If you’re craving a refreshing, crisp, and vibrant dish that feels like sunshine in a bowl, then you absolutely must try this Celery Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lemon Dressing Recipe. It’s the kind of salad that perks up your day with its bright flavors and satisfying crunch, combining the natural freshness of celery with the juiciness of cherry tomatoes and the coolness of cucumber. The lemon dressing adds the perfect balance of zesty tang and smooth richness, making every bite feel like a burst of summer. Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy snack, this salad is simple yet super flavorful, and it’s guaranteed to become a favorite fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful celery salad, all you need are a handful of wonderfully fresh, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that are just plain irresistible.
- 4 cups fresh celery, chopped: The star of the show, celery brings a crisp crunch and subtle earthiness that anchors the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These little bursts of sweetness add vibrant color and juicy, tangy flavor.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Cool and hydrating, cucumber provides a refreshing contrast to the other veggies.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: A mild bite with a hint of sharpness that adds complexity without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs elevate the salad with a bright, slightly peppery note.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): The lemon juice is key for lending zesty brightness and balancing all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil smooths out the dressing and adds richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These simple seasonings bring everything together, enhancing every ingredient’s natural goodness.
How to Make Celery Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lemon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Wash Your Veggies Thoroughly
Start by washing all your fresh vegetables under cool running water. This step is so important for removing any dirt or residue, making sure your salad is not only delicious but perfectly clean and fresh.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Chop the celery into bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat and toss. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juice into the salad, and dice the cucumber into small cubes for that refreshing crunch in every forkful.
Step 3: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly chopped parsley. This colorful medley creates an inviting base that’s bursting with natural flavors.
Step 4: Whisk the Lemon Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the freshly squeezed lemon juice with olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. This dressing is light but packs a punch of flavor, perfectly coating each piece of vegetable.
Step 5: Toss and Coat
Pour the lemon dressing over the veggie mixture and toss gently yet thoroughly to make sure every crisp piece is evenly coated. This is when the salad really starts to come alive, marrying flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
For the best taste, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the salad to refresh, resulting in a cool, crisp dish that’s incredibly satisfying.
How to Serve Celery Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lemon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra freshly chopped parsley leaves or even some toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts on top for added texture and a lovely nutty aroma. A few cracked black peppercorns freshly cracked over the finished salad can also elevate the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a hearty grain bowl. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to summer barbecues or light family dinners, bringing a vibrant freshness that balances richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in chic glass bowls to show off its colorful layers or stuff it into hollowed-out cucumbers for a fun presentation. It can also be served on a bed of mixed greens or with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover celery salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the veggies retain their crunch nicely, the salad stays fresh and flavorful, just give it a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content in celery, cucumber, and tomatoes, which can become mushy when thawed. So, it’s best to prepare only what you plan to eat within a couple of days.
Reheating
This chilled salad is intended to be served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if you prefer it less chilled.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes in the Celery Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lemon Dressing Recipe?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes work beautifully for their sweetness and size, you can substitute grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes if you prefer, though they may alter the texture slightly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep since it keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just be sure to store the dressing separately if you want to keep everything crisp for longer.
Can I add some protein to this salad?
Definitely! Adding grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or shredded chicken can turn this light salad into a more filling meal while maintaining its fresh, vibrant character.
What can I substitute for fresh parsley?
If parsley isn’t your favorite or you don’t have any on hand, fresh cilantro or basil can be wonderful alternatives, each bringing their own unique herbal notes to the mix.
How do I make the lemon dressing less tangy?
If you find lemon juice too sharp, try adding a small drizzle of honey or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity without overpowering the overall freshness of the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Celery Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lemon Dressing Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone looking to brighten up their meal routine with something fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and just downright delicious. I encourage you to give it a try and see how beautifully simple ingredients can come together to create such a satisfying dish. Once you do, I bet it’ll become your go-to salad too!
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Celery Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lemon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Celery Salad combines crisp celery, juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, and sharp red onion with a bright lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a crisp side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh celery, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash Vegetables: Wash all vegetables under cool running water to ensure they are clean and ready to use.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop celery into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the cucumber into small pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped celery, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley to blend all the fresh flavors.
- Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill Salad: Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together and serve cold for the best taste.
Notes
- For crunchier celery, use the stalks from the outer part of the bunch.
- You can add a handful of toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture and protein.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Feel free to adjust lemon juice and olive oil quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- To make it vegan and gluten-free, simply ensure all ingredients are fresh and uncontaminated.
