Mediterranean Celery Salad with Olives: A Refreshing, Healthy, and Flavorful Recipe
Experience a symphony of flavors and textures with this delightful Mediterranean Celery Salad with Olives. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and salty, bringing together the crisp freshness of arugula and crunchy celery with the robust tang of green and black olives. Sweetened naturally with chopped apricots and Medjool dates, this vibrant salad is then generously tossed in a zesty lemon and herb dressing. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of the Mediterranean diet, offering a truly unique and irresistible combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
This Mediterranean celery salad with its bright lemon herb dressing is an ideal side dish for virtually any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Its refreshing profile complements a wide array of main courses. Furthermore, it’s incredibly versatile. Any leftovers can be easily transformed into a hearty meal salad the following day by simply adding cooked protein such as grilled chicken, a can of albacore tuna, or even some chickpeas for a vegetarian option. This simple addition makes it a convenient and healthy lunch solution.
In my humble opinion, this recipe truly creates the best celery salad you’ll ever taste. It’s not only fun to prepare but also makes an absolutely fantastic potluck contribution. If you’re ever tasked with bringing a salad to a family get-together, this particular celery and olive salad will undoubtedly be a huge hit, earning thumbs up from everyone around the table. Its unique flavor profile and satisfying crunch stand out from more traditional salads. For convenience, you can easily prepare the salad components a few hours in advance and keep the dressing separate. Simply toss it with the dressing just before serving to ensure every ingredient remains perfectly crisp and fresh. Always remember to store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, preserving its vibrant taste and texture.
The inspiration for this exquisite salad first struck me in April of 2021. My dear friend, Ally from Ally’s Kitchen, shared her version on Facebook, and I was instantly captivated. I literally rushed to the store that very day to gather all the ingredients and whip it up. The outcome was phenomenal! As a new year approached, I decided this recipe was the perfect way to kick off 2023, making it my first recipe post of the year. I kept Ally’s original recipe largely intact, with one small but significant tweak: I added a touch of fresh tarragon to the dressing. This addition elevated the flavor profile beautifully, and we absolutely adore it this way.
Seeking more delicious and healthy salad options? Look no further! You might enjoy one of these other fantastic recipes: Apple Chicken Salad, a vibrant Caprese Salad, or this irresistible Chinese Chicken Salad. Each offers a unique culinary adventure!
The Underrated Star: Celery in Salads
Celery – a vegetable that often sparks debate: do you love it or hate it? I once posted about it on social media a few years back, and it truly appears to be one of those foods that evoke strong opinions. As for me, I am unequivocally in the “love it” category! Its crisp texture and subtle, earthy flavor add a wonderful dimension to dishes.
Personally, I genuinely enjoy eating celery and actively seek ways to incorporate it into my diet whenever possible. While it’s largely composed of water, contributing to its refreshing crunch, celery also boasts significant nutritional benefits. It’s a good source of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and contains beneficial flavonoids and phytonutrients. These compounds are crucial for maintaining general health and well-being, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond its health benefits, I find celery to be incredibly versatile. Raw, crisp celery sticks or slices in salads provide a fantastic, refreshing crunch, enhancing the texture of any dish. When cooked, celery imparts a delicate yet distinctive flavor that deepens the taste of various recipes, making it a foundational ingredient in many stews, savory stir-fries, and comforting soups. Don’t discard the leaves either; they are packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for finely chopping into salads or dressings.
Essential Ingredients for Your Mediterranean Celery Salad
For the precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.
For the Salad Base:
- Celery: I recommend using approximately two-thirds of a large bunch of celery, ensuring it’s thinly sliced for optimal crunch. Importantly, do not discard the celery leaves! They are incredibly flavorful and nutritious, perfect for finely chopping and incorporating into the salad, adding an extra layer of freshness. If you happen to have any leftover celery stalks, consider using them to make fresh celery juice – a popular and healthy option for vegetable juice enthusiasts.
- Arugula: My preference is for baby arugula, roughly chopped, which offers a peppery kick that beautifully complements the other ingredients. However, if arugula isn’t your favorite or readily available, fresh spinach or a combination of both can be used as a delicious substitute. For the absolute freshest arugula, I always suggest checking out your local farmers’ markets; the quality there is often unmatched.
- Parsley: Flat-leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley) is my top choice for its robust flavor, but curly parsley will also work perfectly fine. The key is to chop it finely to distribute its fresh, herbaceous notes throughout the salad. Always opt for fresh parsley over dried; dried parsley simply won’t deliver the vibrant taste and aroma essential for this Mediterranean salad.
- Thyme Leaves: Fresh thyme is crucial here. Its delicate, earthy notes are a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine and contribute significantly to the salad’s overall aromatic profile.
- Green Olives with Pimentos: These olives bring a wonderful briny, slightly piquant flavor. Make sure to drain them thoroughly and chop them to bite-sized pieces so their flavor is evenly distributed. I particularly enjoy using Spanish olives as they tend to be larger and offer a subtle, pleasant spice.
- Black Olives: Both canned or jarred black olives are suitable. For convenience, you can purchase them pre-sliced, or slice them yourself. My personal favorite for this recipe is sliced Kalamata olives, which provide a rich, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Apricots: Dried apricots, chopped into small pieces, add a delightful chewiness and a burst of natural sweetness that balances the savory olives. If you find yourself with leftover dried apricots, you simply must try this incredible Cranberry Apricot Oatmeal Cookie recipe – it’s a fantastic way to use them!
- Dates: Sweet dates are a secret weapon in this salad, significantly enhancing its flavor profile with their caramel-like sweetness and soft texture. Any variety of date will work well, but I particularly love using Medjool dates, chopped, for their rich taste and plumpness. They offer a deep sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the tartness of the lemon and the saltiness of the olives.
For the Zesty Lemon & Herb Dressing:
- Olive Oil: When crafting a fresh salad dressing, especially one inspired by the Mediterranean, I always recommend using high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Its fruity notes and rich texture form the perfect base for the dressing.
- Lemon: You’ll need a large lemon, both zested and juiced. The lemon zest is incredibly important as it contains concentrated citrus oils that truly amplify the lemon flavor, adding a bright, aromatic punch. Do not omit it! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount; its vibrant, crisp taste is far superior to any bottled or jarred alternatives.
- Italian Seasoning: This convenient blend of dried herbs provides a harmonious mix of classic Mediterranean flavors. You can use a high-quality store-bought Italian Seasoning, or for an even fresher taste, consider making your own with a combination of fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. As an alternative, Greek seasoning can also be a delightful substitute, offering a similar aromatic profile.
- Tarragon: Fresh tarragon, finely chopped, is the secret ingredient that makes this dressing truly special. Its distinct anise-like flavor adds an elegant and sophisticated note, distinguishing it from a standard vinaigrette.
- Black Pepper: I highly recommend using freshly ground, coarse black pepper. Its pungent aroma and sharp flavor provide a crucial counterpoint to the other ingredients, adding a layer of warmth and complexity.
Effortlessly Crafting This Mediterranean Celery Olive Salad Recipe
This Mediterranean Celery Salad is remarkably simple to put together, promising a delicious and healthy dish with minimal effort. Follow these straightforward steps:
First: Prepare the Dressing. In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice and its fragrant zest, Italian seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, and the finely chopped fresh tarragon. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and emulsified. Set this vibrant dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Second: Assemble the Greens and Celery. Take a large salad bowl – preferably one specifically designed for mixing salads, or any spacious mixing bowl will do – and add the baby arugula, chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, and the thinly sliced celery. Gently combine these ingredients.
Third: Add the Olives and Dried Fruits. Evenly distribute the chopped green olives with pimentos, the sliced black olives, the sweet dried apricots, and the Medjool dates over the top of the greens and celery mixture. These ingredients add crucial pops of flavor and texture.
Fourth: Dress and Toss. Give the reserved lemon herb dressing one final whisk to ensure all ingredients are re-emulsified. Pour the entire dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using salad tongs, gently but thoroughly toss the salad until all the components are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. Ensure every leaf and slice catches some of that zesty goodness.
Fifth: Chill for Optimal Flavor. For the best possible flavor and to allow all the ingredients to truly marry, place the dressed salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to deepen and for the salad to reach its refreshing peak.
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If you’ve fallen in love with this unique and delicious Mediterranean Celery Salad with dates and olives, make sure you don’t lose track of this fantastic recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you navigate away. It’s the perfect way to save it for future meal planning and entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about celery and its role in Mediterranean cuisine:
Is celery a common vegetable in the Mediterranean diet? Yes, absolutely! Celery is a very common and highly valued vegetable within the traditional Mediterranean diet. It’s often used fresh in salads, as a crunchy snack, or as a base for many cooked dishes, contributing its unique flavor and numerous health benefits.
Can you eat celery raw in a salad? Definitely! Celery is one of those wonderfully versatile vegetables that can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. In salads, especially in this Mediterranean Celery Salad, raw celery is prized for its satisfying crunch and refreshing, subtle flavor.
Is celery included in the Mediterranean diet? Yes, indeed. Celery is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, aligning perfectly with its emphasis on fresh, seasonal vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins. It contributes fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any Mediterranean-inspired meal plan.
Delicious Substitutions and Customization Ideas
The beauty of this Mediterranean Celery Salad is its adaptability. It can easily be modified based on your personal preferences or what ingredients you have readily available in your fridge or pantry. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- One of the aspects I adore most about this salad is its flexibility. If I’m out of arugula, I frequently substitute it with fresh spinach, which works beautifully. You can effortlessly use any robust salad green, such as baby kale, mixed greens, or even finely shredded romaine lettuce, to achieve a similar fresh base.
- Not a fan of green olives? No problem! Simply use an equal amount of black olives, or vice versa, to suit your taste. You could even combine different varieties of your favorite olives for added complexity.
- While our signature lemon herb dressing perfectly complements this salad, if you’re in a pinch, feel free to use your favorite store-bought vinaigrette or another homemade dressing you have on hand. Just ensure it has a bright, zesty profile to match the Mediterranean flavors.
- If dried apricots aren’t your preference, try substituting them with other dried fruits like dried mango pieces, dried cranberries, golden raisins, or even chopped figs for a different sweet note.
- To transform this vibrant side into a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein boost. Cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas) are an excellent plant-based option, adding fiber and texture. Alternatively, flaked canned tuna (packed in olive oil for extra flavor), shredded rotisserie chicken, or grilled shrimp would make this a heartier main course.
- For an enhanced burst of Mediterranean flavor or to change up the pace, incorporate additional fresh vegetables. Diced red onion adds a sharp tang, red bell peppers provide sweetness and crunch, and halved cherry tomatoes offer juicy bursts. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese introduces a creamy, salty element, while thinly sliced English cucumber adds extra hydration and a refreshing bite.
- If you find yourself without any lemons, don’t despair! You can substitute ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white balsamic vinegar for the lemon juice in the dressing. Each will offer a different but equally delicious acidic profile.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Salad
Achieving salad perfection is easier than you think with these handy tips:
**Meal Prep Power:** Always keep pre-washed salad greens and chopped celery in your fridge. This simple step makes salad prep incredibly quick and easy, encouraging you to reach for healthy options more often.
**Double the Dressing:** Consider making a double batch of our delicious lemon herb dressing. You can use half for this salad and save the rest for another salad later in the week, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables or fish for an instant flavor boost.
**Smart Storage:** Store any unused dressing in an airtight container, such as a Mason jar, in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week.
**Serve Fresh, Store Undressed:** A golden rule for salads! Only pour the dressing onto the portion of the salad you plan to eat immediately. Leftover salad that has already been dressed tends to get soggy quickly, losing its desirable crisp texture.
Discover More Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes to Love
If you’re captivated by the fresh, vibrant flavors in this Mediterranean Celery Salad, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate these other fantastic recipes that celebrate similar culinary traditions:
- Mediterranean Inspired Cheeseboard with Cauliflower Hummus (perfect for entertaining, pictured above!)
- Flatbread with Pickled Veggies
- Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken
- Dilled Brussels Sprouts Dip
- Pickled Beet Hummus
- Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Greek Style Cucumber Salad
This Mediterranean Celery Salad with Olives truly stands out as one of my all-time favorite salad recipes. The harmonious combination of crisp fresh vegetables, savory olives, and naturally sweet dried fruits creates a versatile dish that can be served in countless ways – as a refreshing side, a light lunch, or a flavorful addition to any meal. If you appreciate wholesome, real food and are looking to incorporate more of the health-promoting Mediterranean diet into your lifestyle, then this vibrant and easy-to-make salad is undoubtedly your kind of recipe. Enjoy the journey to a more flavorful and healthier way of eating!
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Print Recipe
Mediterranean Celery Salad with Olives
Equipment
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Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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3 Piece Wooden Salad Set
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 4 cups celery with leaves sliced (about 2/3 of a big bunch)
- 2 cups packed baby arugula, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup packed flat parsely, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup green olives with pimentos drained and chopped
- 1 4.25 ounce can chopped black olives
- 1/2 cup dried apricots chopped
- 1/2 cup dates chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon zested and juiced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning can substitute Greek seasoning
- 1/2 Tablespoon fresh tarragon chopped
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
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Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, Italian seasoning, pepper and fresh tarragon. Set aside.
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Place arugula, parsley, thyme, and celery in a large salad bowl.
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Top with olives, apricots, and dates.
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Whisk the dressing once more and pour it over the top of the dressing, tossing until it’s coated well.
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Place the salad in the fridge for one hour before serving.