Creamy Celery Salad With Parmesan

Name: Creamy Celery Salad With Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh celery, diced; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Nutritious Creations

I love whipping up this Creamy Celery Salad with Parmesan when I want something refreshing yet satisfying. The crunch of fresh celery is beautifully complemented by the luscious dressing, which brings out the subtle earthiness of the cheese. This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, and I often find it adds a cheerful touch to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, it's quick to prepare and always leaves my family asking for seconds!

Created by

Rhea Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:49:14.827Z

Every time I prepare this Creamy Celery Salad with Parmesan, I am reminded of summer picnics. I recall the first time I made it for friends, and the vibrant colors and the wonderful aroma made it an instant hit. They couldn't believe how simple it was to create such a delicious dish!

What I really love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You could add a handful of nuts or some dried cranberries for an extra punch of flavor. The key is to make the dressing just right, with a balance of creaminess and brightness from the lemon juice.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crunchy texture of fresh celery paired with creamy dressing
Rich umami flavor from Parmesan cheese
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Creamy Celery Salad lies in the fresh celery. Choose celery that is firm and crisp; limp ones can lead to a lackluster salad texture. Dicing the celery into small bite-sized pieces not only enhances the salad's crunch but also makes it easier to mix with the creamy dressing. For an extra burst of flavor, consider using organic celery, as it tends to have a more pronounced taste unlike the supermarket varieties.

Parmesan cheese is another star ingredient, adding a rich umami depth. Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged shavings can elevate the flavor complexity. If you're looking for a nuttier profile, try aged Parmesan, which also complements the salad’s creamy texture. If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can serve as excellent substitutes, each bringing their unique characteristics to the dish.

Tips for Perfecting Your Salad

When making the dressing, ensure that you stir the mayonnaise and Parmesan until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creates a cohesive dressing that evenly coats the celery. If you find the dressing too thick, you can add a splash of water or more lemon juice, adjusting it to your desired consistency. A good dressing should cling to the celery without being overly liquidy.

For additional texture and flavor, consider adding a handful of toasted nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. Their crunch can provide a delightful contrast against the creamy dressing. Another twist is to incorporate some diced apples or grapes for a hint of sweetness. This salad is quite forgiving—do not hesitate to experiment with the ingredient ratios based on your personal taste.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your delicious salad:

Ingredients for Creamy Celery Salad

4 cups fresh celery, diced
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavors!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your salad:

Prepare the Celery

Wash and dice the celery into small bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are crisp and fresh.

Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well-blended.

Combine Ingredients

Add the diced celery to the dressing and mix well until all pieces are coated evenly.

Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving, to allow flavors to meld.

Enjoy this delightful salad!

Pro Tips

For added texture and flavor, consider topping with toasted walnuts or almonds before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Celery Salad is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can prepare the salad a day in advance; just avoid mixing the dressing with the celery until you're ready to serve. If combined too early, the celery may become soggy. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and mix it with the celery right before serving for optimal freshness.

When storing leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 2-3 days, though the celery may lose some of its crispness over time. If you notice that the salad has become too watery, simply drain any excess liquid before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can serve as a stand-alone light lunch or as an accompaniment to heavier meals. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, offering a refreshing contrast to rich flavors. If you’re looking to enhance your meal, consider serving it along with crusty bread or a cheese platter.

For an easy variation, try adding some chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley right before serving. They can brighten the salad and add an aromatic finesse. You might even want to sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for that glam finish that impresses both visually and flavor-wise.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute with cheddar or feta for a different flavor profile.

→ How long can I store the salad?

This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan mayonnaise and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a plant-based version.

→ What can I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, or as part of a picnic spread.