Celery and Raisin Salad

Name: Celery and Raisin Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups celery, chopped; 1 cup raisins; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Food Ideas

I absolutely love making this Celery and Raisin Salad for a refreshing side dish or a light lunch. It’s crisp, crunchy, and has a delightful sweetness from the raisins that really balances the celery’s natural flavor. I enjoy tossing in some nuts for added texture and a hint of saltiness. This salad is incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect go-to whenever I need something easy yet satisfying. It's a great way to enjoy fresh produce while keeping things deliciously simple.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-29T23:03:28.074Z

When I first tried this Celery and Raisin Salad, I was immediately drawn in by its bright colors and fresh crunch. The combinations of textures, from the crisp celery to the chewy raisins, create a delightful eating experience. I love adding a hint of lemon juice to enhance the flavors even further.

Over the years, I have tweaked this recipe to perfection, even adding walnuts for a satisfying crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own. I often prepare a larger batch to keep in the fridge, as it holds up surprisingly well!

Why You'll Love This Salad
Crisp and refreshing with every bite
Sweetness from raisins balanced by crunchy celery
Quick, easy preparation perfect for busy days

Ingredient Insights

The star of this salad is undoubtedly the celery. Choose fresh, crisp celery with bright green stalks and crunchy texture for the best flavor. The freshness enhances the overall taste, making each bite refreshing. If you find some celery stalks are a bit tough, peel the outer layer with a vegetable peeler to soften them up for a more enjoyable crunch.

Raisins add a delightful sweetness and chewy texture, which provides a wonderful contrast to the celery's crunch. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider substituting standard raisins with golden raisins or even dried cranberries for a tangy twist. These alternatives can create interesting flavor dynamics while maintaining the essence of the dish.

Preparation Tips

When mixing the ingredients, be careful not to overmix or crush the celery. Instead, gently fold everything together, ensuring the dressing evenly coats the mixture without making it mushy. This gentle handling preserves the celery's crunch and keeps the salad vibrant and appealing.

If you’re preparing the salad in advance, add the walnuts right before serving to prevent them from losing their crunch. Nuts can absorb moisture and become soggy if left too long. You can also store the prepared salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but be wary of the celery becoming limp over time due to the mayonnaise.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious Celery and Raisin Salad:

Ingredients

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

Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Enjoy your fresh salad!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Celery and Raisin Salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and chop the celery into bite-sized pieces. If using walnuts, chop them coarsely. Measure out the raisins and set aside.

Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, raisins, and walnuts (if using). Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Add Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the celery mixture and stir gently until everything is coated.

Serve

Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors. Serve cold.

Enjoy your refreshing Celery and Raisin Salad as a side dish or a light meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap out the walnuts for other nuts or seeds to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light lunch atop mixed greens for added nutrition, or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with proteins, creating a balanced meal. I love serving it at picnics in mason jars; they travel well and look delightful at gatherings.

For a creative twist, serve the salad in lettuce cups for a fun and low-carb version that adds a crunchy texture. Simply scoop a spoonful of the salad into crisp lettuce leaves and enjoy them as handheld bites during lunch or parties.

Customization Ideas

To cater to dietary restrictions, you can easily swap out the mayonnaise for vegan mayo or yogurt for a lighter version. If you opt for Greek yogurt, it will add a creaminess along with a protein boost—perfect for a more nutritious salad.

Feel free to mix in additional vegetables like grapes or apple chunks for added sweetness and crunch. These small additions can elevate the salad, providing more color and nutrients—plus, it’s a fun way to use up leftover fruits in your kitchen.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

→ How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge, but it's best enjoyed within the first day for maximum crunch.

→ Can I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Yogurt will give it a lighter taste while still keeping the salad creamy.

→ What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or can be served alongside any main dish for a refreshing side.