I recently whipped up this delightful Shaved Celery Salad featuring thinly sliced celery, plump raisins, and crunchy walnuts all tossed in a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sour cream and a splash of lemon. It offers a fresh, interesting take on a classic mix that keeps you intrigued with every bite.

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I’ve always been intrigued by how a few simple ingredients can turn into something extraordinary. This celery salad is one of my favorite finds.

I start with eight crisp celery stalks, washed and sliced thinly, that give it an unbeatable crunch. I mix in a half cup of sweet raisins and a half cup of walnuts that add a bit of nuttiness.

Then I blend a creamy mix using half a cup mayonnaise with two tablespoons of sour cream, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and just a pinch of salt and pepper to really bring all the flavors together. It kind of reminds me of some funky twists like a princess salad or a shaved celery salad but keeps its own charm.

I love how it plays between health and indulgence, making it perfect as a stand-alone dish or as a side alongside other hearty meals. Enjoy this innovative and simple creation!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because the crunchy celery mixed with the sweet raisins gives it a really cool texture that I can’t get enough of. I love how the walnuts bring a nutty flavor into the mix too, making each bite feel unique. The creamy dressing with lemon juice adds a tang that just makes everything pop in your mouth, even when you know it’s a simple salad. Plus, it’s super easy and quick to make which works great when I dont have much time but still want something tasty.

Ingredients

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Crunchy celery provides fiber and refreshing texture to the salad.
It’s healthy.
Sweet raisins add natural sugars and carbohydrates.
They boost energy and flavor.
Walnuts provide protein and healthy fats.
They offer a nutty crunch and omega 3.
Creamy mayonnaise adds richness, bringing a tangy, smooth coating to mix.
Sour cream lightens texture and gives a mild tart kick to balance.
Lemon juice offers bright acidity, lifting and balancing the overall flavors.
Salt and pepper enhance every ingredient’s taste without overpowering natural freshness.

Ingredient Quantities

8 celery stalks, washed and sliced thinly

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make this

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1. Wash the celery stalks well and slice them thinly, then put them in a large bowl.

2. Add the raisins and roughly chopped walnuts right in with the celery.

3. In a smaller bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until its just combined.

4. Pour the creamy dressing slowly over your celery mix.

5. Stir the salad really well to make sure everything’s coated with the dressing.

6. Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes so the flavors can blend together.

7. Give it a quick stir before serving and enjoy your super simple celery salad!

Equipment Needed

1. A large bowl for mixing the celery, raisins, and walnuts
2. A small bowl for combining the dressing ingredients
3. A cutting board for washing and slicing the celery—and for roughly chopping the walnuts
4. A sharp knife for slicing the celery and chopping the walnuts
5. A stirring spoon or spatula to mix the dressing and then stir everything together
6. Measuring cups and spoons to get the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper just right
7. A refrigerator to chill the salad for about 20 minutes

FAQ

Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

If you dont like mayonnaise, you can use greek yogurt or even plain yogurt for a lighter version, but note that the flavor will slightly change.

Is it ok to use another kind of nut instead of walnuts?

Yeah, you can swap walnuts for pecans, almonds or any nuts you have on hand; it'll bring a unique twist to the salad.

How do I keep the celery extra crunchy?

The trick is to wash and slice the celery thinly and then store it in the fridge until you're ready to mix everything together.

Can I add other fruits or ingredients?

Sure thing, you might try tossing in some diced apples or dried cranberries if you're feelin adventurous.

How long can I store the salad in the fridge?

You can keep it for about 2 to 3 days in an airtight container, but it's best eaten fresh to enjoy its crunch.

Favorite Celery Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can swap celery with thinly sliced cucumber for a similar crunch, though it’ll give a lighter flavor.
If you don’t have raisins, try dried cranberries or chopped dates for that chewy, sweet kick.
Instead of walnuts, you could use pecans or almonds to add a nice, crunchy texture.
If you’re out of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and adds a tangy twist.
You might replace sour cream with plain yogurt or even creme fraiche if that’s what you got on hand.

Pro Tips

1. You can toast the walnuts lightly to really bring out their flavor, it gives the salad an extra crunch that makes it way more interesting.
2. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the lemon juice – a bit more can brighten up the dish, but taste as you go so it doesnt get too sour.
3. Let the dressing chill for longer than the recommended time if you want the flavors to really meld together, its a simple trick but it works wonders.
4. If you’re trying to get every piece coated really evenly, try tossing everything in a big bowl with the dressing and then gently mixing, it makes a big difference in how the flavors come through.