Zesty Celery & Parmesan Salad Recipe: Ina Garten’s Fresh Twist
Fresh, crisp greens dance with nutty Parmesan in this Ina Garten celery & Parmesan salad recipe that promises a delightful crunch in every bite.
The elegant simplicity of her approach turns humble celery into a star ingredient.
Shaved Parmesan adds a rich, salty depth that complements the vegetable’s natural freshness.
Light and refreshing, this salad serves as a perfect side dish or standalone light meal.
Garten’s recipe proves that sometimes the most straightforward combinations create the most memorable flavors.
The clean, bright notes will awaken your palate and leave you wanting more.
Get ready to fall in love with a salad that’s anything but ordinary.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 330 kcal
Servings: 6
Ingredients in Ina Garten Celery & Parmesan Salad
For The Dressing:
Olive Oil: Provides a silky base that helps blend flavors and carry the seasonings smoothly.
Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes and enhances the overall freshness of the salad.
Lemon Juice: Brings tangy acidity that cuts through the richness and balances the dish.
Shallots: Delivers a subtle, refined onion flavor with less sharp bite than regular onions.
Celery Seed, Celery Salt: Intensifies the celery's natural earthy and slightly peppery essence.
Anchovy Paste: Introduces a deep, umami complexity without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that amplify and harmonize all the flavors.
For The Salad Base:
Celery: The star ingredient with crisp texture and clean, refreshing taste that defines the salad.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and creamy richness when shaved over the salad.
For Garnish and Crunch:
Walnuts: Provides a toasty, earthy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the celery's lightness.
Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, herbal note and vibrant green color to the final presentation.
Prep Tools for Ina Garten Celery & Parmesan Salad
Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing and marinating celery.
Vegetable peeler: Needed to create delicate Parmesan shavings.
Cutting board: For slicing celery and chopping herbs.
Sharp knife: To slice celery precisely and chop parsley.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
Platter: Serves as the final presentation dish for the salad.
Making Ina Garten Celery & Parmesan Salad at Home
Zesty Celery Sensation
Flavor Foundations Whip up a tangy dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Blend together olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced shallots, and a splash of anchovy paste for a punch of excitement.
Celery Transformation Slice crisp celery into elegant, thin pieces that will absorb the vibrant dressing like a flavor sponge. Let the celery sit and soak up the citrusy goodness.
Marination Magic Allow the celery to rest in the refrigerator, letting the dressing work its enchantment. This quiet time develops deep, complex flavors that will surprise and delight.
Elegant Finale Arrange the glistening celery on a beautiful platter. Generously shower with delicate Parmesan shavings, sprinkle crunchy toasted walnuts, and finish with fresh parsley leaves. Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that will make your guests swoon.
Additions & Tips for Ina Garten Celery & Parmesan Salad
Expert Celery & Parmesan Tips
Swap walnuts with toasted pine nuts or almonds for a different nutty profile that adds exciting texture and flavor complexity.
Prepare the dressing and marinate celery up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to develop deeper and more intensely throughout refrigeration.
Replace Parmesan with aged pecorino or sharp asiago for a slightly different tangy cheese experience that complements the celery's crisp nature.
Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon instead of parsley to introduce unexpected aromatic dimensions to the salad.
Transform this side dish into a light lunch by adding grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or thinly sliced prosciutto for extra substance and protein.
How to Serve Ina Garten Celery & Parmesan Salad
Elevate Your Salad Experience: Pair this vibrant celery and Parmesan salad with grilled chicken or fish for a light, refreshing meal that's bursting with flavor.
Entertaining Elegance: Serve as an impressive side dish at dinner parties, creating a sophisticated starter that will wow your guests with its crisp texture and zesty dressing.
Brunch Brilliance: Include this salad alongside quiche, frittata, or eggs Benedict for a bright, crunchy complement that adds freshness to your weekend brunch spread.
Quick Lunch Upgrade: Transform a simple sandwich or wrap into a gourmet lunch by adding this salad as a delightful side, bringing excitement and crunch to your midday meal.
Storing Ina Garten Celery & Parmesan Salad the Right Way
Refrigerate Smartly: Keep the dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The celery might lose some crispness but will still taste delicious.
Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop celery and make dressing 24 hours before serving to enhance flavor depth. Store components separately until final assembly.
Maximize Freshness: Avoid adding Parmesan and nuts until just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent sogginess.
Smart Storing Technique: Separate liquid dressing from vegetables in sealed containers. When ready to enjoy, toss together for maximum crunch and vibrant taste.
Ina Garten’s celery and parmesan salad combines crisp vegetables with nutty cheese in a simple yet elegant dish. Refreshing ingredients mingle with tangy dressing, creating a light side that complements rich main courses perfectly for you to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
5 cups (1200 ml) celery hearts, thinly sliced on an angle, tender leaves included (about 12 stalks)
4 oz (113 g) Parmesan cheese, chunk aged
⅔ cup (160 ml) walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped
Parsley leaves, flat-leaf, whole
½ cup (120 ml) olive oil, good
¼ cup plus 1 tbsp (75 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed (3 lemons)
2 tsp lemon zest, grated
2 tbsps shallots, minced
1 tsp celery seed
½ tsp celery salt
½ tsp anchovy paste
Salt, kosher
Pepper, freshly ground black
Instructions
Dressing Preparation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, shallots, celery seed, celery salt, anchovy paste, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Let the marinade rest for one hour to develop complex flavors.
Celery Preparation: Slice celery into thin pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with salt, ensuring even coating and brightness.
Marinating Process: Fold prepared dressing into seasoned celery, thoroughly coating each piece without oversaturating. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and celery to become crisp.
Plating and Garnishing: Arrange marinated celery on a serving platter. Create delicate Parmesan cheese shavings using a vegetable peeler and scatter generously over the celery. Sprinkle toasted walnuts and fresh parsley leaves for added texture and herbaceous notes.
Final Touches: Finish with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the taste profile. Serve immediately to preserve optimal texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
Marinate with Patience: Let the dressing rest for at least one hour to develop rich, complex flavors that will elevate the entire salad.
Slice Precisely: Cut celery into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even coating and optimal flavor absorption throughout the dish.
Chill and Infuse: Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of one hour, allowing the celery to soak up the marinade and become exceptionally crisp and flavorful.
Finish with Finesse: Add Parmesan shavings, toasted walnuts, and fresh parsley just before serving to maintain maximum texture and visual appeal.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.