Prepare to be amazed by a salad that's anything but ordinary! Our Minimal Monday Celery Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette is about to revolutionize your perception of this often-overlooked vegetable. Imagine crunchy, thinly sliced celery transformed into a gourmet dish that's both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and 10 minutes of your time, you'll create a vibrant, refreshing salad that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests impressed.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Celery, thinly sliced
- Walnuts, chopped
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash the celery stalks thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the celery stalks on a diagonal to create crisp, elegant pieces. Aim for uniform, approximately 1/8-inch thick slices.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the chopped walnuts for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and mustard until the vinaigrette is smooth and well-combined.
- Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, whisking again to incorporate the seasonings.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the thinly sliced celery and toasted walnuts.
- Pour the prepared walnut vinaigrette over the celery and walnuts, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, garnishing with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Slice Technique Matters: Use a sharp knife and cut celery on a diagonal to create uniform, thin slices that provide the perfect crunch and visual appeal.
- Toasting Walnuts is Key: Take the time to lightly toast your walnuts. This step enhances their flavor and adds a delightful nutty aroma to the salad.
- Vinaigrette Wisdom: Whisk your dressing thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well-combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Timing is Everything: Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld, but serve relatively quickly to maintain the celery's crisp texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest celery possible for maximum crunch and flavor. Look for stalks that are firm and bright green.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra layer of flavor if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
