Salads are a staple in many households and for good reason. They are a quick and easy way to incorporate healthy vegetables into our meals. One vegetable that often gets overlooked in salads is celery. While it may seem like a plain and boring vegetable, celery is actually packed with nutrients and can add a delicious crunch to any salad. In this article, we will share some tips for creating delicious salads with celery.
1. Choose fresh and crisp celery
The first tip for making a great salad with celery is to choose fresh and crisp stalks. The fresher the celery, the better the taste and texture will be. Look for celery with bright green leaves and firm stalks. Avoid any that have wilted or discolored leaves. You can also try to snap off a piece of celery from the bunch, if it snaps easily then it is fresh and crisp.
2. Use both the stalks and leaves
Many people only use the celery stalks in their salads, but the leaves are also packed with flavor and nutrients. Don’t discard the leaves, instead, chop them up and add them to your salad. They add a fresh and slightly bitter taste to the salad, which complements the sweetness of other vegetables.
3. Pair celery with fruits
Celery may be a vegetable, but it pairs surprisingly well with fruits. Apples, grapes, and pears are all great options to combine with celery in a salad. The sweetness of the fruits balances out the crunchiness and slight bitterness of the celery. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for an extra burst of sweetness
4. Experiment with different dressings
While a simple vinaigrette dressing is always a safe option for a celery salad, don’t be afraid to experiment with different dressings. Creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese can add a tangy and rich flavor to the salad. You can also try making a honey mustard dressing or a citrus dressing to complement the flavors of the celery.
5. Add some protein
To make a salad more filling and satisfying, add some protein to it. Celery goes well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. The protein will not only add more flavor to the salad but also make it a complete meal.
6. Try different textures
A salad with just celery can become monotonous, so it’s important to add different textures to keep it interesting. You can add some crunch by including nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds. Avocado is also a great addition as it adds a creamy texture to the salad. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also add a different texture and flavor to the salad.
7. Don’t forget the seasoning
Celery on its own may not have a lot of flavor, but it’s a great canvas to work with. Don’t forget to season your salad with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices that you like. A sprinkle of garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a kick to the salad.
In conclusion, celery is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can add a lot of flavor and crunch to your salads. By following these tips, you can create delicious and healthy salads that include this underrated vegetable. So next time you’re making a salad, don’t forget to add some celery and see the difference it makes
