Creamy Celery Salad With Mayo

Name: Creamy Celery Salad With Mayo
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh celery, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy Recipe Vault

I absolutely love making Creamy Celery Salad with Mayo! The refreshing crunch of celery combined with the rich creaminess of mayonnaise creates a delightful dish that can be served as a side or even as a light meal. I often prepare this salad for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dinner. With just a few ingredients, it comes together quickly and always garners compliments. It's a great way to enjoy celery, which can sometimes be overlooked. Once you try it, I think you'll find yourself making it again and again!

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:49:13.569Z

I’ve experimented with many salads over the years, but nothing comes close to the simplicity of my Creamy Celery Salad with Mayo. The trick is to use fresh, crisp celery for that satisfying crunch, and pairing it with a dash of lemon juice elevates the flavors beautifully. I also love adding a few chopped walnuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

This salad is not only quick to prepare, but it also keeps well in the refrigerator, making it a perfect dish for meal prep. Just make sure to serve it chilled, as that enhances the creamy goodness of the mayo perfectly. Trust me, you’re going to want this recipe in your collection!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp, refreshing texture that invigorates your palate
Easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients
Perfect for summer picnics or a quick lunch option

Understanding Your Ingredients

The star of this Creamy Celery Salad is, of course, the celery itself. Choosing the right celery is crucial for the desired crisp texture. Look for bright green stalks with firm, crunchy surfaces and fresh leaves. Avoid any that are wilted or have brown spots, as they tend to be less flavorful. Freshness enhances both the flavor and the crunch of the salad, making it a refreshing side dish.

Mayonnaise plays a vital role in binding the salad together, providing richness and creaminess to each bite. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt as a substitute; it offers a similar consistency with added protein. The mayo can also be seasoned with herbs or spices for a personalized kick, so feel free to experiment by adding garlic powder or fresh dill for an extra layer of flavor.

Techniques for Perfect Results

When preparing the salad, ensure that your chopped celery is evenly sized to guarantee consistent texture and flavor in every bite. Aim for pieces that are about half an inch long. This not only looks appealing but also helps the dressing adhere better. Tossing the seasoned celery well before adding the dressing ensures every piece is adequately flavored, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving is essential. This resting period not only melds the flavors but also allows the celery to absorb some of the dressing's richness. When chilled, the salad is refreshingly crisp, making it more enjoyable, particularly on warm days. If you’re short on time, even a quick 10-minute chill can boost its flavors, but longer is always better.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious Creamy Celery Salad with Mayo:

Ingredients

4 cups fresh celery, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to make this delightful salad!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Celery Salad:

Prepare the Celery

In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery with salt and pepper. Toss to evenly distribute the seasoning.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Pour the dressing over the celery and mix well. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving chilled.

Enjoy your creamy, crunchy salad!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating diced apples or raisins for a touch of sweetness in your salad. You can also experiment with different types of nuts based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Celery Salad can be served on its own as a light lunch or as a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood. Its bright, crunchy texture pairs beautifully with the richness of dishes like barbecue chicken or salmon, making it a versatile addition to any meal. You can even pile it onto sandwiches or wraps for a satisfying crunch and painterly presentation.

For a more filling option, consider adding cooked chicken or tuna to the salad. This not only boosts the protein content but also makes it a heartier meal. Simply chop your protein into small pieces and mix them in with the celery before serving. This creates a delightful crunch alongside the creamy dressing and can transform your salad into a complete meal in minutes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad holds up relatively well in the refrigerator, making it a great make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits. To store, place the salad in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge. It is best consumed within 3-5 days, but the celery may lose some of its crunch over time.

If you're looking to make a larger batch for gatherings, scaling the recipe is as simple as doubling or tripling the ingredients while ensuring you maintain the same proportions. Just remember that chilling time may increase slightly as the volume of the salad grows. For easy transport to picnics or potlucks, consider storing it in a cooler to keep it fresh until serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually tastes better when allowed to chill for a while in the fridge.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise alternative for a lighter option.

→ How long will the salad last in the fridge?

The salad can last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers or cucumbers can add extra crunch and flavor.