This Mediterranean Celery Olive Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the crisp texture of celery with the rich flavors of olives and herbs. Dried fruits add a sweet contrast, making this salad not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here’s how you can prepare this nutritious and flavorful salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups celery, sliced
- 1 cup olives, sliced/chopped (with pimentos), drained
- 1/3 cup black olives, minced (canned and pre-minced if available)
- 2 packed cups baby arugula, roughly chopped
- ½ packed cup flat parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or substitute with Greek seasoning)
- ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
- ½ cup Dole Sunshine dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by slicing the celery and chopping the olives, dried apricots, and dates. Mince the black olives finely if not purchased pre-minced.
- Mix the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced celery, both the sliced and minced olives, chopped baby arugula, flat parsley, and thyme leaves. Toss these ingredients to distribute evenly.
- Add Dried Fruits and Seasoning:
- To the salad mixture, add the chopped dried apricots and dates. Sprinkle in the Italian or Greek seasoning and coarse ground pepper, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Dress the Salad:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create the dressing. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together, or you can refrigerate it for an hour to serve it chilled, enhancing the refreshing quality of the salad.
Tips:
- Olive Varieties: Feel free to use a mix of different olives for varied flavors and textures. Kalamata olives are a great addition for a more authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Herb Alternatives: If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme can be used in smaller amounts. Always remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish, making it a perfect side dish for Mediterranean-themed meals or barbecues.
- Nutritional Boost: Add some crumbled feta cheese or sliced almonds for additional protein and texture.
Conclusion:
Mediterranean Celery Olive Salad is a delightful blend of crunchy, savory, and sweet components, making it a unique addition to any meal. Its array of colors and flavors not only satisfies the palate but also provides various nutritional benefits, making it a wholesome choice for any occasion. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this delicious Mediterranean salad!
