Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts is a refreshing dish that will redefine your perception of celery. This vibrant salad combines crisp celery with sweet Medjool dates, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts, making it perfect for lunch or as a side dish for any gathering. It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a 10-minute prep time, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet dates, tangy feta, and zesty lemon juice creates a delightful explosion of tastes in every bite.
- Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs well with various main courses, making it an ideal accompaniment for any meal.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from the nuts, it’s a great way to add nutrition to your diet.
- Elegant Presentation: The colorful mix of ingredients makes it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Medium Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Tea Towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts through the celery and other ingredients, enhancing the texture of the salad.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
- Medium Skillet: Ideal for toasting the nuts, bringing out their flavor without burning them.
Ingredients
A Hungry Lady Salad that will have you rethinking Celery.
For the Salad
- 10 Stalks of Celery
- ½ cup Walnuts or Pecans (coarsely chopped)
- 6 Medjool Dates (pitted and roughly chopped)
- ½ cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
- 1 Shallot (sliced thin)
For the Dressing
- Juice from 1 Lemon
- 1 Tablespoon White Apple Vinegar
- ¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- ⅛ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Kosher Salt to taste
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper to taste
How to Make Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts
Step 1: Prepare the Celery
- Separate the leaves from the stalks of the celery.
- Slice the stalks thinly on a bias and roughly chop the leaves.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Celery
If your celery is slightly wilted:
1. Place it in a bowl of ice water for several minutes to heighten its crispiness.
2. Drain on a tea towel before continuing.
Step 3: Toast the Nuts
- Warm walnuts or pecans in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Stir often until fragrant and toasted, about 2–4 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, place sliced celery stalks and leaves.
- Add sliced shallot, chopped nuts, dates, feta cheese, lemon juice, white apple vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Season generously with salt and pepper; toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Serve
Enjoy this refreshing Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts immediately or store separately until ready to serve!
How to Serve Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts
This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner. Its combination of crunchy celery, sweet dates, and creamy feta creates a delightful balance of flavors.
As a Standalone Lunch
- Pair the salad with whole grain bread for a wholesome meal.
- Enjoy it on its own for a quick and nutritious lunch option.
With Grilled Chicken or Turkey
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey for added protein.
- The flavors complement each other beautifully, making it satisfying.
As a Side Dish
- This salad is an excellent side to accompany roasted vegetables or meats.
- It adds texture and freshness to your meal.
At Potlucks or Gatherings
- Bring this dish to gatherings for a crowd-pleasing option.
- It’s easy to prepare in advance and transport.
How to Perfect Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts
Perfecting this salad enhances its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to make it truly shine.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh celery and ripe dates will elevate the taste of your salad.
- Toast the nuts: Toasting brings out the natural oils in nuts, enhancing their flavor.
- Adjust the acidity: If you prefer more tang, add extra lemon juice or vinegar.
- Let it chill: Allow the salad to sit for 15 minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld together.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can brighten up the dish further.
Best Side Dishes for Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts
Pairing your salad with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in spices and grill them for a flavorful pairing.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf adds heartiness without overwhelming flavors.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness contrasts nicely with the salad’s savory elements.
- Crispy Chickpeas: For crunch, serve crispy chickpeas seasoned with your favorite spices.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs makes for a perfect side that complements the salad.
- Vegetable Crudités: Serve raw veggies with hummus as an appetizer that pairs beautifully with the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in how your Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts turns out. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
Using Wilted Celery: Always choose fresh, crisp celery. Wilted celery can alter the texture and taste of your salad. If you have slightly wilted celery, revive it by soaking it in ice water before chopping.
Skipping Toasting the Nuts: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this step; instead, toast them in a dry skillet until fragrant for the best taste experience.
Chopping Ingredients Too Coarsely: If the ingredients are too large, they won’t mix well. Chop the celery, shallots, and other components into bite-sized pieces for a better blend of flavors.
Not Adjusting Seasoning: Tasting as you go is key. Don’t add all the salt and pepper at once; adjust to your preference after mixing the salad.
Mixing Ingredients Too Early: To keep the nuts crunchy, mix them in just before serving. This will prevent them from becoming soggy if prepared ahead of time.
Ignoring Storage Tips: Improper storage can lead to spoilage. Keep components separate until serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in celery and feta.
- Consider freezing only the nuts separately if needed.
Reheating Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat while stirring to avoid sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about the Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts that may help you prepare this delightful dish.
Can I use other nuts in my Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts?
Yes! Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds or cashews based on your preference.
How can I customize my Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts?
Add more ingredients like chopped apples or cranberries for extra sweetness or flavor variations.
What can I serve with my Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch option.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare the salad components ahead of time but store them separately until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences. You can easily customize it by adding different fruits or nuts. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s perfect for lunches or as a side dish at gatherings!
Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts
Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts is a vibrant and refreshing dish that showcases the often-overlooked celery in an exciting way. This salad combines the crispness of fresh celery with the sweetness of Medjool dates, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy nuts. It’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal option for lunch or as a delightful side dish for gatherings. The quick preparation time makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while its elegant presentation will impress guests at dinner parties. Enjoy this simple yet extraordinary recipe that proves how basic ingredients can create something remarkable.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 10 stalks of celery
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans (coarsely chopped)
- 6 Medjool dates (pitted and roughly chopped)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 shallot (sliced thin)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon white apple vinegar
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the celery by separating leaves from stalks, slicing stalks thinly, and roughly chopping leaves.
- If wilted, place celery in ice water for several minutes to crisp up and then drain.
- Toast walnuts or pecans in a medium skillet over medium heat for about 2–4 minutes until fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sliced celery, shallot, chopped nuts, dates, feta cheese, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper; toss gently.
- Serve immediately or store components separately until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to customize by adding other nuts or fruits like apples or cranberries. Letting the salad chill for about 15 minutes before serving enhances the flavor melding.