Celery Salad With Parmesan And Lemon

Highlighted under: Vital Meals

I love making this Celery Salad with Parmesan and Lemon because it's a refreshing dish that perfectly balances crisp, crunchy celery with rich, nutty Parmesan. The bright, zesty lemon dressing elevates it, making it an ideal accompaniment for any meal or a stand-alone light lunch. With just a few ingredients and minutes of prep, it quickly becomes a favorite in our household. It's a salad that not only tastes fantastic but also showcases the beauty of simple, fresh components.

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:19:11.503Z

When I first experimented with a celery salad, I was surprised at how versatile this vegetable could be. I’ve learned that the key to making it sing lies in the thickness of the slices and the quality of the Parmigiano-Reggiano. By cutting the celery into thin, diagonal slices, the result is a delightful crunch that plays well with the creamy cheese.

On one occasion, I added a handful of toasted walnuts for an earthy note, which complemented the overall flavor beautifully. I highly recommend not skimping on the lemon juice; it brightens the salad and brings all the flavors together, making each bite refreshing.

Why You'll Love This Salad
Crisp, refreshing texture from fresh celery
Rich umami flavor from aged Parmesan cheese
Bright, zesty lemon dressing that awakens the palate

Understanding Celery's Role

Celery is the star of this salad, providing a crisp and refreshing crunch that enhances every bite. Its high water content not only adds hydration but also contrasts wonderfully with the richness of Parmesan cheese. When selecting celery, look for stalks that are firm and bright green, avoiding any wilted or discolored pieces. Freshness is crucial here, as it directly influences the salad's overall texture and flavor.

The diagonal slicing of celery is not just for aesthetics; it increases the surface area, allowing the dressing to cling better to each piece. This enhances the flavor with each bite. If you're short on time, feel free to use pre-sliced celery sticks, but I find that slicing it myself brings out the best freshness and snap.

Mastering the Dressing

The lemon dressing acts as a bright counterpart to the salty Parmesan and earthy walnuts. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key here; it provides a vibrancy that bottled lemon juice can’t match. For a twist, consider adding a pinch of zest to the dressing—it amplifies the citrus notes and adds an aromatic dimension. Whisk the dressing until thoroughly emulsified—it should appear glossy and slightly thickened, ensuring it clings well to the ingredients.

When seasoning with salt and pepper, remember that Parmesan is naturally salty. Start with a light hand on the salt and adjust to taste after you combine all the ingredients. This helps prevent oversalting and allows the flavors to balance beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious celery salad that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

4 large stalks of celery
½ cup of shaved Parmesan cheese
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ cup toasted walnuts

Once all ingredients are prepared, you’re ready to assemble your delicious salad!

Instructions

Let's prepare this refreshing salad step by step.

Prepare the Celery

Wash the celery stalks thoroughly and trim the ends. Slice the celery diagonally into thin pieces for a better texture.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, shaved Parmesan, and toasted walnuts (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately for the best texture.

This delightful salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, store the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a versatile accompaniment that pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a protein like grilled chicken or fish, as the freshness of the salad balances the richness of the main dish. You can even layer it on a bed of mixed greens to create a more substantial side.

If you're entertaining, consider this salad as part of a larger spread. It holds up well when prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be cautious not to add the dressing too early, as the celery may lose its crunch. Drizzle the dressing just before serving for maximum crispness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator but keep the dressing separate. This prevents the celery from becoming soggy overnight. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for up to two days when stored properly. When ready to enjoy again, simply re-dress it lightly to refresh the flavors.

For meal prep, you can slice the celery and prepare the dressing in advance. However, wait to combine them until right before serving. This approach ensures that the salad maintains its crispness and the dressing retains its bright flavor, making it an ideal quick lunch option throughout the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best to serve the salad fresh to maintain the crunchiness of the celery. However, you can prepare the dressing and pre-slice the celery to speed up assembly later.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan?

A good substitute for Parmesan is pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

→ How long does this salad last in the fridge?

The salad is best eaten fresh, but if stored in an airtight container, it should last for about a day in the fridge.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! This salad is very versatile. Consider adding bell peppers, radishes, or even cucumbers for added freshness.