Ingredients

8 cups organic celery (about 8 large celery stalks), peeled and sliced thin on a diagonal

1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

2-4 tablespoons celery leaves, chopped

1/3 cup red onion, peeled and sliced thin

Kalamata olives (extra for garnish)

Feta cheese (extra for garnish)

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

3 tablespoons kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

3 tablespoons feta cheese

1 clove garlic, grated on a small hole grater

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse all vegetables under cold water and pat dry with a towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Peel and thinly slice the celery stalks on a diagonal, chop the fresh parsley, basil, and celery leaves, peel and slice the red onion thinly, and halve the cherry tomatoes.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, tomatoes, chopped herbs, celery leaves, red onion, chopped olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 4: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and grated garlic to make the dressing.

Step 5: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat evenly. Add extra kalamata olives and feta cheese on top for garnish if desired.

Step 6: Season the salad with freshly ground black pepper to taste. For well-blended flavors, transfer the salad to a mason jar, seal it, and shake gently before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use celery leaves for added flavor and crunch—they often get discarded but add a fresh herbal note to the salad.

For a tangier dressing, increase the lemon juice slightly or add a splash of red wine vinegar.

Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and nuttiness.

Swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier alternative.

Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but for the freshest texture, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. Toss just before eating to avoid the celery becoming soggy.

Can I use regular celery instead of organic?

Absolutely, regular celery works well. Organic is preferred for fewer pesticides, especially since celery often absorbs chemicals, but washing thoroughly helps if you’re using conventional celery.