Celery Salad with Feta

Name: Celery Salad with Feta
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh celery, chopped; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy Lifestyle Dishes

I love whipping up this refreshing Celery Salad with Feta on warm days when I need something light yet satisfying. The crispness of the celery combines beautifully with the creamy, tangy feta, making this dish a delightful option for lunch or as a side. Not to mention, it's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that I always have on hand. This salad is the perfect way to make use of crisp celery sticks, adding a nutritious boost to my meals without complicating my cooking routine.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-29T23:37:27.588Z

Whenever I prepare this Celery Salad with Feta, I'm reminded of the simplicity of fresh ingredients. I remember one hot summer gathering where I served this dish, and it was a hit! The crispy celery paired so well with the salty feta, and the addition of a drizzle of olive oil brought everything together beautifully.

One tip I always use is to chill the salad for about 15 minutes before serving; this enhances the flavors and makes the salad even more refreshing. It’s quick, delicious, and always receives rave reviews from my family and friends!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp celery adds a refreshing crunch.
Salty feta cheese provides a creamy contrast.
Perfect for picnics or as a delightful side dish.

Ingredient Roles in Celery Salad

Each ingredient in this Celery Salad plays a vital role in establishing its overall flavor and texture. The fresh celery contributes a wonderful crunch, ensuring that every bite is crisp and refreshing. This is essential, as it provides a base that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the feta. The tangy cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and juiciness, balancing the saltiness of the feta and enhancing the salad's overall flavor profile.

The red onion introduces a sharp, slightly sweet bite that complements the other ingredients. Be sure to chop them finely to avoid overwhelming the salad. Additionally, the olive oil and lemon juice not only serve as a dressing but also bring brightness to the dish. The olive oil adds healthy fats, making this a satisfying salad, while the lemon juice contributes a zesty kick that elevates the flavors and keeps the salad tasting fresh.

Making the Salad Ahead of Time

One of the great advantages of this salad is how well it holds up when prepared in advance. To make your Celery Salad ahead of time, simply prepare the assembly as directed but don’t add the dressing until just before serving. This helps maintain the crisp texture of the celery and prevents it from becoming soggy. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad can last for up to two days without compromising much on taste or texture.

When you are ready to enjoy it, just whisk together the dressing once more to ensure it’s well-combined, then add it to the salad mix. If you find the salad has released water from the tomatoes or celery, simply drain it before tossing with the dressing to keep the flavors concentrated.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this refreshing salad:

Ingredients

4 cups fresh celery, chopped
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all the ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Here’s how to put this salad together:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

Dress the Salad

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad ingredients.

Toss and Serve

Gently toss everything together until well-coated. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Celery Salad with Feta!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating herbs like parsley or mint into the salad.

Variations to Try

This Celery Salad is quite versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences or what you have on hand. For a refreshing twist, consider adding diced cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch. You can also introduce herbs such as dill or parsley for an aromatic touch that pairs wonderfully with the feta. If you’re looking for a heartier version, add some chickpeas or cooked quinoa; they will lend protein and make the salad more filling.

Another exciting variation is swapping out the feta cheese for a creamy goat cheese. The slight tang of goat cheese adds another layer of flavor that complements the freshness of the celery and tomatoes. You could even add nuts, such as toasted walnuts or pecans, for added texture and nutritional benefits.

Serving Suggestions

This Celery Salad is not only great as a standalone dish but also pairs beautifully with various proteins. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced meal, or enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. It also works well as a picnic side dish, packing nicely in a container for outdoor gatherings.

If you're hosting a gathering, consider serving this salad as part of a larger spread, including charcuterie, dips, and roasted veggies. Its fresh flavors and vibrant colors can brighten up any presentation and provide a refreshing contrast to richer dishes. You can also serve it atop a bed of greens for an attractive, layered salad presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese or even a non-dairy cheese if you're looking for a dairy-free option.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It holds up well for a couple of days, though the celery might lose some crunch over time.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Cucumbers, bell peppers, or even radishes would be great additions.