52 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
52 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
Here's a masterful celery salad recipe that combines the crispness of celery with the sweetness of apples, the richness of walnuts, and the tangy punch of a homemade vinaigrette. The addition of blue cheese or feta adds a creamy, salty element that ties it all together.
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### **Celery Salad**
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#### **Ingredients:**
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- **For the Salad:**
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- 6-8 large celery stalks, thinly sliced on the diagonal
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- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), thinly sliced or julienned
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- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
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- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
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- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
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- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or golden raisins (optional, for added sweetness)
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- **For the Tangy Vinaigrette:**
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- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
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- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra zing)
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#### **Instructions:**
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1. **Prep the Salad Ingredients:**
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- Wash and thinly slice the celery on the diagonal for a nice presentation.
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- Core the apples and thinly slice them, or julienne if you prefer smaller pieces.
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- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before roughly chopping.
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2. **Make the Vinaigrette:**
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- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and lemon zest if using.
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- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity or sweetness to your liking.
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3. **Assemble the Salad:**
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, apples, and chopped walnuts.
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- Add the dried cranberries or golden raisins if using.
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- Drizzle the tangy vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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4. **Add Cheese and Parsley:**
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- If you're using blue cheese or feta, sprinkle it over the top of the salad.
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- Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
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5. **Serve:**
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- Serve the salad immediately for the best texture, or let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, or can be enjoyed as a light, refreshing main course.
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### **Tips:**
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- **For Extra Crunch:** Add thinly sliced radishes or a handful of arugula for a peppery bite.
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- **For a Heartier Salad:** You can add cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling.
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- **Storage:** If you need to prepare the salad in advance, toss the apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning and store the vinaigrette separately until ready to serve.
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This celery salad is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Enjoy! |