Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing

Name: Celery Salad With Yogurt Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, chopped; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, grated; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Ideas

I love whipping up refreshing salads, and this Celery Salad with Yogurt Dressing has become one of my go-to recipes. The crunch of fresh celery, combined with the creamy, tangy yogurt dressing, creates a delightful balance that I just can't resist. Whether serving it as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare. I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to make a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. It's one of those recipes that feels like a treat, despite being packed with goodness.

Created by

Maribel Sutton

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:09:34.497Z

When I first made this Celery Salad with Yogurt Dressing, I was unsure about how a simple salad could pack so much flavor. The recipe came together quickly, thanks to the freshness of the celery and the easy-to-make dressing. I experimented with different herbs and spices, eventually opting for dill and lemon zest, which elevated the taste to a whole new level.

What I found fascinating is the versatility of this salad. You can adjust the acidity by adding more or less lemon juice, or even toss in some nuts for crunch. It’s perfect for summer picnics or weeknight dinners. Plus, it holds up well in the refrigerator for a day, making it a great make-ahead option!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crunchy texture of fresh celery for a satisfying bite
Light and creamy yogurt dressing that’s both tangy and refreshing
Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep or gatherings

Choosing the Right Celery

When selecting celery for your salad, look for stalks that are firm and crisp, with vibrant green leaves. The fresher the celery, the greater the crunch and flavor you'll achieve. Avoid bruised or wilted stalks, as these can lead to a mushy texture in your salad. If you want to enhance the salad’s flavor, you can also consider using organic celery, which often has a more pronounced taste due to the absence of pesticides.

For a pleasing presentation, try to choose celery with varying widths. Thinner stalks tend to be more tender, while thicker ones provide that satisfying crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different varieties of celery, like the sweet and mild Pink Celery or the more intense-flavored Pascal Celery, to elevate the dish with unique tastes.

Perfecting Your Yogurt Dressing

The yogurt dressing in this recipe is not only creamy but also serves as the perfect medium to bring together the flavors of the crunchy vegetables. To get that desired smooth consistency, be sure to whisk the ingredients vigorously until fully blended, as this helps to incorporate air and create a light dressing. If you want a thinner dressing, you can gradually add a splash of water or additional lemon juice until you reach your preferred consistency.

Adjusting the seasoning is key for a balanced dressing. I recommend tasting the dressing as you go, adjusting the salt and pepper while keeping in mind that the vegetables will also add their own natural flavors. For extra zing, consider adding a pinch of paprika or a dash of garlic powder, which can elevate the dressing's complexity without overpowering the key ingredients.

Make-Ahead Tips and Serving Suggestions

This Celery Salad with Yogurt Dressing is ideal for meal prep, as it tastes even better after sitting for a while. If you're preparing it in advance, consider storing the salad and dressing separately. This will maintain the crunch of the veggies until just before serving. The salad can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, but be wary of over-marinating, which could lead to sogginess. Simply combine everything right before you're ready to serve.

To enhance the salad further, you can add variations like sliced apples or toasted walnuts for extra texture and flavor. These additions not only introduce delightful contrasts to the crunch of celery but also elevate nutritional value. If you're serving this as a light lunch, pairing it with whole-grain crackers or using it as a filling for a wrap can make for a more substantial meal.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to whip up your Celery Salad with Yogurt Dressing:

Salad Ingredients

4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 carrot, grated
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped

Yogurt Dressing Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure 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 the chopped celery, sliced red onion, grated carrot, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped dill.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine and Serve

Pour the yogurt dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the vegetables. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add some nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition. Toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds work beautifully with this salad.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover salad, storing it correctly is essential to keep it fresh. Place the salad in an airtight container, ensuring to leave out any additional dressing if it hasn’t been used. This will prevent the celery from wilting. Leftovers can usually be enjoyed for about 1-2 days in the fridge, but for the best texture and taste, aim to consume them within a day.

If the salad has already been dressed, it may not keep as well. In that case, consider using the leftovers in a wrap or serving it alongside grilled proteins for a different meal experience the next day. Just a quick toss with some fresh greens can liven it up, too.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

If you’re looking to make this salad dairy-free, you can easily substitute the plain yogurt with a plant-based yogurt option, such as coconut or almond yogurt. Just ensure that they are unsweetened to keep the dressing balanced. For a vegan version, remember to swap the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, both of which provide a great natural sweetness.

For those monitoring their sodium intake, you can also omit the salt entirely, particularly if you're using seasoned yogurts or if the celery is already salty in flavor. This allows the fresh ingredients to shine through while tailoring the recipe to fit your health goals.

Adding Extra Flavor

To pack in more flavors, consider adding ingredients like capers or olives to the salad. These ingredients introduce a briny kick that complements the creaminess of the yogurt dressing beautifully. A sprinkle of toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds on top can provide an added crunch and nutrition.

Herbs like parsley or cilantro can also be added for a fresh burst, offering a fragrant element that brightens the overall dish. Trust your palate and feel free to customize based on what you have on hand; this salad is wonderfully adaptable to your taste preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat yogurt for the dressing?

Yes, low-fat yogurt can be used as a healthier option. It will still provide a creamy texture.

→ How long can I store this salad?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the celery might lose its crunch over time.

→ What can I substitute for celery?

Cucumber or bell peppers can be used as a substitute for celery for a different flavor and texture.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It holds up well and is great to pack for lunches throughout the week.