Celery Salad with Feta

Name: Celery Salad with Feta
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh celery, chopped; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh

I absolutely love making this Celery Salad with Feta—it’s my go-to dish for a refreshing side or light meal. The crispness of fresh celery paired with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese creates a delightful combination. This salad comes together in just a few minutes and is perfect for sunny days or gatherings. I enjoy adding a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs to elevate the flavors. It's a quick and energizing option that never fails to impress!

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-01-30T01:19:32.200Z

When I first experimented with this Celery Salad with Feta, I didn’t expect it to become one of my favorites. The vibrant colors and differing textures create an inviting dish. I found that using freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite refreshing and bright.

Another detail that stood out to me was the contrast between the crunchy celery and the creamy feta. I also love serving it chilled—after sitting in the fridge for a bit, the flavors meld together beautifully, making it an even more delightful meal option. Trust me, you’ll be coming back to this recipe!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp and refreshing flavors that awaken the palate
Creamy feta that adds a savory depth to each bite
Quick preparation, making it perfect for weeknight dinners

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh celery is the star of this salad, offering a delightful crunch that serves as the base for the dish. When selecting celery, look for bright green stalks with firm, crisp texture. Avoid any that appear wilted or discolored. The celery not only adds texture but also provides a subtle, refreshing flavor that balances beautifully with the tangy feta.

Feta cheese contributes a rich creaminess that elevates the salad's overall flavor. Opt for a block of feta rather than crumbled; it tends to have a fresher taste and better texture. Crumble it yourself just before adding it to the salad to achieve variations in size, allowing some to melt slightly while others retain their shape, creating an appealing contrast.

Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity that complements the earthiness of the celery and feta. Choose tomatoes that are vibrantly colored and slightly firm to the touch. If cherry tomatoes are not available, consider using grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes. These ingredients are essential for creating a balanced flavor profile.

Serving and Variations

This Celery Salad with Feta is incredibly versatile and can be served on its own or as a side to complement grilled meats or fish. For a heartier version, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas. Both options will provide a protein boost, making this salad suitable for a light lunch or dinner. Additionally, if you're hosting a gathering, serve it alongside a platter of assorted cheeses to create a refreshing counterpoint.

To enhance the salad's flavor further, try adding toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and depth. A sprinkle of sunflower seeds could also introduce a delightful nutty flavor. If you're in the mood for more herbs, fresh mint or basil would pair nicely with the existing parsley and give a new twist to this classic salad.

If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad can last for up to two days, but the texture will be best enjoyed within the first day.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for your salad:

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh celery, chopped
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all these ingredients to create a harmonious salad!

Instructions

Here's how to prepare your salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by washing and chopping the celery into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Lastly, chop the fresh parsley finely. This preparation makes assembly easy.

Mix the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss everything together gently to ensure even distribution.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the lemon juice over the salad mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss again to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.

Serve

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing salad!

Pro Tips

For added crunch, consider including sliced almonds or sunflower seeds. You can also vary the cheese by trying goat cheese for a different flavor dimension.

Preparation Tips

To streamline preparation, consider using pre-washed and chopped celery if you're short on time. This saves not only the effort of washing but also the risk of introducing contaminants. Always taste your vegetables after chopping; a quick nibble can reveal if they’re fresh or need more seasoning in the final product.

When assembling the salad, be gentle while mixing. This approach prevents the feta from becoming too crumbled and allows for larger pockets of flavor throughout the salad. I find that using a pair of serving tongs makes it easy to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients without damaging the delicate tomatoes or feta.

If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can substitute lime juice for a slightly different twist. Additionally, consider using infused olive oil, like garlic or herb-infused varieties, to enhance the depth of flavor with minimal effort.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your celery is too tough or stringy, opt for younger celery stalks which are typically more tender. Alternatively, peeling the outer layer of thick stalks with a vegetable peeler can make them easier to chew. This small adjustment can significantly improve the salad’s overall texture.

To prevent the salad from becoming watery, avoid adding too much dressing. Start with less than you think you'll need; you can always add more after giving the salad a good toss. This helps maintain that crunchiness and prevents the salad from becoming a soggy mess.

Lastly, if you've made the salad ahead of time and find the flavors muted, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt just before serving can brighten up the dish immensely, restoring vibrancy to the flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad a day in advance?

Yes, but for the best texture, it's recommended to add the feta just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soggy.

→ What other vegetables can I add to this salad?

You can include bell peppers, cucumber, or even avocado for added flavor and nutrition.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free!

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.