Ina Garten’s Celery Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together crisp celery, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. With minimal preparation, this salad delivers a burst of freshness, making it an ideal side dish or appetizer for any meal.

What is Ina Garten Celery Salad?

Ina Garten’s Celery Salad is a light and crunchy dish that highlights the natural flavor of celery. Tossed with fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, toasted walnuts, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is a refreshing addition to your table. It’s easy to prepare and versatile enough to pair with various main dishes.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Celery Salad

Fresh and healthy: Packed with fresh herbs and raw celery, this salad is a nutritious choice.
Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy days.
Flavorful and balanced: The tangy lemon dressing complements the nuttiness of the walnuts and the saltiness of the Parmesan.
Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Pairs well with everything: It’s a versatile side dish that goes with chicken, fish, pasta, or even soups.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Celery Salad

6 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Celery Salad

Wash and slice the celery: Clean the celery stalks thoroughly, then slice them thinly on the diagonal for a refined presentation.
Prepare the herbs: Roughly chop the parsley and dill, then combine them in a bowl with the celery.
Toast the walnuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the walnuts until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Let them cool before adding.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the celery and herbs, then toss gently to coat evenly.
Finish with toppings: Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and shaved Parmesan on top just before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Celery Salad

Serve alongside roasted chicken: Its crispness contrasts beautifully with the richness of roasted chicken.
Pair with grilled fish: The bright flavors complement the delicate taste of grilled fish.
Include as part of a pasta meal: This salad provides a refreshing contrast to creamy or hearty pasta dishes.
Add to a soup-and-salad combo: Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup for a light lunch.
Enjoy with artisan bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the dressing.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Celery Salad

Choose fresh celery: Crisp and fresh celery makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
Slice evenly: Thin, diagonal slices ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Toast the walnuts properly: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor; avoid over-toasting to prevent bitterness.
Adjust the dressing to taste: Balance the acidity of the lemon juice and the richness of the olive oil to your preference.
Add Parmesan at the end: Sprinkle cheese just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Experiment with herbs: Try adding other fresh herbs like chives or mint for variety.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Celery Salad

Add fruit: Toss in thin slices of apple or pear for a touch of sweetness.
Include seeds: Replace walnuts with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Incorporate protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling dish.
Try different cheese: Use crumbled feta or goat cheese as an alternative to Parmesan.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Celery Salad

Store leftovers in an airtight container: Keep any remaining salad fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing separate: If making ahead, store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Avoid freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh as freezing affects the texture of the celery and herbs.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Celery Salad is a delightful way to enjoy fresh, crisp celery in a flavorful and healthy dish. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Give this simple yet elegant recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite for your salad repertoire!

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