Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins is a refreshing, crunchy side dish full of texture and flavor. The combination of creamy yogurt dressing, toasted walnuts, and sweet raisins makes it an easy and delicious salad perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 8 stalks celery, sliced thin
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts
- ¼ cup minced red onion
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or 1 teaspoon white vinegar)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the sliced celery, raisins, toasted walnuts, and minced red onion into a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the celery mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Step 4: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery leaves or chopped apples.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds to vary the nutty flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker, tangier dressing.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing raisins based on your preference.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be gently stirred and served chilled again. Avoid storing for too long to keep the celery crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. However, celery is best when crisp, so it’s ideal to consume it within 1 to 2 days.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes, you can omit mayonnaise or use a dairy-free alternative to keep the salad lighter or accommodate dietary needs.
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Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Celery Salad with Walnuts and Raisins is a fresh and crunchy dish combining thinly sliced celery, sweet raisins, toasted walnuts, and a tangy creamy dressing made from yogurt, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. It makes a perfect light side salad or a refreshing appetizer with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup minced red onion
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or 1 teaspoon white vinegar)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Place the thinly sliced celery, raisins, toasted walnuts, and minced red onion into a large mixing bowl to start building the salad base.
- Prepare dressing: In a separate small bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, pepper, and salt thoroughly to create a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Mix: Pour the dressing over the celery mixture in the large bowl and stir well until all the ingredients are evenly coated and combined, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Chill and serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a refreshing side or light snack.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, to enhance their flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: celery salad, creamy celery salad, walnut salad, raisin salad, healthy side dish, yogurt salad dressing
