Celery Salad With Mustard Dressing

Name: Celery Salad With Mustard Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh celery, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Eating Creations

I love making refreshing salads that are both simple and flavorful, and this Celery Salad with Mustard Dressing is one of my favorites. The crunch of the celery combined with the tangy mustard dressing creates a delightful texture and taste. It’s a quick dish to prepare and pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. Typically, I enjoy serving it during lunch or as a side for dinner, and the vibrant colors make it an inviting addition to any table.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:19:35.955Z

When I first tried this Celery Salad with Mustard Dressing at a friend's gathering, I was pleasantly surprised by the burst of flavors. The tangy mustard paired with the fresh crunch of celery made it a standout dish. I decided to recreate it at home using a mix of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar which brought a delightful balance to the dressing.

One tip I can share is to let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite more delicious. It's a great way to enjoy a healthy and vibrant dish that complements any meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp texture of fresh celery with a zesty dressing
Very quick to prepare, perfect for busy days
A healthy and crunchy side that pairs well with many dishes

The Role of Celery

Celery is the star of this salad, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. When selecting celery, look for firm and crisp stalks that are bright green. Avoid any that appear wilted or have brown spots. It's that freshness that contributes to the vibrant texture of the dish, ensuring each bite is filled with the desirable crispness.

Additionally, celery provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances well with the tanginess of the mustard dressing. Its high water content also helps keep the salad refreshing, making it an excellent choice for warm weather or as a light accompaniment to heartier meals.

Perfecting the Mustard Dressing

The mustard dressing is where the magic happens, combining sharp, zesty flavors that elevate the entire salad. Dijon mustard not only adds heat but also acts as an emulsifier, helping to combine the oil and vinegar smoothly. When whisking the dressing, aim for a creamy consistency—if it appears too thin, add an extra teaspoon of mustard to thicken it up.

If you're a fan of a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing. For a creamier option, substituting half of the olive oil with Greek yogurt or sour cream can create a richer dressing while keeping it healthy.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Celery Salad with Mustard Dressing is quite versatile and can be served in many ways. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch, or serve it alongside heavier mains, such as roasted meats. You can also use it as a topping for sandwiches or wraps, adding a refreshing crunch to each bite.

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, to maintain the crunchy texture, consider storing the dressing separately and combining it just before serving. This will help prevent the celery from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your salad shine:

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh celery, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Mustard Dressing

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and chop the celery into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and chop the parsley. Combine all these vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the celery mixture and toss gently to coat. Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, consider adding sliced almonds or walnuts to the salad. You can also experiment with different mustard varieties for a unique flavor experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a different flavor profile, you can easily swap celery for other crunchy vegetables such as jicama or cucumber. Both will introduce unique flavors while providing the desired crunch. Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with diced bell peppers for a sweeter taste or sliced radishes for a peppery kick.

To adjust the salad for dietary needs, using a gluten-free mustard ensures it caters to those who are sensitive to gluten. Alternatively, for a vegan dressing, substitute honey in the mustard dressing with maple syrup, maintaining the sweetness without compromising the flavor.

Prep and Make-Ahead Tips

To save time, prep the celery and other ingredients in advance. You can chop the vegetables a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows you to whip up the salad quickly when you're ready to serve it.

The mustard dressing can also be made ahead of time; it lasts well in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to give it a good shake or whisk before using it again, as the ingredients may separate during storage.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately a day ahead. Just combine them right before serving for the freshest taste.

→ What can I substitute for celery?

You can try using cucumber or jicama for a different crunch, although the flavor will vary.

→ Is this salad vegan?

Absolutely! All ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based.

→ Can I add protein to this salad?

Certainly! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even tofu would complement the salad well.