Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing

Name: Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups of sliced celery; 1/2 cup of diced red onion; 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley; 1 cup of plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; 1 tablespoon of olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Food

I love making this Celery Salad with Yogurt Dressing when I need a quick yet refreshing side dish. The crispness of the celery mixed with the creamy yogurt dressing creates a delightful contrast that brightens up any meal. Plus, it's an excellent way to incorporate more veggies into my diet without feeling like I'm sacrificing flavor. Whether I'm serving it at a gathering or enjoying it on a quiet night in, it never fails to impress with its unique taste.

Created by

Yasmin Thornton

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:53:36.127Z

When I first made this salad, I was surprised by how a few simple ingredients could come together to create something so satisfying. The tangy yogurt dressing enhances the natural flavor of the celery, making it stand out rather than getting lost in a sea of ingredients. I also found that letting the salad rest for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, which is a tip I've since adopted for other salads too.

One day, wanting to elevate this dish, I added a sprinkle of fresh dill. The aroma was intoxicating, and the herb complemented the yogurt perfectly. Now, it’s become my go-to recipe whenever I want something light yet flavorful. I love how versatile it is, and the dressing can easily be adjusted to suit personal preferences!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crisp celery texture paired with a creamy yogurt dressing
Quick and easy to prepare - ready in under 10 minutes
Versatile as a side dish or a light lunch option

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Celery Salad is, of course, the celery. When selecting celery, look for bright green stalks that are firm and crisp, avoiding any that show signs of wilting or discoloration. The crunchiness of celery not only provides texture but also helps to elevate the overall freshness of the salad, making it a perfect accompaniment to heavier dishes. Using fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor that complements the yogurt dressing beautifully.

The yogurt dressing is a key component, contributing creaminess without overwhelming the dish. Choosing high-quality yogurt, preferably Greek, gives the dressing a thicker consistency that clings to the vegetables. The acidity from the lemon juice helps brighten the flavors, while the olive oil adds richness. I like to taste the dressing before combining it with the salad; sometimes, adjusting salt or lemon juice can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile.

Tips for Preparation and Serving

This recipe is quick to prepare, but ensuring you have all your ingredients prepped beforehand makes it even smoother. I recommend using a sharp knife to slice the celery and onion for precision and cleaner cuts. Aim for uniform pieces; it not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also ensures each bite has a balanced taste. You can prepare the salad ingredients several hours in advance—just keep them chilled until you're ready to mix in the dressing.

If you're looking for variations, consider adding ingredients like grated carrots or sliced bell peppers for additional color and nutrients. You can also experiment with herbs; dill or mint could provide a refreshing twist. For those who prefer a vegan option, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative, ensuring it’s plain to maintain the dressing’s tangy flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delightful celery salad.

Salad Ingredients

4 cups of sliced celery
1/2 cup of diced red onion
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley

Yogurt Dressing Ingredients

1 cup of plain yogurt
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to mix up the dressing and combine the salad!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your delicious celery salad.

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, diced red onion, and chopped parsley.

Make the Yogurt Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the celery mixture and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or let it chill for a few minutes to develop the flavors.

Your refreshing celery salad is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other ingredients like diced apples or nuts for added texture and flavor. Adjust the yogurt dressing to your liking, adding herbs or spices for a unique twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Celery Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare it in advance, here’s how to store it without sacrificing texture. Combine all the chopped vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge, keeping the dressing separate until just before serving. This prevents the celery from becoming soggy. The salad can be stored for up to 24 hours; however, for the best crunch, I recommend eating it the same day it's prepared.

If you find yourself with leftovers, you can repurpose the salad by adding it to a wrap or sandwich for a light lunch. The flavors will meld together as they sit, and the salad’s zest will add a refreshing element to the next meal. However, avoid freezing this salad—the texture of the celery will change significantly once thawed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your dressing seems too thick to coat the salad properly, I suggest adding a splash of water or an extra drizzle of olive oil to achieve a smoother consistency. Whisking the dressing thoroughly also helps incorporate air, making it lighter. Conversely, if it turns out too thin, adjusting with more yogurt can thicken it up nicely, ensuring every bite of celery gets a good coat.

In case your salad ends up tasting flat, consider enhancing it with a bit more salt or an extra squeeze of lemon juice. These elements can elevate the overall taste and make the salad more vibrant. Always taste as you go; this is the best way to ensure the flavors are well-balanced before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can make the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the crispness of the celery.

→ What can I substitute for yogurt?

You can use sour cream or a vegan yogurt alternative if you prefer a different flavor or dietary preference.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and consume within 1-2 days for best freshness.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this celery salad are naturally gluten-free.