celery salad recipe with creamy sumac-labneh and pomegranate drizzle

Name: celery salad recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: middle eastern
Ingredients: 500g (1.1 lbs) celery stalks, trimmed and sliced; 200g (7 oz) labneh (strained yogurt); 30ml (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil; 15ml (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced finely; 5g (1 teaspoon) ground sumac, plus extra for garnish; 3g (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt; 1g (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper; 30ml (2 tablespoons) pomegranate molasses; 10g (1/4 cup) fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

I wasn’t sure celery could be a truly exciting salad ingredient until I developed this specific celery salad recipe. This creamy celery salad recipe transforms humble celery stalks into a vibrant side dish, pairing crisp crunch with a velvety, tangy dressing.

The secret is skipping boring mayo for a rich labneh base enhanced with earthy sumac and a sweet-tart pomegranate drizzle. It’s truly a game-changer for weeknight meals when you need a healthy, easy dinner idea that feels special. This creamy celery salad recipe is make-ahead friendly, with just one simple tweak for meal prep, making it perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lbs) Celery Stalks

Use fresh, firm stalks with deep green color. Trim the ends and ensure no tough strings remain on the outer stalks. If your celery is slightly limp, place it in ice water for 30 minutes to revive the crunch. This specific celery salad recipe works best with the slightly sweeter inner stalks.

200g (7 oz) Labneh (Strained Yogurt)

Use full-fat labneh for the creamiest texture and rich flavor. This replaces typical mayonnaise or yogurt in a creamy salad. For a substitute, use thick Greek yogurt or sour cream, but add a pinch of salt to balance the tang. Do not use regular yogurt as it will be too watery.

30ml (2 tablespoons) Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a fruity, smooth flavor in the dressing base. This helps emulsify the dressing and adds a layer of richness to the labneh. A light, delicate olive oil is preferred to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

15ml (1 tablespoon) Fresh Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for cutting through the richness of the labneh and adding brightness to the sumac. Do not use bottled lemon juice as the flavor is not nearly as vibrant. The lemon juice acts as a key acidic component to balance the overall flavor profile.

1 clove Garlic, minced very finely

Use one medium clove, minced very finely. The garlic should be incorporated smoothly into the dressing without being overpowering. For a milder flavor, you can roast the garlic first or use a pinch of garlic powder as a substitute, though fresh is preferred.

5g (1 teaspoon) Ground Sumac

This deep red spice provides a tangy, citrusy flavor that is central to this recipe’s profile. Sumac adds complexity to the celery without adding extra liquid, making this creamy celery salad recipe unique.

3g (1/2 teaspoon) Fine Sea Salt & 1g (1/4 teaspoon) Black Pepper

Use fine sea salt or kosher salt to season the dressing. The exact amount will depend on the saltiness of your labneh. Freshly ground black pepper adds a necessary sharpness; do not use pre-ground pepper.

30ml (2 tablespoons) Pomegranate Molasses

This dark, thick syrup provides a sweet, tangy, and slightly sour note that contrasts with the creamy labneh. It is a key element for both visual appeal and flavor complexity in this celery salad recipe. You can substitute balsamic glaze or reduce pomegranate juice to a syrup in a pinch.

10g (1/4 cup) Fresh Mint Leaves

Roughly chop the fresh mint leaves just before serving to maximize flavor and aroma. The mint adds a cooling freshness that complements the celery and pomegranate. You can substitute fresh parsley if you prefer a less pungent herb.

Instructions

Here’s how to put together this unique celery salad recipe, ensuring maximum crispness and flavor.

1. Prepare the Celery Base

Wash the celery stalks thoroughly and pat them completely dry before cutting. Cut off the top leaves and the very tough white base. To remove strings, use a vegetable peeler on the outer curve of the stalk before slicing. Slice on a sharp diagonal (bias cut) into 1/4-inch pieces for maximum surface area and an elegant presentation.

2. Make the Creamy Sumac Dressing

In a separate medium bowl, combine the labneh, 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, 5g (1 teaspoon) sumac, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before proceeding; the goal is a thick, spreadable dressing consistency, not a liquid vinaigrette.

3. Combine Celery and Dressing

Add the prepared labneh dressing to the bowl with the sliced celery. Using a rubber spatula or clean hands, gently toss the celery until every piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. If the celery starts to release water while tossing, serve this celery salad recipe immediately to keep the celery crisp. I always save the tender inner leaves from the celery bunch to chop and add with the mint for extra freshness.

4. Garnish and Serve Immediately

To serve, arrange the dressed celery salad recipe in a shallow white or light grey ceramic bowl or on a round plate, mounding it slightly in the center for an inviting presentation. Generously drizzle the 30ml (2 tablespoons) of pomegranate molasses over the salad in a free-form pattern, allowing it to pool slightly around the base. Scatter the roughly chopped fresh mint leaves artfully over the salad, then finish with a final light dusting of sumac over the mint and pomegranate drizzle for maximum visual contrast and aromatic appeal.

Tips for Preventing Limp Celery and Bitterness

To ensure this celery salad recipe has the best possible texture, always start with the freshest celery. Celery should be rigid and bright green; avoid stalks that look dull or have soft spots. If your celery is slightly limp, place it in ice water for 30 minutes before cutting to restore crispness.

Celery can sometimes be bitter, particularly the tough outer stalks. To prevent this, use only the inner, lighter-colored stalks if possible. You can also briefly blanch the celery slices in boiling water for 30 seconds and then immediately shock them in ice water to lock in color and reduce bitterness before dressing.

Before slicing, use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer strings on the back (curved side) of the celery stalk. This improves the overall texture and makes for a more pleasant eating experience.

Like most creamy vegetable salads, the labneh dressing will start to pull water from the celery over time, causing it to lose its crunch. For best results, dress the salad immediately before serving.

Make-Ahead Prep and Serving Suggestions

If you plan to make this celery salad ahead of time, slice the celery and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the labneh dressing and pomegranate molasses separate in their own containers. Only add the dressing, pomegranate molasses, and fresh mint just before serving to maintain the textural contrast and presentation; I learned this a few times while trying to get ahead on weeknight meals.

This creamy celery salad recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or lamb kebabs, falafel, roasted fish, or as a vibrant side alongside simple pasta dishes. Its tangy and fresh profile cuts through rich, savory flavors. It makes a great addition to a family-friendly meal plan for a healthy side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of labneh in this celery salad recipe?

You can substitute thick full-fat Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even high-quality mayonnaise for a richer flavor profile. To ensure the texture stays thick, you can drain the Greek yogurt in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes beforehand to remove excess moisture.

Can I add nuts or seeds to this celery salad?

Yes, toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds would add a nice crunch and depth of flavor. Toasted sesame seeds or pistachios would also work well with the Middle Eastern flavors in this celery salad.

Is this recipe vegetarian/vegan?

The recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute the labneh with a thick, plain plant-based yogurt (coconut or almond-based work best) and ensure the pomegranate molasses is vegan-certified. Make sure to choose an unsweetened plant-based yogurt to maintain the balance of flavors.

Does this recipe work with other vegetables besides celery?

Yes, this creamy sumac dressing and pomegranate drizzle would pair well with finely chopped cucumbers, sliced fennel, or even a crunchy coleslaw mix. It’s a versatile dressing that elevates a variety of healthy vegetables.

Is there a substitute for pomegranate molasses if I don’t have it?

You can use balsamic glaze for a similar syrupy texture and sweet-tart flavor. A reduction of regular pomegranate juice (boil until thick) or a mix of honey and lemon juice can also work in a pinch.

Can I use celery leaves in this salad?

Yes, the small, tender inner celery leaves are a great addition. Finely chop them and toss them in with the mint and dressing to enhance the celery flavor.

How long will this celery salad keep in the fridge?

Once dressed, this celery salad recipe is best eaten within 1-2 hours for maximum crispness. If preparing for meal prep, store the components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days and combine right before serving to keep the celery crunchy.

Conclusion

This creamy celery salad recipe is proof that simple, healthy ingredients can create extraordinary results when combined in a new way. The combination of crisp celery, creamy labneh, and tangy pomegranate molasses elevates this side dish far beyond expectations.

Save this recipe for your next family dinner or gathering, then share it with friends who need fresh inspiration for their next potluck.

FREE PRINTABLE RECIPE

Get the Printable Recipe PDF (Free)

Enter your email and we’ll send you the ingredients + step-by-step instructions as a clean PDF you can save to your phone.

1 Enter your email below.

2 Confirm from the email we send (double opt-in).

3 Download your PDF instantly.

✅ Printable PDF (ingredients + steps)
✅ Save it to your phone (no long scrolling)
✅ Includes cook time + servings
✅ Easy to follow

FAQ

Where’s the full recipe?
It’s delivered as a printable PDF so you can save it and cook without scrolling.

I didn’t get the email.
Check Spam/Promotions and search your inbox for your site name. Then click Confirm to receive the PDF.

Get the printable PDF for this recipe.

Hi, I’m Grace Miller — passionate home cook and creator of CooksCraze.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes made for real life. Join me in turning everyday meals into unforgettable moments.

Celery Salad Recipe