Celery Salad with Tahini Dressing

Name: Celery Salad with Tahini Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 stalks of celery, thinly sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Water as needed to thin the dressing

Highlighted under: Fresh Healthy Recipes

I absolutely love making this Celery Salad with Tahini Dressing! It’s crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor. The unique nuttiness of tahini beautifully complements the crunchy texture of fresh celery. I often whip this up as a quick lunch or side dish, and it's always a hit with friends and family. The combination of lemon juice and tahini gives the dressing a zesty edge that elevates the entire dish. Trust me, this salad will become a staple in your recipe repertoire!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-29T23:19:28.111Z

When I first tried making this Celery Salad with Tahini Dressing, I was surprised at how simple yet satisfying it was. The creamy tahini dressing combined with the crisp, refreshing celery completely transformed a humble ingredient into something extraordinary. I learned that letting the salad sit for a few minutes allows the dressing to meld with the celery, enhancing the flavors even further.

One tip I have is to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top; it not only adds an appealing crunch but also complements the tahini perfectly. This salad isn't just tasty; it's also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crisp and refreshing flavor that brightens any meal
Nutty tahini dressing that brings unique creaminess
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

When making Celery Salad with Tahini Dressing, the quality of your ingredients can significantly elevate the dish. Fresh, crisp celery adds that much-needed crunch, while ripe cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness. For the best results, select firm, bright celery stalks without blemishes and tomatoes that yield slightly when pressed. The flavor of the salad hinges on these fresh components, so don’t compromise on quality—your taste buds will thank you.

Always choose parsley that is vibrant green and not wilted. Fresh parsley adds a herby brightness, balancing the richness of the tahini dressing. If you can’t find fresh parsley, you might consider using fresh cilantro for a slightly different flavor profile. Just remember that this will alter the overall taste, so ensure that it aligns with your preferences!

Achieving the Perfect Tahini Dressing

Getting the consistency of the tahini dressing just right is key to the overall enjoyment of the salad. When combining tahini with lemon juice and garlic, aim for a thick, creamy texture. If your dressing ends up too thick, gradually adding water will help achieve that desired pourability without making it too diluted. Aim for a smooth and glossy finish; this indicates it's ready to coat the salad beautifully.

A good tip is to taste the dressing as you whisk. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference, and consider adding extra lemon juice for zing if you enjoy a more vibrant flavor profile. Just make sure to whisk it thoroughly to blend all the flavors and achieve a uniform taste throughout.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Celery Salad can be served as a refreshing side with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. For an added crunch and flavor, consider tossing in some toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts. They not only bring a satisfying texture but also enhance the nutty character of the tahini dressing. If you're looking for more protein, shredded cooked chicken or chickpeas can be added for a heartier meal.

For those seeking variety, feel free to experiment with additional mix-ins. Ingredients such as diced cucumber, bell peppers, or even crumbled feta can bring a new twist to the salad. And, if you're planning to pre-make the salad, it's smart to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 stalks of celery, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Tahini Dressing

1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Water as needed to thin the dressing

Instructions

How to Make Celery Salad with Tahini Dressing

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and parsley. Toss gently to mix.

Make the Tahini Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added texture, try mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds into the salad. This will give it an extra crunch and enhance the flavor profile!

Make-Ahead Tips

Celery Salad with Tahini Dressing is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can prepare the salad ingredients a day in advance—simply wash and chop the vegetables, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps to save time and makes it super convenient for busy days. However, remember to keep the tahini dressing separate until you're ready to serve to preserve the freshness of the salad.

If you have leftovers, the salad can last up to three days in the fridge, though the texture may soften over time. To refresh it, add a splash of lemon juice and some extra parsley right before serving. This will awaken the flavors and make the salad lively again!

Common Troubleshooting

If your tahini dressing ends up too thick, you can simply add a little more water a tablespoon at a time while whisking until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, if it appears too runny, consider whisking in a bit more tahini to thicken it up—this will maintain the nutty flavor you’re aiming for.

For those who might find tahini overly bitter, adding a touch of honey or maple syrup can help balance the flavors without overpowering the salad. Just a teaspoon or two should suffice. This little tweak can make your dressing more appealing, especially for those who prefer sweeter dressings.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe is a breeze! If you’re serving a large group, simply multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings desired. This salad is versatile and maintains its integrity well, so feel free to double or triple the recipe as needed. Just keep in mind that you'll want to keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the salad's freshness and crunch.

Alternatively, if you're meal prepping and looking to make a smaller batch, you can easily halve the ingredients while still enjoying all the flavors. Celery salad is forgiving and adjusts well to different amounts, meaning you won’t lose any of its delightful texture or taste by making adjustments for larger or smaller servings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine them right before serving for the freshest taste.

→ What can I substitute for tahini?

You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute if needed.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Stored in an airtight container, the salad will last about 2-3 days in the refrigerator.