Celery Salad With Tahini
Highlighted under: Clean Eating Kitchen
When I first paired celery with tahini, I was pleasantly surprised by how these two ingredients come together to create a unique salad. The crunchiness of the celery perfectly complements the creamy and nutty flavor of tahini, making every bite refreshing yet satisfying. I love how quick and easy this recipe is, allowing me to whip up a delicious side dish in just 10 minutes. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, particularly for those busy weeknight dinners.
Every time I prepare this celery salad with tahini, I’m reminded of how simplicity can create such bold flavors. The first time I served this to friends, they were amazed at how something so easy could taste so delicious. The secret lies in the quality of tahini you choose – go for a fresh, creamy version for the best results.
Plus, I always add a bit of lemon juice to brighten the salad up, which balances the nuttiness of tahini beautifully. This dish has become a go-to for potlucks and gatherings, where it never fails to impress!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crisp celery provides a satisfying crunch in every bite
- Rich tahini dressing brings a creamy and nutty flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknight meals
- Nutritious and low in calories, perfect for healthy eating
Understanding Ingredients
The main star of this salad is the crisp celery, which adds a refreshing crunch that balances beautifully with the tahini dressing. Celery is not only low in calories but also contains vitamin K and other essential nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to your meal. When selecting celery, look for firm stalks with bright green leaves, as this indicates freshness and optimal flavor.
Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, introduces a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the celery's crunch. It's essential to choose a high-quality tahini, as it can significantly impact the taste. A well-blended tahini should be smooth and pourable—give it a good stir before using, as it often separates in the jar.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This dish is versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing. You could also incorporate other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or grated carrots for added color and flavor. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing starter with pita chips.
If you're prepping ahead, feel free to make the tahini dressing a day in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge; it should hold well and even become thicker for deeper flavor. When ready to serve, simply toss the dressing with fresh celery to revive its texture.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for your delicious celery salad with tahini:
Ingredients
- 4 cups celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to assemble the salad!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your celery salad with tahini:
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery with the tahini dressing. Toss well to ensure all the celery is evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately or chill for a bit to enhance the flavors.
Enjoy your fresh and crunchy celery salad with tahini as a side dish or a light lunch!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds on top for a delightful crunch.
Tips for Perfect Preparation
When preparing the celery, ensure you wash and dry the stalks thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces not only makes for easier eating but also allows for more even distribution of the tahini dressing. Aim for uniform pieces, about 1 to 2 inches long, to create a cohesive texture throughout the salad.
While whisking the tahini dressing, don't hesitate to adjust the consistency to your liking. If the dressing feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water or additional lemon juice to make it more pourable. Conversely, if it's too runny, a bit more tahini can help thicken it back up.
Storage and Make-Ahead
This Celery Salad with Tahini is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for about 2-3 days, but keep in mind that the celery may lose some of its crunch over time. If you're meal prepping, consider keeping the dressing separate until you're ready to serve for the best texture.
For freezing, it's not recommended due to the change in texture that celery undergoes when frozen. However, if you're looking to reduce prep time, you can chop the celery in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to keep it in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
→ Is tahini a healthy ingredient?
Absolutely! Tahini is packed with nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.
→ What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
Feel free to include other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added texture and flavor.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Celery Salad With Tahini
When I first paired celery with tahini, I was pleasantly surprised by how these two ingredients come together to create a unique salad. The crunchiness of the celery perfectly complements the creamy and nutty flavor of tahini, making every bite refreshing yet satisfying. I love how quick and easy this recipe is, allowing me to whip up a delicious side dish in just 10 minutes. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, particularly for those busy weeknight dinners.
Created by: Madison Cole
Recipe Type: Clean Eating Kitchen
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 cups celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery with the tahini dressing. Toss well to ensure all the celery is evenly coated.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately or chill for a bit to enhance the flavors.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds on top for a delightful crunch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g