Total time
18 min
Servings
6
Calories
267.7
Category
Salads
This Celery Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese is a quick and easy side dish that balances crisp celery, creamy blue cheese, and toasted walnuts in a tangy sherry vinaigrette. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings
- 3/4 shallot
- 1 sherry wine vinegar
- 3/4 walnuts
- 1 celery
- 1/4 olive oil
- 1 blue cheese
- salt
- fresh ground pepper
Method
Combine shallots and vinegar in small bowl and set aside.
Toast walnuts on baking sheet in 350-degree oven for 8-20 minutes or over medium heat for 3-5 minutes in small skillet. When walnuts become fragrant, remove from heat. Do not scorch walnuts. Set aside.
Slice celery on bias, making exaggerated V-shaped pieces. Place in large serving bowl.
Whisk together shallots, vinegar and oil in small bowl. (Do not add salt and pepper at this time; many blue cheeses are very salty.).
Coarsely chop walnuts and add to celery.
Pour over 1/2 to 2/3 of dressing and toss to coat well. Add more dressing as needed; salad should be moistened, but there shouldn't be leftover dressing in bottom of bowl.
Add blue cheese and toss lightly to combine. Taste and add salt, if needed, and pepper to taste.
Cook's notes
- Toast walnuts just until fragrant to avoid scorching.
- Slice celery on a bias into V-shaped pieces for better dressing adhesion.
- Taste before adding salt, as blue cheese can be very salty.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy salad.
Easy swaps
- Instead of sherry wine vinegar, use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Instead of blue cheese, use feta or goat cheese
- Instead of walnuts, use pecans or almonds
Frequently asked
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add the dressing and cheese just before serving to keep the celery crunchy.
What type of blue cheese works best?
A creamy, crumbly blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort adds great flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
