Celery Crunch Salad With Yogurt

Name: Celery Crunch Salad With Yogurt
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, chopped; 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped; 1/3 cup of walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup of parsley, chopped; 1 cup of plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon of lemon juice; 1 teaspoon of honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Vitality Plates

I absolutely love making Celery Crunch Salad with Yogurt, especially during the warmer months. The crisp texture of the celery combined with the creamy yogurt creates a refreshing dish that’s perfect as a side or a light meal. It’s quick to prepare, which is a bonus when I’m short on time. The flavors really come together beautifully, and I can easily customize it with my favorite herbs or nuts for added crunch. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to whip this up regularly!

Created by

Mia Jefferson

Last updated on 2026-02-16T02:25:35.958Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was looking for something healthy yet satisfying. I found that the key was balancing the crunch of the celery with the smoothness of the yogurt, which resulted in a delightful texture. After a few tries, I discovered that a sprinkle of lemon zest adds a bright note that elevates the whole dish.

One of my favorite hacks is to make a larger batch and store it in the fridge. The flavors deepen with time, making it an excellent option for meal prep. I often pair it with grilled chicken or fish to create a balanced meal that never disappoints!

Reasons to Love This Salad
Crisp celery adds a refreshing crunch.
Creamy yogurt dressing keeps it light and zesty.
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

Perfecting Your Yogurt Dressing

To achieve a yogurt dressing that’s perfectly smooth and creamy, I recommend using full-fat plain yogurt. This not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the dressing has a rich texture that clings nicely to the salad ingredients. If you're looking to modify the consistency, you can thin it out with a splash of water or a bit more lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon juice brightens the overall flavor, making it a wonderful complement to the crunchy vegetables.

Incorporating a teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic into the dressing can add an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to balance it with the honey to maintain a harmonious taste. Adjust the seasoning carefully; starting with a pinch of salt and a modest amount of pepper allows you to fine-tune the dressing to your personal palate without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

Choosing the Right Celery

Selecting the right celery is crucial for this salad’s crunch factor. Look for stalks that have a vibrant green color, are firm to the touch, and feel heavy for their size. Avoid celery that has wilted leaves or dark spots, as these can contribute an undesirable texture to your dish. If you happen to find some organic celery, it's even better, as it tends to have a more concentrated flavor and crunch.

You may also experiment with other varieties, such as the more delicate and sweeter ‘Tendercrisp’ celery if you prefer a milder flavor. For a twist, consider adding celeriac (celery root) for a different texture, finely diced, which can provide an earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 stalks of celery, chopped
1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup of walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup of parsley, chopped

For the Yogurt Dressing

1 cup of plain yogurt
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, walnuts, and parsley. Toss well to mix the ingredients.

Make the Yogurt Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine and Serve

Pour the yogurt dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor kick, try adding a pinch of cumin to the yogurt dressing or substituting Greek yogurt for an even thicker texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Celery Crunch Salad with Yogurt makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood, adding a refreshing contrast to richer flavors. Consider pairing it with herb-marinated grilled chicken or fish tacos for a well-rounded meal. If you're vegan, feel free to substitute the yogurt with a cashew cream or coconut yogurt alternative; just adjust the seasonings to maintain a zesty flavor profile.

For a more complete meal, you can turn this salad into a main dish by adding protein, such as chickpeas or grilled shrimp. Simply toss them in with the other ingredients before drizzling the yogurt dressing on top. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also makes the salad heartier and satisfying.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, I recommend serving it fresh as the celery can become limp over time. You can keep the yogurt dressing separate and combine it only when ready to eat, ensuring that the salad maintains its signature crunch.

To enhance the salad on day two, consider topping it with freshly sliced avocado or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving. This addition will elevate the dish and reinvigorate it, providing a creamy contrast to the crunchy vegetables and giving it a nice flavor boost.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It's great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the salad.

→ What can I substitute for yogurt?

You can use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you prefer.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! All ingredients in this salad are gluten-free.

→ How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It can last up to 2 days in the fridge. Just remember to keep the dressing on the side until serving.