking!

How to Store and Freeze Ina Garten Celery Salad

Fridge: Keep your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will help maintain its freshness, although the celery may lose some crunch over time.

Freezer: Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of celery will not hold up well and may become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating: Since the Ina Garten Celery Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. Simply serve chilled for optimal flavor.

Serving Tips: If you have leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors, enhancing your next serving!

What to Serve with Ina Garten’s Celery Salad?

Imagine a light, vibrant table spread that perfectly complements the refreshing crunch of your salad, setting the stage for a delightful meal.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky flavor of grilled shrimp provides a lovely contrast to the salad’s crispness. Skewers can be marinated simply in olive oil and lemon for a burst of brightness.
Herbed Quinoa: A fluffy, protein-packed side that adds a nutty element. Toss quinoa with fresh herbs and a vinaigrette to echo the salad’s flavors.
Roasted Baby Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes bring a satisfying texture to your plate. Season them with garlic and rosemary for an herbaceous touch that ties the meal together.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Juicy chicken grilled with lemon and herbs complements the salad beautifully. The lightness of the chicken mirrors the refreshing notes found in the celery salad.
Gazpacho: Serving a cool tomato gazpacho alongside is a refreshing pair. Its chilled texture and bright flavors harmonize with the crispness of the celery salad.
Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink option that enhances the salad’s bright notes. The tartness refreshes your palate, making each bite feel like summer.
Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, a lemon or raspberry sorbet offers a sweet, tangy end to the meal. Its light texture pairs well after the fresh flavors of your salad.

Make Ahead Options

Ina Garten’s Celery Salad is an excellent choice for meal prep lovers! You can slice the celery and chop the fresh herbs up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers for maximum freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the dressing and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To maintain the salad’s quality, keep the almonds and raisins in a separate container to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything in a bowl, toss them together, and enjoy your vibrant, flavorful salad with minimal effort. The time-saving benefits here mean less stress on busy weeknights while still delivering the deliciousness of Ina Garten’s Celery Salad!

Ina Garten Celery Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best celery?
Absolutely! Look for celery stalks that are crisp, firm, and vibrant green. Avoid stalks that have dark spots all over or feel limp; these are signs of aging. The fresher the celery, the better the crunch and flavor in your Ina Garten Celery Salad!

How should I store leftover celery salad?
Very! Store your leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps to maintain its freshness; however, be aware that the celery may lose some crunch over time. If you notice excess moisture, consider adding a paper towel inside the container to absorb it!

Can I freeze Ina Garten’s Celery Salad?
Oh dear, no! Freezing the salad is not recommended as celery tends to lose its delightful crunch and become mushy upon thawing. For the best texture and flavor, it’s advisable to enjoy it fresh.

What should I do if my dressing separates?
Not to worry! If your dressing separates, it likely needs a good whisk or shake to re-emulsify. Simply whisk it again or put it in a jar, secure the lid, and shake vigorously until combined. If it continues to separate, try adding a little more Dijon mustard which acts as a stabilizer.

Is the salad safe for allergies?
Absolutely! While the Ina Garten Celery Salad is gluten-free, make sure to check the labels of the Dijon mustard and any other packaged ingredients to confirm they meet your dietary needs. If you’re preparing this salad for someone with nut allergies, you could omit the slivered almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch!

Can I modify the ingredients?
Yes, the more the merrier! Feel free to customize the salad to your taste. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you could use dried, but remember to use less since they are more concentrated. You could also try swapping in pecans for a different nut flavor, or even add diced apples for extra sweetness and crunch.