Celery Salad With Mustard Dressing

Name: Celery Salad With Mustard Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large stalks of celery, sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 small apple, diced (optional); A handful of chopped parsley; 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light Planning

I absolutely love this Celery Salad with Mustard Dressing! The combination of crisp celery and zesty mustard creates a refreshing dish that's perfect for any meal. I remember when I first stumbled upon this recipe; I was looking for something light yet flavorful. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal side dish for gatherings or a simple lunch. The tangy dressing really elevates the salad, and it's easy to adjust according to your taste preferences. Give it a try—I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:45:35.166Z

I’ve made this Celery Salad with Mustard Dressing countless times, and it never fails to impress. One of the things I love about it is how the crunch of the celery complements the creamy, tangy dressing. When I want to elevate the flavor, I add a pinch of fresh herbs—basil or dill work wonderfully! It’s a simple twist that makes a big difference.

This recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can substitute vinegar types or even add chopped apples or nuts for added texture and taste. Each time I tweak the ingredients, I discover new flavors to enjoy. It’s a versatile salad that continues to surprise me!

Why You'll Love This Salad
Crisp and refreshing with a tangy dressing that wakes up your palate
Simple ingredients come together for a quick dish any time of year
Versatile enough to be a side or a light meal on its own

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Celery Salad is undoubtedly the fresh celery, which provides a delightful crunch and a subtle earthiness. I recommend selecting firm, bright green stalks, as they tend to be the most flavorful. The red onion adds a mild sweetness and sharpness that balances well with the salty and tangy notes of the dressing. If you're sensitive to raw onion, soaking the slices in cold water for a few minutes can help soften their bite.

The optional apple not only introduces a hint of sweetness but also a nice texture contrast to the crisp celery. Choose a tart apple like Granny Smith for a complementary balance to the mustard dressing. The chopped parsley brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note, enhancing the overall flavor profile of this simple salad.

Perfecting the Dressing

Making the mustard dressing is a crucial step that can elevate your salad from good to great. Whisk the Dijon mustard with apple cider vinegar, honey, and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified, creating a glossy finish. This emulsion helps the dressing cling to the salad components, ensuring a flavorful bite every time. You can adjust the honey or maple syrup according to your desired sweetness; a touch more will mellow out the sharpness of the mustard.

The seasoning of salt and pepper is vital in this dressing. It enhances the existing flavors and brings the dish together. Consider tasting the dressing before you add it to the salad; a bit more vinegar can add a lively tang, especially if you enjoy a punchy flavor. Remember, the flavor will meld further when the salad is allowed to rest, making it even more delicious.

Serving and Storage Tips

For the best flavor experience, serve the salad immediately after combining it with the dressing. However, letting it chill in the refrigerator for up to 10 minutes can really help the flavors meld together, making each bite even more satisfying. If you prefer to prepare it in advance, you can store the salad in an airtight container for up to two days. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve, as the celery may become limp if it sits in the dressing too long.

If you're looking to vary this salad, consider adding roasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and flavor. You can also substitute or add different veggies such as cucumbers for additional freshness or bell peppers for a sweet crunch. I sometimes sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a rich, creamy contrast to the tangy dressing—it’s a delightful addition you might enjoy!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your salad shine:

For the Salad

4 large stalks of celery, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 small apple, diced (optional)
A handful of chopped parsley

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious salad:

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine sliced celery, red onion, and diced apple, if using. Toss gently to mix.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine the Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated. Add chopped parsley for freshness.

Serve

Enjoy your salad right away, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld!

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the fridge for a day or two.

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds. You can also swap in other types of mustard for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Scaling the Recipe

If you're hosting a gathering and need to scale up this recipe, it's quite easy! Simply multiply the quantities of each ingredient by your desired number of servings. The dressing can be made in larger batches without affecting the flavor balance, so feel free to double or triple the amounts. Just remember to keep the proportions consistent; for every three tablespoons of mustard, you’ll need two tablespoons of vinegar and one tablespoon of honey or syrup.

When scaling up, consider the size of your mixing bowl to avoid overcrowding, which can make it difficult to coat everything evenly. If the bowl is too small, it may be beneficial to mix the salad in two separate bowls. This technique ensures each piece of celery gets a fair share of that flavorful dressing, resulting in a well-coated salad.

Common Troubleshooting Issues

If you find the dressing too tangy, adding a touch more honey or maple syrup can help balance the flavors. Conversely, if the dressing is too sweet, a splash of vinegar can bring it back into balance. To create a richer flavor, you can also experiment with adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of garlic powder to the dressing mixture.

Another common issue is limp celery. To remedy this, ensure you are using fresh celery stalks and avoid letting the salad sit too long dressed. If you store leftovers, try refreshing the celery before serving by rinsing it in cold water and letting it chill again in the fridge. This minor step can significantly revive the texture and taste of your salad.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and the dressing separately ahead of time. Combine them just before serving.

→ Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Certainly! Just replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

Feel free to add ingredients like nuts, seeds, or even cheese for a different flavor and texture!

→ How long can I store this salad?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.