A crisp, creamy, and flavorful salad featuring crunchy celery, sharp cheddar cheese, toasted walnuts, and a tangy herb dressing. It’s an excellent side dish for barbecues, holiday meals, or a light lunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional, for toasting walnuts)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

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Ingredients

Salad

• 6 cups celery, sliced (about 1 large bunch)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
• ¾ cup walnuts, lightly toasted
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts (Optional)

• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
• Add the walnuts and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
• Remove from the pan and let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey (if using)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dill
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

• Place the sliced celery, cheddar cubes, parsley, and green onions in a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the salad.
• Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Add Walnuts

• Fold in most of the toasted walnuts.
• Reserve a few for garnish.

Step 5: Chill

• Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Garnish with the remaining walnuts and a little extra parsley.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

• Grilled chicken
• Roast beef
• Baked ham
• Turkey
• BBQ ribs
• Sandwiches and wraps
• Crackers or toasted baguette slices

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Tips for Success

• Slice the celery evenly for the best texture.
• Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
• Sharp cheddar provides the boldest taste, but mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or Gouda also work well.
• Chill before serving for the creamiest texture.
• Add the walnuts just before serving if making the salad ahead to keep them crunchy.

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Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the dressing may separate and the celery will lose its crisp texture.

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Calcium: 220 mg

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Nut Information

⚠️ Contains Tree Nuts (Walnuts).

Walnuts are a major allergen for some individuals.

Nut-Free Alternative

Replace the walnuts with one of these:

• Roasted sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• Crispy roasted chickpeas
• Extra celery and cheese for additional texture

Always check the labels on mayonnaise, cheese, and other packaged ingredients if preparing the salad for someone with severe food allergies, as cross-contamination may occur during manufacturing.

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Variations

• Apple Walnut Salad: Add 1 diced Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple.
• Cranberry Version: Stir in ½ cup dried cranberries.
• Bacon Lover’s: Mix in 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon.
• Blue Cheese Twist: Replace cheddar with crumbled blue cheese.
• Protein-Packed: Add diced cooked chicken or turkey.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Omit the honey and use full-fat mayonnaise and cheese.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it up to one day in advance. For the best crunch, stir in the walnuts just before serving.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss are excellent alternatives.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor while increasing the protein content.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all packaged ingredients (especially mayonnaise and mustard) are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

How can I make it lighter?

Use light mayonnaise and non-fat Greek yogurt, and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Diced cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, or radishes make great additions.

What proteins pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, baked salmon, smoked ham, or rotisserie chicken all complement this creamy salad beautifully.