Celery Salad With Mayo

Name: Celery Salad With Mayo
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh celery, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Favorites

I absolutely adore making Celery Salad with Mayo for its crisp texture and refreshing taste. Every bite combines the crunch of fresh celery with a creamy mayo dressing that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. I often enjoy it as a light side dish or a delightful snack. With just a few ingredients, it comes together quickly and satisfies both my hunger and my craving for something unique. Perfect for picnics or as a straightforward accompaniment to any meal, I can’t get enough of it!

Created by

Maeve Colchester

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:23:34.820Z

When I first tried my hand at making Celery Salad with Mayo, I was blown away by how such a simple combination could be so delicious! My secret is to use freshly chopped celery for that perfect crunch, and I sometimes add a dash of lemon juice to elevate the flavors. The mayonnaise not only binds the salad together but also enhances its tanginess, making every bite irresistible.

Over the years, I've realized the importance of letting the salad chill in the fridge for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive dish. If you have any leftover salad, don't worry—it's just as tasty the next day!

        Why You’ll Love This Recipe
        Crisp and refreshing texture with every bite
Creamy dressing that balances perfectly with the celery
Quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients

      

Understanding Celery in Your Salad

Celery is the star of this salad, and its texture plays a crucial role. When selecting celery, look for stalks that are firm and crunchy, with vibrant green color and minimal discoloration. Fresh celery should snap easily when bent, which indicates its high moisture content and freshness. If your celery has a few limp stalks, don't worry—just chop those off and use the crunchy parts for your salad. This crunchiness balances perfectly with the creaminess of the mayo, making each bite satisfying.

For optimal flavor, it's essential to wash and dry the celery thoroughly. After chopping, allow it to sit for a few minutes to release some of its natural water. This process helps enhance its crispness and avoids a watery salad, especially when mixed with the mayonnaise. Additionally, if you're planning to serve this salad later, consider patting the chopped celery dry with a paper towel before mixing with the dressing to keep things fresh.

The Role of Mayonnaise and Seasoning

Mayonnaise not only adds creaminess but also serves as a binding agent in this salad. For a more complex flavor profile, consider using a high-quality mayonnaise or even homemade varieties, which often include more flavorful oils and seasonings. If you're watching your calories, alternatives like Greek yogurt or avocado can also work well, creating a lighter yet creamy texture. Just remember that any substitutions might alter the traditional taste, so adjust lemon juice and seasonings accordingly.

When it comes to seasoning, don't underestimate the importance of salt and pepper. These ingredients highlight the natural flavors of celery and the tangy notes from the lemon juice. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then taste before adding more. This method ensures you achieve a balanced flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. For an extra kick, feel free to experiment with spices like paprika or a dash of garlic powder!

Serving and Storing Celery Salad

This Celery Salad with Mayo is incredibly versatile—serve it as a side at barbecues, alongside sandwiches, or as a light snack on its own. For a fun twist, consider adding diced apples or grapes for a hint of sweetness to contrast with the savory flavors. If you're packing it for a picnic, keep it cool in a chilled container until serving to maintain its crispness. Due to the mayo, aim to consume it within a few hours for the best taste and texture.

If you're making the salad ahead of time, consider storing the chopped celery and dressing separately until you're ready to serve. This separation helps retain the celery's crispness longer. In the fridge, the dressing can last for about a week, while the celery, if wrapped properly, stays fresh for several days. When you're ready to enjoy, simply mix the two together, and you're set! Remember, though, that mixed with the dressing, the salad is best consumed within one to two days for optimal flavor.

Ingredients

Celery Salad Ingredients

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

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!

Instructions

Prepare the Celery

Thoroughly wash the celery and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Mix the Dressing

In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

Combine & Serve

Add the chopped celery to the dressing and mix until everything is well-coated. If desired, sprinkle with walnuts or pecans before serving.

Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.

Pro Tips

For an added kick, consider mixing in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing alternative.

Variations and Add-ins

Feel free to customize this salad by adding in other ingredients you enjoy. For a bit of sweetness, chopped apples or raisins bring a delightful contrast to the crunch of the celery. Adding shredded carrots not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes a subtle sweetness that complements the mayonnaise. For those who love spice, a few finely diced jalapeños can give your salad an extra kick! Mix and match according to your taste preferences or what's in season.

You can also switch out the nuts based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds can be excellent substitutes for walnuts or pecans, providing a similar crunch. Consider the flavor profile of your chosen nuts; for example, almonds can enhance the salad with a mild nuttiness, while sunflower seeds lend a more earthy note. Mixing different types can give your salad a delightful variety of textures.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover celery salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Make sure to enjoy it within two days for the best texture and flavor; after that, the celery may begin to soften and lose its crunch due to the mayo. If you notice any excess moisture in the container, simply drain it before serving the leftovers to keep the salad appealing. Avoid freezing this salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings do not hold up well in the freezer and can separate or become grainy when thawed.

If you're planning to enjoy the salad over several days, consider making double the quantity of the mayo dressing and keeping it separate. This allows you to refresh leftovers with a new coating of dressing before serving, reviving the flavors and ensuring that the remaining salad stays as crisp as possible. By doing so, you can enjoy the refreshing taste of your Celery Salad with Mayo for longer!

Perfect Pairings

This celery salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken wraps, or as a refreshing side to hearty sandwiches. Its creamy texture complements rich flavors, making it an excellent counterpoint to meat-based meals. Additionally, if you’re hosting a brunch, consider offering this salad alongside quiches or frittatas, where the crunch of the celery provides a delightful contrast to the soft textures of egg dishes.

For a light, balanced meal, enjoy the salad with a protein source, like tuna or chicken salad-stuffed avocados. This combination not only elevates the overall nutrition but also adds an exciting visual element to your table. Don’t forget about beverages—match the bright flavors of the celery salad with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lime to enhance your dining experience!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It's even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors develop.

→ How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more flavor and crunch.

→ Is there a vegan version of this salad?

Yes, you can use vegan mayo as a substitute for regular mayonnaise.