Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

A refreshing Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or looking for a light dinner option. This vibrant salad combines the crispness of celery with the sweetness of dates and the creaminess of feta cheese, creating a delightful balance. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. You’ll find that this salad is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy days when you still want to enjoy something wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet dates, salty feta, and crunchy nuts creates a unique flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a light main course on its own.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad supports your overall well-being.
• Make Ahead Option: Easily prepare it ahead of time and add nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the essential tools needed for this recipe. Having the right tools not only makes preparation easier but also enhances your overall cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Medium-sized bowl
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes slicing celery effortless and ensures uniform pieces for even mixing.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients while protecting your countertops.
• Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for mixing all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Skillet: Perfect for toasting nuts to enhance their flavor before adding them to your salad.

Ingredients

A Hungry Lady Salad that will have you rethinking Celery.

Ingredients:
– 10 Stalks of Celery
– ½ cup Walnuts or Pecans (coarsely chopped)
– 6 Medjool Dates (pitted and roughly chopped)
– ½ cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
– 1 Shallot (sliced thin)
– Juice from 1 Lemon
– 1 Tablespoon White Apple Vinegar
– ¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
– ⅛ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
– Kosher Salt
– Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

How to Make Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

Step 1: Prepare the Celery

1. Separate the leaves from the stalks of the celery.
2. Slice the stalks thinly on a bias and roughly chop the leaves.

Step 2: Crisp Up Your Celery

If your celery is a little wilted, place it in a bowl of ice water to heighten its crispiness. Drain on a tea towel before continuing.

Step 3: Toast the Nuts

1. To toast the nuts, warm them in a medium skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir often until fragrant and toasted, about 2-4 minutes.
3. If preparing ahead, store nuts separately to maintain crunch until serving.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Place sliced celery stalks and leaves in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Add sliced shallot, chopped nuts, dates, feta cheese, lemon juice, white apple vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
3. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss to combine.

Step 5: Serve Your Salad

Serve immediately as a refreshing side or light meal option!

How to Serve Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

This Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts is not only refreshing but also versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Standalone Lunch

• A light yet satisfying option that makes for a perfect midday meal when you need something quick and nutritious.

With Grilled Chicken or Turkey

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken or turkey for added protein. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for extra color and nutrition, making it visually appealing and crunchy.

As a Picnic Delight

• Pack this salad in a portable container for a picnic. Its robust ingredients hold up well without wilting.

With Whole Grain Bread

• Enjoy it alongside whole grain bread or pita for a wholesome meal that’s both filling and delicious.

How to Perfect Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

Perfecting your Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts can enhance its taste and texture. Here are some helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh celery and ripe dates make all the difference in flavor and crunch.
• Toast Your Nuts: Toasting the walnuts or pecans enhances their flavor, adding depth to the salad.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your salad before serving; feel free to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
• Mix Gently: When combining ingredients, mix gently to avoid breaking the feta cheese into too small pieces.

Best Side Dishes for Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

Looking for the perfect side dishes to complement your Celery Chopped Salad? Here are some delightful options:

1. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds protein and pairs well with the fresh salad.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and richness alongside the salad’s freshness.
3. Hummus Platter: Serve a variety of hummus flavors with crunchy veggies for dipping; it’s a great way to add more textures.
4. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers provide a touch of elegance while enhancing the meal’s protein content.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or grains complement the salad’s flavors perfectly.
6. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with herbs can add another layer of flavor while keeping the meal light.
7. Herbed Flatbread: Warm herbed flatbread makes for an excellent tool for scooping up the salad, adding carbs to your meal.
8. Cucumber Yogurt Dip: A refreshing cucumber yogurt dip offers creaminess that balances well against the crunchy salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Ice Water Soak: If your celery looks wilted, not soaking it in ice water can lead to a less crispy texture. Always soak for a few minutes to refresh its crunch.

• Overtoasting Nuts: Toasting nuts for too long can make them bitter. Keep an eye on them and toast just until fragrant and golden-brown, usually around 2-4 minutes.

• Not Seasoning Enough: Underseasoning can leave your salad bland. Be generous with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

• Mixing Ahead of Time: Combining all ingredients too early can lead to sogginess. Store nuts and dressing separately until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.

• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or poor-quality feta or dates can affect the overall taste of your salad. Always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• How long: You can store this salad in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezing Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

• Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture changes in fresh vegetables.

Reheating Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

• Oven: Not recommended as the salad is best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid using the microwave; it will wilt the celery.
• Stovetop: Not suitable for reheating; serve fresh for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making this delightful salad, here are some common questions:

Can I make Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead but mix in nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.

What can I substitute for feta cheese in this recipe?

You might use a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

How do I store leftover Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What variations can I try with this salad?

Feel free to add other ingredients like diced apples, cucumbers, or any nuts you prefer!

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Yes! Just skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and you’ll have a delicious vegan salad.

Final Thoughts

The Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts is a refreshing dish that redefines how we think about celery. Its crunchy texture paired with sweet dates and creamy feta makes it versatile enough for lunch or as a side dish. Don’t hesitate to customize it further by adding your favorite nuts or fruits!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the delightful crunch and vibrant flavors of Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta, and Nuts—a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make salad features crisp celery paired with naturally sweet Medjool dates and creamy feta cheese, harmoniously balanced with crunchy walnuts or pecans. It’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a nutrient-packed option that will leave you feeling satisfied. Ideal for a light lunch or as a side dish to grilled meats, this salad can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it suitable for busy days when you crave something wholesome yet flavorful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 stalks of celery
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans (coarsely chopped)
• 6 Medjool dates (pitted and roughly chopped)
• ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1 shallot (thinly sliced)
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon white apple vinegar
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the celery by separating leaves from stalks and slicing them thinly.
2. For crispy celery, soak in ice water if wilted, then drain.
3. Toast nuts in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant (2-4 minutes).
4. In a bowl, combine celery, shallot, nuts, dates, feta, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; toss well.
5. Serve immediately as a refreshing side or light meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg