Celery Salad With Grapes

Name: Celery Salad With Grapes
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped celery; 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved; 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Wholesome Treats

I love how refreshing and crisp this Celery Salad with Grapes is, making it perfect for warm days. The combination of crunchy celery and sweet grapes is a delightful mix, and the simple dressing adds just the right touch without overpowering the ingredients. This salad not only serves as a perfect side dish but also works wonderfully as a light lunch on its own. It’s quick to prepare, and every bite feels like a burst of freshness that invigorates my palate.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:33:36.207Z

The first time I made this Celery Salad with Grapes, I was looking for a light side dish for a summer barbecue. I was pleasantly surprised by how the sweetness of the grapes complemented the natural crunch of the celery, creating a delightful contrast. After trying different dressings, I found that a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of honey highlighted the fresh flavors perfectly.

I recommend garnishing with some chopped walnuts for added texture and nutrition. It not only enhances the flavor profile but provides a nice crunch that elevates the entire experience. Since it’s so quick to make, I often whip it up when I need a refreshing dish in a hurry!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp and refreshing with every bite
Sweet grapes contrast beautifully with celery
Perfect for summer picnics or potlucks

Choosing the Right Celery

When selecting celery for this salad, look for stalks that are firm and crisp with deep green color and tight leaves. Fresh celery will enhance the salad's crunch and add a bright flavor. Avoid any stalks with dark spots or wilting leaves, as they can detract from the salad's texture and taste. If you're in a rush, pre-chopped celery is an option, but make sure it’s from a reputable source for the best flavor.

To preserve the crispness of celery, consider soaking the chopped pieces in ice water for about 10 to 15 minutes before mixing it into your salad. This technique revives limp celery, making it refreshing and crunchy, which is essential for achieving that satisfying bite.

Walnut Variations and Substitutions

While walnuts add a pleasant crunch and a nutty flavor to the salad, feel free to experiment with other nuts based on your preference or dietary needs. Pecans or sliced almonds can be great alternatives, each contributing a unique flavor profile to the dish. If you're accommodating nut allergies, consider adding sunflower seeds, which provide a similar texture without the risk.

Toasting the walnuts lightly in a skillet for about 3–5 minutes can enhance their flavor and add depth to your salad. Just be sure to keep a close watch, as nuts can go from golden to burnt quickly. Allow them to cool before adding them to the salad to maintain their crunch.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. I recommend preparing it about 30 minutes before serving to let it cool in the refrigerator. For an elegant touch, consider plating it on a bed of mixed greens, which adds both color and nutrition. You can also serve it in individual cups for a fun appetizer at picnics or gatherings.

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep well for 1-2 days. However, be mindful that the celery may lose some of its crunch over time. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving to help maintain the salad's freshness.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 cups chopped celery
1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Directions

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, halved grapes, walnuts, and red onion.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Serve

Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving for a refreshing taste.

Enjoy your Celery Salad with Grapes!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, consider adding some feta cheese or a handful of spinach to the salad for more flavor.

Dressing Variations

While the olive oil and lemon juice dressing complements the salad beautifully, you can customize it to suit your taste. For added flavor, consider incorporating a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or fresh herbs like parsley or dill. These ingredients will add complexity and can elevate the freshness of the salad.

If you prefer a creamier dressing, consider blending Greek yogurt in place of part of the olive oil. This will not only create a smooth texture but also add protein to your salad, making it even more satisfying as a light lunch.

Pairing Suggestions

Celery Salad with Grapes pairs excellently with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side dish for summer barbecues. Its refreshing characteristics balance well with the smoky flavors from grilled meats, providing a nice contrast and enhancing overall enjoyment.

For an even heartier meal, try complementing this salad with quinoa or couscous. Not only do these grains add texture and bulk, but they also absorb the delicious dressing, resulting in a flavorful dish that holds its own as a main course.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of grapes?

Absolutely! You can use red, black, or even mixed grapes for a colorful salad.

→ How long can I store this salad?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain the texture of the salad.

→ What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side at barbecues.