Ah, Mediterranean Celery Salad! This vibrant dish brings me back to sun-soaked afternoons spent in my aunt’s garden, where every ingredient felt like it had a story. You could say it’s a bit of nostalgia on a plate for me. I love how something as simple as celery becomes a star player when tossed together with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese—it’s a symphony of flavors!
What makes this salad unique is not just its refreshing crunch but the way it embodies the Mediterranean spirit—fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious. I often whip this up for summer gatherings, or even just a weekday lunch, and it never fails to impress. Plus, who can resist a dish that comes together in mere minutes? Let’s dive into what you need to make this delightful salad.
What’s in Mediterranean Celery Salad?
Celery: The star of this salad! Celery is crisp and refreshing, providing that satisfying crunch we all crave. It’s also low in calories, making it a fantastic base for a healthy dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, succulent, and gorgeous, cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness. I love using various colors when I can find them at the farmer’s market for an extra pop.
Kalamata Olives: These are my little flavor bombs! They lend a salty, briny kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Red Onion: A little bite and zing! Just a touch of finely chopped red onion adds depth and flavor without overpowering the dish.
Fresh Parsley: Ahh, fresh herbs make everything better. Parsley adds a layer of freshness and greenery (plus, it’s packed with nutrients!).
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta is the creamy, tangy finishing touch. I always go for high-quality feta for that authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Olive Oil: A rich source of healthy fats, olive oil is not just for sautéing; it’s the smoothing agent in our dressing, adding depth to the flavors.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds acidity and brightness to the dish—perfect for balancing the flavors!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings a zesty lift and enhances all the other ingredients magnificently.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for finishing and enhancing flavor; make sure to season to taste!
Is Mediterranean Celery Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad is a treasure trove of health benefits.
– **Celery** is known for its hydrating properties and is low in calories, making it a fantastic choice for weight management.
– **Tomatoes** are packed with vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants like lycopene, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases—so enjoy those sweet bites!
– **Kalamata olives** are rich in healthy fats and can support heart health due to their monounsaturated fats.
– **Feta cheese** offers a good dose of calcium for bone health but should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your salt intake.
– **Fresh parsley** not only adds flavor but is loaded with vitamins K and C, which can boost overall health.
Overall, you’ve got a wonderfully wholesome dish bursting with flavors and nutrients!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups celery, thinly sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Mediterranean Celery Salad?
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and chopped parsley. Give it a quick stir to mix them together!
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create your dressing. Just picture me dancing around the kitchen while whisking; it’s that easy!
3. Pour that tangy dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly—no need for vigorous shaking here; let’s keep it gentle!
4. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. Go ahead, be generous!
5. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. I can practically smell it as I write—so refreshing!
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Salad Experience!
If you want to jazz this salad up even more, consider adding some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein—it makes for a fantastic main dish! You could also throw in some toasted nuts or seeds for an added crunch. And for a fun twist, swap the feta with goat cheese or add some sliced avocados for creaminess!
I hope you’re excited to try this Mediterranean Celery Salad! It’s simple, quick, and utterly delicious. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so feel free to share your thoughts or any personal twists you put on it. Happy cooking!
