Celery Salad With Mayo

Name: Celery Salad With Mayo
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups celery, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional: chopped nuts for crunch

Highlighted under: Instant Inspiration

I love making this Celery Salad with Mayo as a quick and refreshing dish that brightens up any meal. The crunch of the celery combined with the creaminess of the mayo makes for a delightful contrast that's both satisfying and light. It's one of those simple salads that can be made in just a few minutes, ideal for lunch or as a side at dinner. The flavor is versatile, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. Plus, it’s an excellent way to include more vegetables in our diet without sacrificing taste.

Created by

Olwen Bradford

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:53:37.473Z

Making this Celery Salad with Mayo has become a staple in our kitchen, especially during warmer months when we crave lighter meals. I experimented with different dressings, but the classic mayo has always stood out for its rich flavor that complements the freshness of the celery. The key is to balance the mayo to ensure the salad doesn't become too heavy.

One helpful tip I discovered is to chop the celery into smaller pieces to enhance the texture and make each bite more enjoyable. I also like to add a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra kick. This salad isn’t just delicious; it comes together quickly, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crunchy texture of fresh celery paired with creamy mayo
Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 15 minutes
A versatile salad that complements various main dishes

Ingredients in Focus

The star ingredient of this salad is, of course, fresh celery. When choosing celery, look for firm, bright stalks with crispy leaves. The crunchiness of the celery not only provides a satisfying texture but also brings a refreshing element to the dish. For the mayo, I recommend using a high-quality brand that has a rich, creamy consistency, as it greatly affects the overall flavor. The lemon juice adds acidity, balancing the creamy mayo and enhancing the freshness of the celery.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. They not only introduce a delightful crunch but can also elevate the nutritional profile of the salad. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice, resulting in a tangy and lower-calorie version that still maintains creaminess.

Tips for Preparation

When prepping the celery, ensure that each piece is cut to a similar size — aiming for about 1-inch pieces helps in uniform coating and presentation. If you find your celery is particularly fibrous, use a peeler to remove the tough strings for a more pleasant eating experience. Additionally, before mixing your salad, tasting the dressing is essential; adjust the salt and pepper to your personal preference for a balanced flavor that suits your palate.

After mixing the salad, letting it chill for at least 10 minutes is crucial. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste. Aim for a cool temperature, but be cautious not to leave it too long in the fridge, as the celery can start to lose its crispness. Serving it immediately after chilling ensures that the salad retains its fresh crunch.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious Celery Salad with Mayo:

Ingredients

4 cups celery, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped nuts for crunch

These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful, refreshing salad.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Celery Salad with Mayo:

Prep the Celery

Wash and chop the celery into bite-sized pieces. Aiming for uniformity in size helps with even coating in the dressing.

Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped celery to the dressing and stir until all the pieces are well coated. If using, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for about 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled as a side or on a sandwich.

Enjoy this delightful and refreshing salad!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the salad. You can also substitute yogurt for mayo for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

This Celery Salad with Mayo is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, where the creamy texture complements the savory main course beautifully. Alternatively, use it as a topping for sandwiches or wraps, adding a crunch that enhances your lunch experience. It also pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, creating a satisfying contrast in textures.

For a colorful twist, consider mixing in chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots. These additions not only brighten the visual appeal but also add extra nutrients. If you're hosting a gathering, serve the salad in a large bowl with additional toppings served on the side, allowing guests to customize their salads with ingredients that suit their taste.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make this salad ahead of time, keep in mind that it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days in an airtight container. To prevent the celery from becoming limp, try to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. However, if you've already mixed it, simply give the salad a quick stir before serving to rejuvenate the ingredients.

If you need to scale the recipe for a larger gathering, simply double or triple the ingredients proportionally. However, do take care to mix in batches if your bowl is not large enough. Larger batches may take longer to chill, so plan accordingly to allow flavors to develop while ensuring that the salad maintains its crisp texture until serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables in this salad?

Absolutely! You can incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and flavor.

→ How long will this salad last in the fridge?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last about 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! You can use vegan mayo instead of traditional mayonnaise to make it completely plant-based.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain the crunch of the celery.