the_information_nexus/food_related/celery_salad.md

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.

Celery Salad

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:

  • 6-8 large celery stalks, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), thinly sliced or julienned
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or golden raisins (optional, for added sweetness)

• For the Tangy Vinaigrette:

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra zing)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Salad Ingredients:

   • Wash and thinly slice the celery on the diagonal for a nice presentation.
   • Core the apples and thinly slice them, or julienne if you prefer smaller pieces.
   • Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before roughly chopping.

2. Make the Vinaigrette:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and lemon zest if using.
   • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity or sweetness to your liking.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, apples, and chopped walnuts.
   • Add the dried cranberries or golden raisins if using.
   • Drizzle the tangy vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

4. Add Cheese and Parsley:

   • If you're using blue cheese or feta, sprinkle it over the top of the salad.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the salad immediately for the best texture, or let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   • This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, or can be enjoyed as a light, refreshing main course.

Tips:

• For Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced radishes or a handful of arugula for a peppery bite.
• For a Heartier Salad: You can add cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling.
• 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.

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!