Description
A refreshing and crunchy celery salad featuring tart Granny Smith apple, sweet Medjool dates, toasted almonds, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, finished with Parmesan cheese for a savory touch. This salad combines crisp textures and balanced flavors, perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 large celery stalks (peeled, trimmed, and thinly sliced on a diagonal)
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple (cored and finely diced)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 6 pitted Medjool dates (chopped)
- ½ cup roasted almonds (coarsely chopped)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Vinaigrette
- 4 sprigs fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apple, finely chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined to create a balanced and flavorful base.
- Emulsify the dressing: While continuously whisking the mixture, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gradual incorporation helps the dressing emulsify, resulting in a smooth and cohesive vinaigrette. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper seasoning if needed.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the thinly sliced celery, red onion, chopped Medjool dates, roasted almonds, and grated Parmesan cheese directly into the bowl with the vinaigrette. Toss everything thoroughly so all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.
- Allow flavors to meld: Let the salad rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This resting time allows the celery to slightly soften and the flavors from the vinaigrette and mix-ins to marry, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the salad fresh to enjoy its crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated, but it’s best served within the day to retain its crisp texture.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity for desired sweetness depending on your taste.
- Peeled celery stalks help reduce bitterness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American