Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese Delight
This Refreshing Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese Delight is the perfect accompaniment for any summer meal. The crisp texture of celery complemented by the rich, earthy flavor of toasted walnuts and tangy blue cheese creates a delightful mix that is both satisfying and nourishing. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or simply as a light lunch, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch. Featuring a dressing infused with shallots and sherry wine vinegar, each bite is bursting with flavor. Make this salad ahead of time and let the flavors meld for an even more tantalizing experience.
6
Servings
100
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
shallot
3/4 teaspoon (minced)
sherry wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
walnuts
3/4 cup (toasted)
celery
1 bunch (bottoms and tops trimmed, sliced on bias)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
blue cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the minced shallots and sherry wine vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the shallots to soften and infuse the vinegar.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts onto a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until fragrant. Alternatively, to toast in a skillet, heat over medium heat and cook the walnuts for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and allow to cool.
3
Prepare the celery by trimming the bottoms and leafy tops, then slice it on a bias into V-shaped pieces to enhance the texture. Transfer the sliced celery to a large serving bowl.
4
In the small bowl with the shallots, whisk together the sherry vinegar and olive oil to create the dressing. Avoid adding salt and pepper at this stage, as the blue cheese will contribute its own saltiness.
5
Roughly chop the cooled walnuts and add them to the bowl of celery.
6
Drizzle about half to two-thirds of the prepared dressing over the celery and walnuts. Toss the mixture gently to ensure all ingredients are well-coated. The salad should be moist but not swimming in dressing.
7
Crumble the blue cheese over the salad, tossing lightly to combine. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, if needed.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
4g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crunchy Celery and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese Delight?
It is a refreshing salad featuring crisp celery, toasted walnuts, and tangy blue cheese, served with a shallot and sherry vinegar dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made from minced shallots, sherry wine vinegar, and olive oil.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
There are 9g of fat per serving.
How do I prepare the celery for this salad?
Trim the bottoms and leafy tops, then slice the celery on a bias into V-shaped pieces to enhance the texture.
How do I toast walnuts in the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the walnuts on a baking sheet, and toast for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant.
Can I toast the walnuts in a skillet?
Yes, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the walnuts for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
What kind of vinegar is recommended for this recipe?
Sherry wine vinegar is recommended for this salad.
Why should I let the shallots sit in the vinegar?
Letting them sit for a few minutes allows the shallots to soften and infuse the vinegar with their flavor.
How much blue cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Why shouldn't I add salt and pepper to the dressing immediately?
You should avoid adding salt early because the blue cheese contributes significant saltiness; it is better to adjust at the end.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld for a more tantalizing experience.
What is the protein content of this salad?
Each serving contains 3g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 4g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this salad considered a healthy dish?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing and healthy salad.
When should I add the blue cheese to the salad?
Crumble the blue cheese over the salad after the celery and walnuts have been tossed with the dressing.
How much dressing should I apply to the salad?
Use about half to two-thirds of the prepared dressing; the salad should be moist but not swimming in it.
What kind of occasions is this salad suitable for?
It is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or simply as a light lunch.
Should the walnuts be chopped before or after toasting?
Toast the walnuts first, allow them to cool, and then roughly chop them.
What is the texture of the celery in this salad?
The celery provides a crisp and crunchy texture.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
The tags include salad, celery, walnuts, blue cheese, vegetarian, summer dish, refreshing, and healthy.
How many shallots are needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 teaspoon of minced shallot.
What flavor does the blue cheese provide?
It adds a tangy and rich flavor that complements the earthy walnuts and fresh celery.
Are there any dietary fiber or sugar details available?
Currently, fiber and sugar nutritional data are not specified for this recipe.
Is the celery bunch used entirely?
One bunch of celery is used, but the bottoms and leafy tops are trimmed off.
How do you combine the dressing and the salad components?
Toss the celery and walnuts with the dressing gently to ensure even coating before adding the cheese.
What type of pepper is best for seasoning this salad?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.