Creamy Celery Salad

This low carb 4-ingredient creamy celery salad is the kind of simple, retro side dish my aunt always brought to our April family gatherings in the Midwest. It’s all about that refreshing crunch of crisp celery wrapped in a rich, tangy mayonnaise dressing, with just enough seasoning to keep it lively. Because it uses only four basic ingredients and no special equipment, it’s a practical, last-minute dish that comes together in minutes and reliably disappears from the buffet table.

Think of it as an old-fashioned celery salad, pared down and modernized for anyone watching carbs but still craving something creamy and satisfying.

Serve this creamy celery salad well-chilled, straight from the fridge, in its plastic storage container or transferred to a simple serving bowl. It pairs nicely with grilled or roasted meats—think chicken thighs, pork chops, or a simple steak—because the cool crunch balances anything hot and savory. It’s also a natural fit on a spring or summer spread alongside deviled eggs, sliced tomatoes, and a green salad.

For potlucks or holiday gatherings, tuck it between heavier casseroles to add a bright, crisp contrast. Leftovers hold up well for next-day lunches, especially next to deli turkey or rotisserie chicken.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups celery, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional (0–1 point):

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Thinly slice the celery.
2. In a bowl, mix mayo + Greek yogurt + lemon juice + salt.
3. Add the celery and toss to coat evenly.
4. Season with black pepper and add Dijon or herbs if using.
5. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving (tastes better cold).

📊 Points (approximate):

Per serving:

• 4 servings → ~3–4 points each
• 6 servings → ~2–3 points each

Variations & Tips

To keep this salad true to its low-carb, four-ingredient spirit, treat add-ins as optional extras rather than essentials. For a touch of sweetness and contrast, you can fold in a few tablespoons of very finely diced red onion or a small handful of chopped celery leaves, but remember that each addition moves you beyond the original four-

For a more pronounced bite, substitute part of the lemon juice with apple cider vinegar, tasting as you go so the dressing doesn’t become too sharp. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can deepen the flavor without changing the texture. If you need this salad dairy-free, stick with a good-quality mayonnaise that contains no milk products and skip any yogurt substitutions.

Food safety tips: Always keep the salad refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, since mayonnaise-based dishes can spoil if left at room temperature too long. At parties or potlucks, avoid letting it sit out for more than 2 hours total (1 hour if the room is very warm or the gathering is outdoors in summer). Use clean utensils each time you serve or taste the salad to prevent cross-contamination. Store leftovers in an airtight plastic container and enjoy within 2 to 3 days for best crunch and flavor; discard if there is any off smell, separation that doesn’t stir back together, or visible mold.