Description
A refreshing and vibrant celery salad combining the crispness of celery and apple with the natural sweetness of dates, the crunch of roasted almonds, and the savory touch of Parmesan cheese, all brought together by a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 large celery stalks (peeled, trimmed, and thinly sliced on a diagonal)
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple (cored and finely diced)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 6 pitted Medjool dates (chopped)
- ½ cup roasted almonds (coarsely chopped)
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 sprigs fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- â…“ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apple, finely chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined to create a balanced and flavorful base.
- Emulsify the dressing: While continuously whisking the mixture, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gradual incorporation helps the dressing emulsify, resulting in a smooth and cohesive vinaigrette. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper seasoning if needed.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the thinly sliced celery, red onion, chopped Medjool dates, roasted almonds, and grated Parmesan cheese directly into the bowl with the vinaigrette. Toss everything thoroughly so all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.
- Allow flavors to meld: Let the salad rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This resting time allows the celery to slightly soften and the flavors from the vinaigrette and mix-ins to marry, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the salad fresh to enjoy its crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Let it come to room temperature for best flavor before serving.
- Peeling the celery stalks removes the stringy fibers and makes the texture more tender.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans for roasted almonds if preferred.
- Adjust the maple syrup according to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
