Name: Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins for Fresh Crunch
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 8 stalks Celery (sliced thinly); 1/2 cup Raisins (or substitute with cranberries or chopped dates); 1/2 cup Toasted Walnuts (can be replaced with pecans or almonds); 1/4 cup Minced Red Onion (optional); 1/2 cup Plain Yogurt (Greek yogurt can offer a thicker consistency); 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (or substitute with avocado mayonnaise); 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (or use white vinegar); Pepper (to taste); Salt (to taste)

As I stood in my kitchen, the vibrant crunch of crisp celery awaited me, promising a simple yet satisfying dish. This Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that brings a touch of freshness to any meal. Not only is it a quick and easy recipe perfect for those busy weeknights, but it also serves as a light, gluten-free side that can easily steal the show. Just imagine the cool, creamy dressing dancing around the sweet raisins and hearty walnuts—it’s everything your taste buds crave! Whether you choose to stick with the classic raisins or shake things up with cranberries, there’s endless potential to adapt this salad to your heart’s desire. Ready to dive into a recipe that’s as nourishing as it is delicious? Let’s get started!

Why Choose Creamy Celery Salad?

Versatile Ingredients: This recipe is not just a salad, but a canvas for creativity! Feel free to substitute raisins with cranberries or dates for a different twist.

Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The delightful mix of sweet and savory will impress your guests, whether served alongside baked chicken or as part of a picnic spread.

Light & Healthy: With only 119 calories per serving, this salad is a guilt-free addition to your meals, complementing your journey towards healthy eating.

Creamy Delight: The blend of yogurt and mayonnaise provides a tantalizing creaminess that elevates the humble celery into something extraordinary. For a different creamy dressing, try experimenting with avocado mayonnaise!

Elevate your culinary experience with this salad, and enjoy its unique twist on traditional flavors. For more fresh salad ideas, check out our Spicy Korean Salad or Cabbage Salad Yogurt.

Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins Ingredients

For the Salad
• Celery – 8 stalks, sliced thinly for optimal crunch and freshness.
• Raisins – Adds sweetness that beautifully balances the celery’s slight bitterness; feel free to substitute with cranberries or chopped dates.
• Toasted Walnuts – Provides nutty depth and additional crunch; can be replaced with pecans or almonds if desired.
• Minced Red Onion – Contributes a sharp, zesty kick; recommended for flavor depth but optional if you prefer milder flavors.

For the Dressing
• Plain Yogurt – Forms the creamy base of the dressing; Greek yogurt can offer a thicker consistency if you prefer.
• Mayonnaise – Provides richness to the dressing; swap it with avocado mayonnaise for a lighter twist.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the creaminess; white vinegar works as a great substitute.
• Pepper and Salt – Elevate the overall flavors; adjust these to taste for perfect seasoning.

This creamy celery salad with walnuts and raisins is not just a treat for your taste buds but also incredibly simple to prepare!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Begin by washing and slicing the 8 stalks of celery into thin pieces, ensuring they maintain a crisp texture. Place the sliced celery in a large mixing bowl, then add a generous handful of raisins and ½ cup of toasted walnuts for that delightful crunch. If you prefer, you can chop the walnuts for smaller pieces to blend more easily with the salad.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of plain yogurt and ¼ cup of mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, along with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to combine all the flavors. The dressing should be well-blended and creamy, creating a luscious coating for your salad.

Step 3: Combine the Salad and Dressing
Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the celery mixture in the larger bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or large spoon, ensuring that the celery, raisins, and walnuts are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to mash the ingredients; just mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Chill and Serve
For enhanced flavor, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins for about 30 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir to refresh the salad, then dish it out as a crisp side that brightens any meal.

Tips for the Best Creamy Celery Salad

Prep the Celery Right: Slice the celery thinly to maximize crunch and promote flavor absorption. Using fresh, crisp stalks is crucial for the best texture.
Choose the Right Nuts: Toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch, but feel free to experiment with pecans or almonds. Just make sure they’re well toasted for enhanced flavor.
Customize Your Sweetness: If raisins aren’t your favorite, swap them out with cranberries or chopped dates for a new twist. This Creamy Celery Salad adapts beautifully to your taste!
Mixing Tips: When combining ingredients, gently fold to maintain the structure and crunch of the celery and nuts. Mixing too vigorously can lead to a mushy salad.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step not only enhances the flavors but also helps the texture hold up. Enjoy your creamy and refreshing dish!

Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts Variations

Get creative with this recipe by customizing flavors and textures to fit your taste!

Cranberry Swap: Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a tangy twist. Their bright flavor adds a delightful pop!
Nutty Switch: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a diverse nutty taste. This little change will completely transform the salad!
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a botanical kick. It brightens the dish, enhancing the flavor profile with every bite.
Creamy Avocado Option: Swap mayonnaise for avocado mayonnaise for a healthier twist. This variation brings a creamy richness that’s simply irresistible!
Sweet Date Addition: Substituting raisins with chopped dates adds natural sweetness. The caramel notes of dates offer a wonderful contrast to the fresh celery.
Apple Delight: Toss in diced apples for extra crunch and a hint of sweetness. The fresh fruit elevates the whole experience!
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for an unexpected heat. This is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy touch!
Cucumber Crisp: Adding diced cucumbers provides a refreshing crunch. This lightens the salad while adding a juicy texture that pairs beautifully with creamy dressing.

Feel inspired? You can mix and match these ideas to suit your family’s preferences! If you’re looking for more refreshing salads, you might want to try our Seafood Salad Flavorful or indulge in a festive Christmas Salad. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

How to Store and Freeze Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to help restore its crunch.

Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing this salad since the creamy dressing may separate and the celery will lose its crispness.

Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds; however, it tastes best cold.

Assembly Tips: If you plan to store the salad, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.

What to Serve with Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins

Looking to create a delightful meal that complements the refreshing crunch of this salad?

Grilled Chicken: Juicy, seasoned grilled chicken adds a mouthwatering protein that balances the creamy salad while enhancing the overall dish.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin: The savory notes of succulent roasted pork pair exquisitely with the salad’s sweetness, creating a harmonious and satisfying contrast.
Baked Salmon: A zesty lemon-herb baked salmon brings a soft richness that beautifully complements the crunchy texture and mild flavors of the salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf infused with herbs offers a wholesome, filling option that aligns perfectly with the salad’s fresh ingredients.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful and bursting with flavor, these stuffed peppers add a fun visual and textural element to your meal, completing the culinary experience.
Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing beverage, sparkling water with a hint of lime brightens your palate and echoes the salad’s crisp, invigorating flavors.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse: For dessert, a rich yet creamy chocolate avocado mousse creates an indulgent finish to your meal while keeping everything light and healthy.
Apple Slices with Almond Butter: This sweet snack echoes the fruitiness of the salad and offers a protein-packed option to round out your meal.
Garlic Breadsticks: Crispy, buttery garlic breadsticks add a comforting element, making the dinner feel more complete without overshadowing the salad’s brightness.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad emphasizes seasonal flavors and sweetness, providing a perfect finish that complements the Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prep the salad ingredients, including the sliced celery, raisins, and toasted walnuts, up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. For the dressing, mix the yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and seasoning, and it can be made up to 3 days ahead. Just keep it separate to preserve the freshness and creaminess. When you’re ready to serve, combine the salad with the dressing and give it a gentle stir for that delightful crunch and flavor. Enjoy the ease this make-ahead option brings to your mealtime!

Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best celery for this salad?
Absolutely! Look for celery that is firm, crisp, and has vibrant green leaves. Avoid stalks that have dark spots all over, as they indicate spoilage. Fresh celery should snap when bent, letting you know you have quality produce that’ll lend the best crunch to your Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins.

How should I store leftovers of the Creamy Celery Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To best enjoy the salad, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to help restore its delightful crunch.

Can I freeze this salad for later use?
I would recommend against freezing this salad. The creamy dressing may separate, and the celery will become mushy, losing its crisp texture. If you want to make it ahead, consider storing the dressing separately and combining it with the celery right before serving.

What should I do if the salad turns out too watery?
If your salad appears watery, it might be due to excess moisture from the celery. To address this, try draining off some of the liquid before serving. You can also toss in a little more toasted walnuts to help absorb moisture and add extra crunch.

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Yes, while the Creamy Celery Salad is generally safe for vegetarians and gluten-free diets, keep in mind that walnuts can be a common allergen. If preparing for guests, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of nuts for those with nut allergies. Always check ingredient labels for any hidden allergens!