Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing

Name: Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups of sliced celery; 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Balanced Meals

I've always been a fan of fresh salads, and this Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing has quickly become one of my favorites. The crispness of the celery combined with the creamy yogurt dressing is simply delightful. I love how easy it is to prepare, making it a perfect side dish for any meal or even a light lunch on its own. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and refreshment, thanks to the hint of lemon and herbs. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again and again!

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-02-01T16:33:36.435Z

When I first decided to make this salad, I was searching for ways to incorporate more vegetables into my diet without sacrificing flavor. I discovered that the yogurt dressing not only adds creaminess but also a tang that complements the freshness of the celery beautifully. The balance of flavors here is key, so don’t skimp on the herbs!

One of my favorite secrets to this recipe is the addition of a sprinkle of lemon zest. It brightens up the entire dish and enhances the natural crispness of the celery. I often serve this alongside grilled meats, and it always gets rave reviews!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crisp and refreshing texture
Creamy yogurt dressing adds a tangy flavor
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals

Understanding Celery's Role in This Salad

Celery is the star ingredient in this salad, providing a delightful crunch that is both refreshing and satisfying. The high water content in celery not only enhances the salad's crispness but also adds a hydrating element that makes this dish perfect for warm days. When chopping the celery, aim for uniform slices about a quarter-inch thick; this ensures that every bite has the same satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the salad.

Additionally, the mild flavor of celery acts as a canvas for the vibrant flavors of the yogurt dressing and the other vegetables. It absorbs the tanginess of the dressing well, creating a balanced flavor profile that is neither overwhelming nor bland. This makes celery a fantastic base for incorporating other seasonal vegetables or herbs you might have on hand, allowing for a versatile salad experience.

Crafting the Perfect Yogurt Dressing

The yogurt dressing in this recipe focuses on Greek yogurt, which not only adds creaminess but also promotes a satisfying tang that complements the crisp vegetables brilliantly. For the best results, use a full-fat yogurt; this will ensure a richer flavor and creamier texture. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using low-fat Greek yogurt, but be mindful that the dressing may be less rich and require a bit more seasoning to elevate the flavor.

Incorporating fresh minced garlic into the dressing is crucial, as it adds depth and a slightly spicy kick. Be cautious with the amount; too much garlic can overpower the delicate flavors of the salad. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use roasted garlic instead, which has a sweeter, subtler flavor that blends beautifully with the yogurt.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this Celery Salad with Yogurt Dressing shines on its own, it can also serve as a wonderful base for other additions. Consider tossing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for an added crunch and healthy fats. Alternatively, diced apples or grapes can introduce a sweet contrast that pairs well with the savory tang of the dressing. This flexibility allows you to customize the salad based on what you have available in your kitchen.

For meal prep enthusiasts, this salad can be made a day in advance. The flavors deepen, and the ingredients meld beautifully overnight. Just be aware that the celery can lose some of its crunch if stored too long in the dressing, so it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. If you're serving a larger group, double or triple the recipe and adjust the dressing quantities accordingly to ensure every bite remains equally flavorful.

Ingredients for Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing

Salad Ingredients

4 cups of sliced celery
1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

Yogurt Dressing

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy Your Salad!

Steps to Prepare Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Chop the celery into thin slices and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the parsley.

Make the Yogurt Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Combine the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle the yogurt dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls, and enjoy this refreshing dish immediately!

Enjoy Your Creation!

Pro Tips

For added crunch, you can include some toasted nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds or walnuts. They not only enhance the texture but also provide a nice nutty flavor that complements the salad.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find the dressing is too thick for your liking, simply whisk in a teaspoon or two of water or additional lemon juice until it reaches your preferred consistency. Similarly, if the garlic flavor is a bit too strong, adding a touch more yogurt can help mellow it out. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasoning accordingly to ensure the balance suits your palate.

Another common issue could be the potential for soggy celery if the salad sits too long after being dressed. To prevent this, store the salad components and dressing separately if you plan to make it ahead of time. This ensures that the salad remains crisp and fresh right until serving time.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad is a great make-ahead option that can save you time during a busy week. Prepare the salad ingredients a day in advance by washing, chopping, and storing them in an airtight container. Keep the yogurt dressing in a separate container, and combine them just before serving to maintain the celery's crunchiness and the dressing's creaminess.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, but note that the texture may change as the celery absorbs the yogurt dressing. If you expect to have leftovers, consider keeping a portion undressed to enjoy the next day without compromising the salad’s refreshing quality.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

If you’re looking to serve a larger crowd, scaling up this recipe is straightforward. Simply double or triple the quantities of the celery, tomatoes, onion, and parsley. For the yogurt dressing, you may want to start by increasing by 1.5 times to accommodate the extra salad ingredients. This way, you can avoid overwhelming the salad with dressing while ensuring every component is adequately coated.

Conversely, if you’re cooking for one or two, feel free to halve the recipe. The ingredients, especially the dressing, can be easily adjusted, ensuring that you have just the right amount without waste. Remember, keeping the dressing and salad components separate until serving time is the key to maintaining texture, regardless of the batch size.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can use regular plain yogurt or even sour cream if you prefer a different taste or texture.

→ Is it possible to add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like cucumber, bell peppers, or even avocado for more variety.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?

Leftovers typically keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the celery may become softer over time.