Celery Salad with Goat Cheese

Name: Celery Salad with Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups celery, thinly sliced; 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1 cup apples, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh & Wholesome Recipes

I absolutely love making this Celery Salad with Goat Cheese whenever I want a refreshing and healthy meal. The crunch of the celery paired with the creaminess of the goat cheese creates a beautiful balance of textures. I usually toss in some walnuts for an extra crunch, and I find that a simple lemon vinaigrette elevates the flavors perfectly. This salad is not only quick to prepare, but it's also light enough to enjoy on a warm day or as a side dish for dinner.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-29T11:52:49.685Z

When I first stumbled upon celery salad with goat cheese, I was skeptical. However, after preparing it for the first time, I quickly fell in love. The crisp celery melds beautifully with the tangy goat cheese, creating a surprisingly delightful dish. Adding thinly sliced apples gives a sweet crunch that complements the creaminess, and it has become a staple in my kitchen.

I experimented with different dressings, but a zesty lemon vinaigrette is my go-to. The acidity brightens the entire salad, making it perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side at dinner. I also love adding some chopped herbs, which really enhances the freshness of the dish!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crisp texture from fresh celery and walnuts.
Tangy goat cheese adds a delicious creaminess.
Quick and easy preparation makes it perfect for last-minute meals.

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Celery is the star of this salad, providing not only a satisfying crunch but also a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy goat cheese. When selecting celery, look for firm, crisp stalks with vibrant green color to ensure maximum freshness. Avoid any that have wilted or brown edges, as they may affect the texture and taste of your salad.

Goat cheese adds a delightful tangy creaminess that contrasts with the crunch of celery. If you're unable to find goat cheese, feta is a suitable substitute, though it has a saltier flavor. I recommend using a soft variety of cheese for the best melding with the other ingredients in the salad. Crumbling the cheese by hand ensures that the texture remains light and airy.

Perfecting the Vinaigrette

A good vinaigrette is essential for enhancing the flavors of your salad. When preparing the lemon vinaigrette, whisk the ingredients together until they emulsify, creating a glossy dressing that will beautifully coat your salad. You can adjust the acidity by adding more lemon juice or sweetness by increasing the honey, depending on your taste preferences. Aim for a balanced flavor that complements the ingredients rather than overwhelms them.

One key to a successful vinaigrette is to add salt and pepper gradually. Start with a pinch, taste, and then adjust accordingly. This will help you avoid oversalting the mixture and allow each component of the dressing to shine through. Additionally, if you're in a pinch, you can make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days—just give it a good shake before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Celery Salad with Goat Cheese makes for a perfect light lunch or a refreshing side dish at dinner. To elevate the presentation, serve it on a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled chicken for added protein. For those looking for a heartier salad, consider adding cooked quinoa or farro, which will give the dish a pleasant chewiness while still keeping the overall lightness intact.

If you're looking to switch things up, feel free to experiment with other ingredients. Pears or grapes can offer a sweet contrast to the salty goat cheese, while different nuts like pecans or almonds will provide varied textures. If you have any leftover salad, it stores well in the fridge, but to keep the walnuts crispy and the salad fresh, store the vinaigrette separately until you're ready to eat.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Celery Salad with Goat Cheese:

Salad Ingredients

4 cups celery, thinly sliced
1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup apples, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped

Lemon Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to choose fresh, crispy celery for the best flavor and texture!

Instructions

Follow these instructions to create your salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and thinly slice the celery, apples, and herbs. In a bowl, combine the sliced celery, apples, crumbled goat cheese, chopped walnuts, and herbs.

Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch.

Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious salad!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this salad by adding your favorite nuts or other seasonal fruits for variation.

Storage Tips

To keep your Celery Salad fresh, it's best to prepare it just before serving, as the celery can become limp over time. If you need to make it ahead, consider storing the ingredients separately. Place the chopped celery, apples, and herbs in an airtight container, and store the goat cheese and walnuts in another. The vinaigrette can be mixed and stored in a jar, ready to shake and drizzle just before serving.

If you do have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container. However, consume within one to two days for optimal texture and taste. Keep in mind that the apples may brown slightly but can be refreshed with a squeeze of lemon juice when ready to eat.

Dietary Considerations

For a vegan version of this salad, you can substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese or simply omit the cheese altogether. The crunchiness from the celery and walnuts will still provide a satisfying bite, while you can enhance the creaminess by adding a dollop of avocado or a spoonful of tahini mixed into your vinaigrette.

If you're looking to lower the calorie content, consider reducing the amounts of cheese or nuts slightly, as both ingredients are delicious but also calorie-dense. Adjusting the ratios can help accommodate different dietary needs while still ensuring that the salad remains flavorful and enjoyable.

Flavor Pairings

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of protein options—grilled salmon or chicken are excellent choices, offering a savory contrast to the tangy salad. For vegetarian options, try serving it with chickpea patties or a hearty vegetable soup, both of which will complement the freshness of the salad without overwhelming it.

I've found that serving this salad with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the overall dining experience. The wine's acidity marries well with the lemon vinaigrette and the tang of the goat cheese, creating a refreshing contrast that elevates the meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best to prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the celery.

→ What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Feta cheese is a great alternative if you're not a fan of goat cheese.

→ How long does this salad last in the fridge?

The salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.

→ Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! Almonds or pecans would work wonderfully in this salad.