Celery Salad With Mayo

Name: Celery Salad With Mayo
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped dill or parsley

Highlighted under: Clean Inspiration

I absolutely love experimenting with fresh ingredients, and this Celery Salad With Mayo is a delightful way to enjoy the crispness of celery. The crunchiness combined with the creamy mayo dressing creates a perfect side dish or a light lunch option. In just a few minutes, I can whip this up, making it an ideal recipe for busy days. Plus, it's so easy to customize with any additional veggies or herbs I have on hand, giving me a refreshing and delicious meal every time.

Created by

Sybil Hawkes

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:09:34.207Z

Creating this Celery Salad with Mayo brought a wave of nostalgia as it reminded me of family picnics. I remember my grandmother would always prepare a big bowl, and we couldn’t get enough of it. The simplicity of the material makes it versatile and an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients. I played around with varying amounts of mayo until I found the right creaminess that complements the celery perfectly.

One of the best tips I can share is to let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, and the celery retains its delightful crunch. I often add a sprinkle of fresh dill or some chopped walnuts for an extra dimension. It’s light yet satisfying!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy texture of fresh celery that adds crunch to your meal
Creamy mayo dressing that ties all flavors together perfectly
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh and crisp celery is key to this salad. The flavor profile of celery is slightly peppery and herbal, which adds a unique depth to the dish. When selecting your celery, look for stalks that are firm and have a bright green color. Avoid any that appear wilted or have brown spots, as they will not provide the same crunchy texture in your salad.

To enhance the flavors, consider adding seasonal vegetables like diced bell peppers or grated carrots. These not only contribute additional colors but also bring more sweetness and crunch. Experimenting with these variations can personalize your dish and keep it exciting each time you make it.

Perfecting the Mayo Dressing

The mayonnaise dressing is what binds this salad together, so picking a good quality mayonnaise is essential. I recommend using a whole-egg mayo for its creaminess, which makes the dressing richer. For a lighter option, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, which will give a tangy flavor while still maintaining a creamy consistency.

Adding lemon juice brings brightness to the mayo, cutting through its richness and enhancing the overall flavor. Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference—start with a tablespoon and increase as needed. If you prefer a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce can also elevate the dressing.

Chilling and Serving Suggestions

Chilling the salad before serving helps meld the flavors, creating a more enjoyable eating experience. Aim to let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; this not only enhances the taste but also makes the celery crisper. If you need a quicker method, a quick chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes can also be effective, just be careful not to freeze it.

This salad can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. To elevate your presentation, consider serving it in individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional seasoning for a touch of color and extra flavor.

Ingredients

Celery Salad Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped dill or parsley

Enjoy your refreshing salad!

Instructions

Prepare the Celery

Chop the celery into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.

Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Pour the dressing over the chopped celery, mixing until well coated.

Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Serve as a side dish or light lunch!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced apples or grapes for a hint of sweetness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can give it an extra crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to reduce calories or fat, opt for a low-fat or reduced-calorie mayonnaise. Alternatively, consider using a base of mashed avocado to replace some or all of the mayo; this adds creaminess with healthier fats. You can also incorporate additional flavors with ingredients like mustard or garlic powder mixed into the dressing for a twist.

Incorporating different herbs can transform the flavor of your salad. If dill or parsley isn’t available, try fresh basil or cilantro for a different yet delightful taste. Each herb imparts its own unique fragrance and flavor, allowing you to customize the salad based on your pantry.

Make-Ahead Tips

This celery salad can be prepared a day in advance, which is perfect for meal prep or gatherings. Just make sure not to add any delicate add-ins like herbs until you're ready to serve, as they can wilt and change texture when stored. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

If you’re anticipating leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will maintain the crispness of the celery and avoid sogginess. A good rule of thumb is to mix in the dressing just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Scaling the Recipe

This celery salad is easily scalable, making it as simple as doubling or tripling the ingredients for larger gatherings. Just maintain the same ratios; for instance, if you increase the celery to eight stalks, double the mayo, lemon juice, and seasoning accordingly.

When preparing larger quantities, consider using a larger mixing bowl to accommodate all ingredients without spilling. Mixing in batches can make it easier to achieve an even coating of the dressing, ensuring that every bite is just as flavorful as the last.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

Yes, Greek yogurt makes a healthier alternative and adds a tangy flavor.

→ How long can I store the salad in the fridge?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

You can add ingredients like shredded carrots, raisins, or diced apples for variation.

→ Is this salad suitable for vegans?

You can make it vegan by using a plant-based mayo.