| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 126 | 7g | 1g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 5g | 0.3g |
Why I Love Turkish Celery Salad
Every now and again, I find a recipe that immediately holds a special place in my heart, and this Celery Salad, a traditional Turkish delight, is one of them. You see, as a Southern belle with humble culinary beginnings rooted firmly in Southern tradition, I’ve always had a penchant for classic southern dishes. But every so often, I venture out of my comfort zone and draw inspiration from the vibrant flavors of the world.
Savoring the Wonders of the Mediterranean
Even in Charleston, South Carolina where I was born and raised, I’d often find myself daydreaming about the bright and tangy flavors of the Mediterranean. This salad uses celery – a delightful ingredient which, in my opinion, deserves more of the limelight – complemented with other Mediterranean staples like Greek yogurt, olive oil and fresh herbs. I remember the first time I tasted a dish using these same ingredients, prepared by Yotam Ottolenghi, an acclaimed Israeli-English chef known for his Mediterranean-inspired dishes. I was instantly smitten by the explosion of flavors. Drawing inspiration from his work, I decided to create my own take on his recipe, thus our beloved Celery Salad was born.
Finding a Perfect Pairing
This salad is fresh, tangy and wonderfully crisp. It’s a fantastic side to hearty meat dishes, like a classic roast turkey or a steamy oven-baked chicken breast. But it’s got enough character to stand on its own as a delicious light meal, perfect for those lazy summer beach days. It’s similar to a classic Greek Salad, but the addition of celery gives it a delightful crunch that I absolutely love.
Creating the Celery Salad isn’t just about preparing a dish, it’s about an experience of blending simple yet diverse ingredients to create a mosaic of flavors. Each bite is a reminder of the Mediterranean culture I’ve come to love and appreciate. It’s the perfect example of how the best recipes aren’t always the most complicated ones. Sometimes, all it takes is letting fresh ingredients shine.
What You’ll Need
- 6 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Take the 6 celery stalks and thinly slice them. The thin slices will ensure that the celery blends well with the other ingredients and does not overpower the taste of the salad.
Step Two
Next, peel and grate 1 large carrot. Be sure to wash the carrot thoroughly before grating to remove any dirt or impurities. The grated carrot will add a nice crunch and sweetness to the salad.
Step Three
Proceed to finely dice 1 red bell pepper. Dicing the pepper will spread its flavor evenly throughout the salad and add a burst of color.
Step Four
Chop 1/2 cup of fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh mint. These herbs will add freshness and depth to the salad. Fresh herbs are always more preferable over dried ones for salads.
Step Five
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Whisk until the dressing is well combined.
Step Six
Then, add salt and black pepper to taste. Remember to add these sparingly, you can always add more later if needed.
Step Seven
Combine the sliced celery, grated carrot, diced bell pepper, and chopped herbs in a large salad bowl.
Step Eight
Pour the yogurt dressing over the vegetables. Toss until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve.
