“When the warm weather hits, I know what I’m making. This is a must in my fridge, it goes with so much.”
Sesame Celery Salad
Crisp celery is paired with a savory, Asian-inspired dressing in this light and flavorful side dish. With a hint of sweetness and the nutty richness of sesame, it’s the perfect refreshing complement to any meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Celery (about 8 stalks) | 1 head |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Light brown sugar, packed | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic, minced | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame seeds | 2 teaspoons (for garnish) |
Instructions
Prepare an Ice Bath:
Fill a medium-sized bowl with cold water and ice. Set aside—this will be used to quickly chill the celery and lock in its crunch.
Blanch the Celery:
Slice the celery stalks diagonally into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a saucepan and add enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, then immediately drain and plunge the celery into the ice bath to halt the cooking and preserve texture.
Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
Toss with Dressing:
Drain the cooled celery thoroughly, then add it to the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the celery is evenly coated.
Chill for Flavor:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend and deepen.
Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds. Serve chilled and enjoy this crisp, flavorful dish!
