Zesty Leftover Celery Salad
Turn that forgotten celery in your fridge into a vibrant, tangy side dish with this quick and clever salad! This semi-pickled, salsa-like creation combines crisp celery with a bright vinaigrette, elevated by the unexpected warmth of caraway seeds and fresh dill. Perfect as a refreshing side or a pickle-style accompaniment, it’s a versatile way to use up leftovers. No caraway or dill? No problem—swap in other spices or herbs for a personalized twist!
| Cuisine | Western |
| Category | Salad |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Rest Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 3 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Published | 8/17/2025 |
Instructions
- 1
Prepare celery: Remove leaves and trim the tough base from the celery ribs. Slice thinly on a diagonal into 4mm / 1/6" pieces for a delicate crunch.
- 2
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the sliced celery with dill, parsley, caraway seeds, white wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
- 3
Marinate: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the celery to soften slightly, taking on a pickle-like quality.
- 4
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy as a side salad or a tangy pickle accompaniment to your meal.
Nutrition Information
| Calories | 144 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 396mg |
| Potassium | 49mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 274IU |
| Vitamin C | 4mg |
| Calcium | 13mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Recipe Notes
Herb and spice alternatives: If fresh dill or caraway seeds are unavailable, try mustard seeds with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or toasted coriander or cumin seeds for a Middle Eastern or Indian flair.
Celery: Use fresh, crisp celery for the best texture. The thin diagonal slices ensure a delicate bite and even flavor absorption.
Vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a bright tang, but red wine vinegar or cider vinegar are excellent substitutes for a slightly different flavor profile.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The celery will soften further over time, enhancing its pickle-like texture.
Serving suggestions: Pair with grilled meats, fish, or a hearty main dish as a refreshing side. It also works as a topping for sandwiches or tacos for extra zing.
Nutrition: Values are per serving, assuming 3 servings as a side dish.
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