If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with fresh, crisp textures and vibrant flavors, you absolutely must try the Hotel Citadel Celery Salad Recipe. This delightful dish brings together crunchy celery, fragrant herbs, toasted nuts, and a tangy lemon-honey dressing that dances on your palate with every bite. It’s quick to make, refreshingly light, and perfect for brightening up any meal or gathering with its unique combination of ingredients that harmonize beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, these ingredients each play a starring role in making the Hotel Citadel Celery Salad Recipe a standout. From the bright crunch of celery to the toasted nuts adding a savory warmth, every component is chosen to balance color, texture, and bold flavor.
- 2 bunches celery, chopped: The star of the salad, celery adds a refreshing crunch and vibrant green color.
- 2 large shallots, diced: Mild and slightly sweet, shallots contribute delicate sharpness without overpowering.
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, diced: Parsley brings a fresh, earthy depth and gorgeous brightness.
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, diced: Cilantro adds a zesty, herbal note that livens up the salad.
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds: Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor, adding a subtle crunch.
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios: Pistachios provide a buttery richness and delightful texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds: These add a crisp, caramelized nuttiness that complements the other nuts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries or cranberries: These little bursts of sweetness balance the savory elements perfectly.
- 2 large lemons, juiced: Fresh lemon juice gives the salad its bright, tangy kick and ties all flavors together.
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil: A smooth, mild oil binds the dressing and adds richness without heaviness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in every ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to enhance the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle, savory background note that lifts the dressing.
- 1/4 cup honey: Honey rounds out the dressing with just the right touch of natural sweetness.
How to Make Hotel Citadel Celery Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs
Start by chopping the celery and dicing the shallots, parsley, and cilantro evenly. This ensures every bite has a perfect balance of crispness and aromatic freshness. The finer cuts help the flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 2: Toast the Nuts
Toast the sunflower seeds, pistachios, and sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until they release a nutty aroma and start to turn golden. Then let them cool completely to preserve their crunch before adding them to the salad.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped celery, diced shallots, fresh herbs, toasted nuts, and dried berries. This vibrant medley forms the base of your hotel-worthy celery salad.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk the fresh lemon juice, avocado or olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and honey until fully combined and emulsified. This tangy-sweet dressing is the magic that ties all ingredients into a cohesive celebration of flavors.
Step 5: Dress and Toss Gently
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every morsel evenly without bruising the delicate herbs and celery. Light tossing also keeps the nuts from breaking up too much.
Step 6: Final Touch and Chill
Adjust seasoning if needed, and then chill the salad briefly in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to develop that irresistibly fresh and vibrant quality.
How to Serve Hotel Citadel Celery Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra toasted nuts or some lemon zest right before serving amps up the flavor and presentation. Lightly scattered microgreens or a few whole herb leaves can also add an elegant, fresh touch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a simple grain bowl. It’s also a wonderful companion to savory tarts and sandwiches, providing a crisp contrast that refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving portions in individual glass jars or on a bed of baby greens for a stylish twist. You can even stuff pita pockets or lettuce cups with this salad for a creative and portable lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Hotel Citadel Celery Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Note that the celery will remain crunchy and the nuts will stay crisp if stored properly, making the salad just as enjoyable later.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh herbs and crunchy nuts, freezing is not recommended. The texture and freshness would be compromised once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply bring it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts in the Hotel Citadel Celery Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or cashews can work well if you prefer different nut flavors, though toasting is key to bring out the best taste and crunch.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad contains no gluten ingredients and is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe, delicious choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as natural separation may occur.
What type of dried fruit works best in the salad?
Dried blueberries or cranberries are excellent for balancing savory and tart elements, but dried cherries or raisins can also add a nice twist.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and the salad will remain just as flavorful and pleasing.
Final Thoughts
The Hotel Citadel Celery Salad Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate crisp, fresh ingredients combined with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. It’s fast to prepare and versatile enough to brighten up any meal or occasion. I can’t wait for you to make it and share this absolute favorite with your friends and family—trust me, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Print
Hotel Citadel Celery Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hotel Citadel Celery Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and vibrant salad blending chopped celery, aromatic herbs, toasted nuts, and dried fruits. Tossed in a tangy lemon-honey dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors in just 10 minutes, serving as a delightful side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 bunches celery, chopped
- 2 large shallots, diced
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, diced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, diced
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries or cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 large lemons, juiced
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Chop Ingredients: Chop the celery, fresh parsley, cilantro, and shallots evenly to ensure uniform texture and flavor distribution.
- Toast Nuts: Toast the sunflower seeds, pistachios, and sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden, then set aside to cool completely.
- Combine Salad Components: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, shallots, parsley, cilantro, toasted nuts, and dried blueberries or cranberries.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, avocado or olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and honey until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the herbs or crushing the nuts.
- Adjust and Chill: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then chill the salad briefly to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and increase dried fruit or seeds.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor; bottled lemon juice can alter the taste.
- To toast nuts, watch carefully as they can burn quickly.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Avocado oil is preferred for its mild flavor; olive oil can be used as an alternative.
