I love making my version of Shaved Celery Salad. It features crunchy celery, sweet seedless raisins, and a sprinkle of walnuts, all brought together with creamy mayonnaise and a burst of lemon juice. Every bite offers a refreshing mix of textures and subtle flavors and invites you to delight in its simple charm.

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I recently found myself experimenting in the kitchen and stumbled upon a celery salad thats become my favorite. I started with 4 cups of chopped celery (about 5 to 6 stalks) for that amazing crunch, then tossed in 1 cup of seedless raisins and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, which add an unexpected twist.

I know it might sound simple, but the combination of textures totally surprised me. The creamy dressing, made by mixing 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with a tablespoon of lemon juice, plus just a pinch of salt and pepper, really brings it all together.

I’ve dabbled in variations ranging from what some might call a princess salad to versions that remind me of a shaved celery or even a Hobbit salad. There’s something so refreshing about this mix that leaves you wanting more unexpected flavors in every bite.

Give it a try sometime its really a game changer!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it gives me a nice crunch from the celery and walnuts that really makes the salad fun to eat. I also love how the combination of sweet raisins with the tangy lemon dressing makes every bite interesting, even if it sounds weird at first. Another thing is that it’s super simple to make so even if Im in a rush I can prepare it real fast, and the flavors get even better after chilling in the fridge. Lastly, I like that its pretty healthy while still tasting awesome which makes it perfect as a light snack or a side dish.

Ingredients

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Celery: Hydrating crunch, loads of fiber and vitamins, making it healthy and refreshing.
Raisins: Naturally sweet, energy-packed carbohydrates that add chewiness and extra fiber.
Walnuts: Rich in omega fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants for a nutty boost.
Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that adds smooth texture with a rich flavor to the mix.
Lemon Juice: Tangy citrus helps cut richness and gives a refreshing sour note.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that brightens the dish without overwhelming its flavors.
Each ingredient contributes to a balanced dish combining crisp, sweet, creamy, and tangy notes.
This salad is a fun mix of textures and flavors making snack time exciting.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups chopped celery (about 5-6 stalks)

1 cup seedless raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Start by chopping about 5 or 6 celery stalks until you have roughly 4 cups.

2. In a big bowl, toss in the chopped celery along with 1 cup of seedless raisins and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.

3. In a separate small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

4. Add some salt and pepper into the creamy mix to taste then stir it well until it’s smooth.

5. Pour the dressing over the celery mixture and stir gently so every piece gets coated nicely.

6. Taste the salad and adjust the salt or pepper if needed.

7. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really blend together.

8. Enjoy your crunchy and creamy celery salad as a light side or a refreshing snack!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board for chopping the celery
2. Sharp knife to cut the celery stalks
3. Large mixing bowl to combine the celery, raisins and walnuts
4. Small bowl for mixing the mayonnaise and lemon juice dressing
5. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts
6. Spoon or whisk to mix the dressing evenly
7. Refrigerator to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes

FAQ

How long does it take to prep the celery salad?

It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to chop the celery and mix the ingredients.

Can I substitute walnuts for another nut?

Yeah, you can use pecans or almonds if you dont have walnuts around.

Do I need to use seedless raisins?

The recipe calls for them for a consistent texture, but if you only have regular raisins theyll still work.

Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise?

Sure, you can swap mayo for Greek yogurt to make it a bit lighter.

How should I store this salad?

Just put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Favorite Celery Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You could replace the celery with chopped cucumbers or jicama if you’re lookin for a different crunch.
If you don’t have raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots work just fine for a bit of sweetness.
Swapping walnuts with pecans or slivered almonds can give you a similar nutty bite.
Instead of mayo, plain Greek yogurt makes a lighter alternative while still keeping it creamy.
You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice if you’re tryin to change up the tangy flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Try soaking the celery in ice water for like 10 minutes before chopping; it help keep that crunch longer.
2. Consider lightly toasting the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes. It brings out a richer flavor that makes the salad extra yummy.
3. Don’t be afraid to tweak the lemon juice or salt amounts until it feels just right for your taste. Sometimes a bit more or less can really change the game.
4. Giving it extra time in the fridge, say a couple hours instead of just 30 minutes, can help all the flavors really blend together. Enjoy experimenting with this!