Mediterranean Celery Salad with Olives: A Refreshing & Flavorful Journey

Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this exquisite Mediterranean Celery Salad with Olives. This vibrant dish is a testament to the region’s dedication to fresh, wholesome ingredients, perfectly balancing sweet and salty flavors in every bite. Imagine crisp arugula mingling with the satisfying crunch of fresh celery, brightened by the tangy sweetness of chopped dried apricots and dates, and grounded by the briny notes of both green and black olives. All these incredible textures and tastes are brought together with a zesty lemon and herb dressing, creating what many describe as simply the best olive and celery salad – a true epitome of Mediterranean flavors.

Why This Mediterranean Celery Salad Will Become Your New Favorite

This celery salad recipe with its bright lemon herb dressing is not just a side dish; it’s a versatile culinary delight ready to elevate any meal. Its robust flavors and satisfying textures make it a perfect accompaniment to a wide array of main courses, from grilled fish to roasted chicken. But its appeal doesn’t stop there. This salad is remarkably adaptable; transform any leftovers into a hearty meal salad the next day by simply adding cooked chicken, a can of albacore tuna, or even some chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. It’s an ideal solution for a quick and nutritious lunch!

In my humble opinion, this truly stands out as the best celery salad recipe. It’s enjoyable to prepare, a delightful fusion of tastes and textures that will undoubtedly impress. Whether you’re searching for a standout potluck dish or tasked with bringing the salad to a family gathering, this Mediterranean celery salad is guaranteed to be a huge hit. Its unique combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant dressing earns rave reviews and gives everyone around the table a reason to give it a resounding thumbs-up. One of its greatest advantages is its make-ahead potential; you can easily prepare the components a few hours in advance and toss it with the dressing just before serving, ensuring maximum freshness and crunch. Just remember to store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to present it.

The Inspiration Behind This Healthy Celery Salad Recipe

The genesis of this incredible Mediterranean celery salad dates back to April 2021. My dear friend, Ally from Ally’s Kitchen, shared her version on Facebook, and I was immediately captivated. The vibrant colors and intriguing ingredient combination called to me, prompting an instant trip to the grocery store to gather everything needed to recreate it that very day. The experience was so delightful that I knew this recipe would be the perfect way to kick off a new year, proudly becoming my first recipe post of 2023! While Ally’s original recipe was fantastic, I made one small addition: a touch of fresh tarragon to the dressing. This subtle change elevated the flavors even further, and we’ve been loving it this way ever since.

If you’re continually seeking out more healthy and exciting salad options, I encourage you to explore some of my other favorites. Consider trying an Apple Chicken Salad for a sweet and savory delight, a classic Caprese Salad for simple elegance, or this unique Chinese Chicken Salad for an Asian-inspired twist. Each offers a distinct flavor profile perfect for various occasions.

Celery: A Star Ingredient in the Mediterranean Diet

Celery – it seems to be one of those foods that people either absolutely love or decidedly dislike. A few years ago, I even posted about it on social media, and the responses were quite divided! As for me, I am wholeheartedly in the “love it” category, and for good reason.

I genuinely enjoy eating celery and actively seek ways to incorporate it into my meals whenever possible. Beyond its refreshing crunch and subtle earthy flavor, celery offers notable nutritional benefits that often go underestimated. While predominantly composed of water (making it excellent for hydration), celery is a good source of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and contains beneficial flavonoids and phytonutrients. These compounds are crucial for maintaining general health, supporting antioxidant activity, and promoting well-being. Furthermore, celery is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Its raw, crisp stalks add a delightful crunch to salads, as brilliantly showcased in this Mediterranean celery salad. When cooked, celery imparts a savory depth of flavor to various dishes, making it a foundational ingredient in stews, stir-fries, and warming soups. Embracing celery means embracing both flavor and wellness.

Essential Ingredients for Your Mediterranean Celery Salad

Crafting this vibrant Mediterranean celery salad with olives requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the unique flavor profile and satisfying textures of this delightful dish. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need. For exact measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card provided at the bottom of this post.

For the Salad Base:

Celery: The star of our show! I typically use about two-thirds of a large bunch, carefully sliced for that signature crunch. Don’t discard the celery leaves; they are packed with flavor and add a beautiful touch to the salad. If you find yourself with extra celery, consider using it for a refreshing celery juice – a great option for vegetable juice enthusiasts.
Arugula: I prefer baby arugula, roughly chopped, for its peppery notes and delicate texture. However, fresh spinach or a combination of both can also work beautifully. For the freshest arugula, I always recommend checking out your local farmers’ markets.
Parsley: Flat-leaf parsley is my top choice for its robust flavor and ease of chopping, but curly parsley is also a suitable alternative. Just ensure it’s finely chopped. Fresh parsley is non-negotiable here; dried parsley will not deliver the vibrant taste and aroma needed for this salad.
Fresh Thyme Leaves: These fragrant leaves infuse the salad with an earthy, slightly floral note that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Always opt for fresh thyme for the best possible flavor.
Green Olives with Pimentos: These add a fantastic briny kick and a touch of color. Be sure to drain them thoroughly and chop them before adding to the salad. Spanish olives are often my preference due to their larger size and slight spicy undertone.
Black Olives: Whether you choose canned, jarred, or pre-sliced black olives, they contribute a milder, fruitier brine to the mix. Sliced Kalamata olives are an excellent choice for their rich, distinctive flavor.
Dried Apricots: Chopped dried apricots introduce a wonderful chewy texture and a burst of concentrated sweetness, balancing the savory and salty elements. If you happen to have leftover dried apricots, you absolutely have to try this incredible Cranberry Apricot Oatmeal Cookie recipe!
Dates: Sweet, chewy dates further enhance the salad’s unique flavor profile, adding a touch of natural caramel-like sweetness. Any variety of dates will work, but Medjool dates, when chopped, are particularly luxurious and moist.

For the Zesty Lemon Herb Dressing:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, fruity base for the dressing and healthy fats. It’s my preferred choice for all salad dressings and general cooking.
Lemon: A large lemon, both zested and juiced, is essential. The lemon zest is key to unlocking the brightest, most intense lemon flavor, so do not skip this step! Freshly squeezed lemon juice always tastes superior to bottled varieties, offering a crisp acidity.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs, this seasoning adds aromatic depth. You can use a high-quality store-bought Italian seasoning or easily make your own with a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. As an interesting alternative, Greek seasoning also works wonderfully to enhance the Mediterranean theme.
Fresh Tarragon: My special addition to Ally’s original recipe! Freshly chopped tarragon introduces a subtle anise-like flavor, adding an unexpected layer of sophistication to the dressing.
Coarse Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a hint of pungent spice that rounds out the dressing perfectly.

How to Create This Refreshing Mediterranean Celery Olive Salad

Making this beautiful and flavorful salad is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions to bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, Italian seasoning, coarse ground black pepper, and finely chopped fresh tarragon. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. Set this vibrant lemon herb dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Greens: In a large salad bowl (or a spacious mixing bowl), gently combine the roughly chopped baby arugula, finely chopped fresh parsley, fresh thyme leaves, and thinly sliced celery along with its leaves.
Add the Mix-ins: Evenly distribute the drained and chopped green olives, chopped black olives, sweet dried apricots, and chewy dates over the bed of greens.
Dress and Toss: Give the lemon herb dressing another quick whisk to ensure all ingredients are well emulsified. Pour the dressing generously over the salad ingredients. Using salad tongs, gently toss everything together until all the components are evenly coated with the delicious dressing.
Chill Before Serving: For optimal flavor and crispness, place the dressed salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This allows the ingredients to chill and the flavors to fully develop and marry.

Love this Mediterranean Celery Salad? Pin it!

If you’ve fallen in love with this delightful celery salad with dates and olives, make sure you don’t lose this amazing recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it whenever a craving for fresh, Mediterranean flavors strikes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Celery & Mediterranean Salads

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about celery and its role in Mediterranean cuisine:

Is celery Mediterranean?
Absolutely! Celery is a very common and cherished vegetable in the Mediterranean diet. It’s often used fresh in salads, as a crunchy snack, or cooked as a flavorful base for stews and soups, reflecting its versatility in the region’s cuisine.

Can you eat celery raw in a salad?
Yes, without a doubt! Celery is one of those fantastic vegetables that can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. In salads, its raw form provides an irresistible crisp texture and refreshing flavor that adds a vital element to dishes like our Mediterranean Celery Salad.

Is celery part of the Mediterranean diet?
Yes, celery is indeed a staple in the Mediterranean diet. This healthy eating pattern emphasizes fresh vegetables, and celery, with its nutritional benefits and versatility, fits perfectly into its principles of whole, unprocessed foods.

What are the health benefits of eating celery?
Celery is more than just crunchy water! It’s a good source of vitamins K and C, folate, and potassium. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation, and provides dietary fiber, important for digestive health. Its high water content also aids hydration.

Can I make this celery salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare all the salad components and the dressing separately a few hours in advance. Store the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, only toss the salad with the dressing right before you plan to serve it to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.

Creative Substitutions & Variations

One of the many reasons I adore this Mediterranean celery salad is its incredible adaptability. It’s a forgiving recipe that allows for easy modifications based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Greens Swap: If you’re out of arugula, don’t fret! Spinach is a fantastic substitute, offering a milder flavor profile. You can also experiment with other fresh salad greens, mixed spring greens, or even finely chopped kale for an earthier, heartier base.
Olive Choices: Not a fan of green olives, or perhaps you prefer one over the other? Simply use all black olives, or vice versa. Kalamata olives add a bolder, fruitier note if you’re looking for a specific Mediterranean kick.
Dressing Alternatives: While the lemon herb dressing is a perfect complement to this salad, if you’re in a pinch or prefer a different flavor, feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade vinaigrette. A simple balsamic or red wine vinaigrette would also work well.
Dried Fruit Exploration: If dried apricots aren’t your favorite, consider swapping them for other dried fruits like dried mango for a tropical twist, or dried cranberries for a touch of tartness.
Protein Power-Up: To transform this into a more substantial meal, adding a protein source is a great option. Cooked and shredded chicken, a can of albacore tuna (drained), or even a handful of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) would be excellent additions, making it a complete and satisfying dish.
Enhance Mediterranean Flavors: For an even richer Mediterranean experience, incorporate additional fresh vegetables and ingredients. Diced red onion adds a sharp bite, red peppers introduce sweetness and crunch, cherry tomatoes bring juicy bursts of flavor, crumbled feta cheese offers a salty tang, and a diced English cucumber provides refreshing coolness.
Vinegar Options: If fresh lemons are unavailable, you can substitute the lemon juice with ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar for a different but equally delicious acidic component in the dressing.

Chef’s Tips & Tricks for the Best Celery Salad

Mastering this Mediterranean celery salad is easy with a few simple tips:

Streamline Prep: Keep pre-washed and pre-cut salad greens in your fridge. This simple habit makes salad preparation incredibly quick and effortless, encouraging healthier eating.
Double the Dressing: The lemon herb dressing is so good, you’ll want it on everything! Make a double batch and store half for your next salad or to drizzle over grilled vegetables.
Proper Dressing Storage: Store any unused dressing in a sealed Mason jar in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
Dress Just Before Serving: This is a golden rule for all salads! Only pour the dressing on the salad components right as you are ready to serve and eat it. Leftover salad that has already been dressed will quickly become soggy and lose its delightful crunch.
Optimal Chill Time: While you can serve it immediately, allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour in the fridge before serving really helps the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the refreshing crispness of the celery and arugula.

More Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes to Love

If the vibrant, fresh flavors of this Mediterranean Celery Salad have captured your palate, you’ll surely enjoy exploring these other delicious recipes that share a similar inspiration:

Mediterranean Inspired Cheeseboard with Cauliflower Hummus (pictured above)
Flatbread with Pickled Veggies
Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken
Dilled Brussels Sprouts Dip
Pickled Beet Hummus
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Greek Style Cucumber Salad

This Mediterranean Celery Salad with Olives truly stands out as one of my favorite salad recipes. The harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and naturally sweet dried fruits creates a symphony of flavors and textures that can be served in countless ways. If you’re passionate about real, wholesome food and aspire to incorporate more of the nutritious Mediterranean diet into your lifestyle, this salad is undoubtedly your kind of dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with the goodness of the Mediterranean.

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Mediterranean Celery salad in a large serving bowl.

Rating: 5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe

Mediterranean Celery Salad with Olives

Delicious crunchy salad made with arugula, celery, olives, fresh herbs, and dried fruit. All tossed in a delightful lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Additional Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: apricots, celery hearts, celery leaves, celery salad, fresh herbs, Italian Greek, lemon, Mediterranean salad, olive salad

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 236 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
3 Piece Wooden Salad Set

Ingredients

For the Salad:

4 cups celery with leaves, sliced (about 2/3 of a big bunch)
2 cups packed baby arugula, roughly chopped
1/2 cup packed flat parsley, chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 cup green olives with pimentos, drained and chopped
1 (4.25 ounce) can chopped black olives
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup dates, chopped

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (can substitute Greek seasoning)
1/2 Tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, Italian seasoning, pepper and fresh tarragon. Set aside.
Place arugula, parsley, thyme, and celery in a large salad bowl.
Top with olives, apricots, and dates.
Whisk the dressing once more and pour it over the top of the salad, tossing until it’s coated well.
Place the salad in the fridge for one hour before serving.

Notes

This recipe is very slightly adapted from my friend, Ally at Ally’s Kitchen.

Nutrition