Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

A delicious and refreshing Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts will transform your view of celery. This vibrant dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive gatherings. Its unique combination of sweet Medjool dates, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy nuts creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With a quick prep time of just 10 minutes, this salad is simple enough for any skill level.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet dates and creamy feta adds a unique twist to traditional salads.
• Versatile Dish: This salad works as a side for grilled meats or a light lunch on its own.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fiber from celery and dates, it’s a nutritious addition to your meals.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing this salad even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Tea towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Skillet: Toasting nuts in a skillet enhances their flavor, making them even more delicious in the salad.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Fresh Produce

• 10 Stalks of Celery
• 1 Shallot (sliced thin)
• Juice from 1 Lemon

Sweet Additions

• 6 Medjool Dates (pitted and roughly chopped)

Cheese

• ½ cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)

Nuts

• ½ cup Walnuts or Pecans (coarsely chopped)

Condiments

• 1 Tablespoon White Apple Vinegar
• ¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Seasonings

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

Step 2: Toast the Nuts

1. Warm walnuts or pecans in a medium skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir frequently until they become fragrant and toasted, about 2–4 minutes.
3. Note: If preparing ahead, store the nuts separately until serving to keep them crunchy.

Step 3: 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; toss well to combine.

Step 4: Serve

1. Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve family-style in the bowl.
2. Enjoy your refreshing Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts!

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

Serving your Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts can elevate your meal and impress your guests. This vibrant salad can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

As a Standalone Lunch

• A refreshing option for lunch that is both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a light meal on its own.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken for a protein boost. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the salad over mixed greens for added texture and a colorful presentation. This adds variety to your plate.

As Part of a Buffet Spread

• Include it in a buffet or potluck spread. Its unique combination of flavors will stand out among other dishes.

With Whole Grain Bread

• Enjoy alongside slices of whole grain bread or pita. This adds heartiness to your meal while keeping it balanced.

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

To make the most out of your Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh celery and ripe Medjool dates to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the salad.
• Toast the Nuts: Toasting walnuts or pecans before adding them can bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your salad after mixing it together. Adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for optimal flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Store Separately: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, store the nuts separately to maintain their crunch until serving time.

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

This salad pairs well with many side dishes that complement its fresh ingredients. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Vegetable Platter: Assorted grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil enhance the fresh flavors of the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds protein and texture while remaining light and healthy.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a delicious contrast in flavor, making them an excellent accompaniment.
4. Hummus and Veggie Sticks: A platter of hummus paired with crunchy vegetable sticks offers an easy-to-prepare appetizer option.
5. Baked Falafel: These chickpea patties add a hearty element that pairs nicely without overpowering the salad’s freshness.
6. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with herbs complements the main dish while adding another layer of flavor.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with rice or grains create a visually appealing addition to any meal.
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can serve as a sweet contrast to the savory elements in your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Using wilted celery – Wilted celery can ruin the salad’s texture. Always choose fresh, crisp stalks or revive wilted ones in ice water before use.
• Overloading on dressing – Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with less, and add more as needed after tossing.
• Not toasting nuts – Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and crunch. Take a moment to toast them in a skillet before adding them to the salad.
• Forgetting seasonings – Salt and pepper elevate the taste of the salad. Don’t skip these essential seasonings; they bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
• Chopping ingredients unevenly – Uniform chopping ensures every bite is balanced. Take time to chop ingredients like celery, dates, and shallots evenly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed within 24 hours.

Freezing Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

• Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of celery and feta cheese.
• If you must freeze, store only the nuts separately.

Reheating Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a baking dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until warm.
• Stovetop – Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts:

Can I substitute feta cheese?

Yes! You can use crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.

How can I customize my Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts?

Feel free to add other ingredients like diced apples, dried cranberries, or different nuts for variety.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep but store the nuts separately until serving to keep them crunchy.

What should I serve with this salad?

This refreshing salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch or dinner option.

Final Thoughts

The Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta and Nuts is a refreshing blend of flavors that delights your palate while being easy to prepare. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences. Try adding different fruits or cheeses to make it your own!

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: Amelia
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Revitalize your lunch routine with this refreshing Celery Chopped Salad with Dates, Feta, and Nuts. This vibrant dish marries the crispness of fresh celery with the sweetness of Medjool dates and the tang of crumbled feta cheese, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Ideal for any occasion—whether as a light standalone lunch or a side for grilled meats—this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this colorful salad that promises to impress your taste buds and those of your guests alike!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 stalks of celery
• 1 shallot (thinly sliced)
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 6 Medjool dates (pitted and chopped)
• ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans (coarsely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon white apple vinegar
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the celery by slicing stalks thinly and chopping leaves. Soak in ice water if wilted for added crispiness.
2. Toast the walnuts or pecans in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant (2–4 minutes).
3. In a medium bowl, combine sliced celery, shallot, toasted nuts, chopped dates, crumbled feta, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper; toss well.
4. Serve immediately on individual plates or family-style.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg