If you have been skeptical about celery, wait until you try this Easy Creamy Celery Salad with Cranberries and Pecans. It is a crunchy, vibrant, and irresistibly creamy salad that transforms humble celery into a dish bursting with flavor, color, and texture. Picture tart dried cranberries and toasted pecans mingling with crisp celery all tied together by a luscious, tangy dressing—this salad is a delightful way to turn leftover celery into a favorite, guaranteed to win over even the biggest celery skeptics.

Easy Creamy Celery Salad with Cranberries and Pecans - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making this salad sing. Each component plays a crucial role: celery provides that unmistakable crunch, cranberries add a fruity burst, pecans introduce a toasty richness, and the creamy dressing perfectly balances everything with tang and smoothness.

8 ribs celery: Washed and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces for crisp, refreshing texture.
⅓ cup dried cranberries: Adds a sweet-tart contrast and a pop of bright color.
⅓ cup pecans: Roughly chopped and toasted to bring warmth and crunch.
3 tablespoons sour cream: Gives the salad its creamy, tangy base.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Helps smooth the dressing; homemade avocado oil mayonnaise is a delicious alternative.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar: Brings acidity that brightens the salad.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.

How to Make Easy Creamy Celery Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Start by heating the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep them moving for about 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and beautifully fragrant. This simple toasting step transforms pecans from ordinary to extraordinary, releasing their oils and giving that irresistible nutty aroma.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper together. This combination creates a creamy dressing with a perfect balance of tang, spice, and smoothness—key to making the salad so addictive.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped celery, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, so each piece is coated in the creamy mixture. The mixture of textures here—from crisp celery to chewy cranberries and crunchy pecans—makes every bite a joyful experience.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least two hours, or up to 12 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to harmonize, softening the celery slightly while maintaining its crunch. Just give it a light toss before serving to refresh the textures and flavors.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Celery Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Garnishes

For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a crack of fresh black pepper on top. These simple garnishes add color, texture, and a hint of boldness that will make your Easy Creamy Celery Salad with Cranberries and Pecans look as stunning as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a refreshing side alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish. It also pairs beautifully with hearty sandwiches or as part of a holiday spread where its bright flavors offer a welcome contrast to richer dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in individual glass jars or pretty bowls for a festive gathering. You can also pile it over crisp lettuce or even use it as a crunchy filling for wraps, adding a delightful crunch and creamy twist to your meal options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Creamy Celery Salad with Cranberries and Pecans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Before serving again, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and restore the salad’s fresh texture.

Freezing

This salad does not freeze well due to the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, which can separate or become mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within the recommended refrigerated time frame.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Simply let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving if it came straight from the fridge, to allow the flavors to become more pronounced.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, and mayonnaise can be replaced with a homemade avocado oil mayonnaise to keep that creamy texture while adding a unique flavor.

Will the pecans stay crunchy after chilling?

Yes, toasting the pecans helps them hold onto their crunch longer, but they will soften slightly once tossed in the dressing and chilled. For extra crunch, reserve some toasted pecans to sprinkle on just before serving.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so they aren’t ideal in this salad. Dried cranberries offer a chewy, sweet balance that works perfectly here, but if you want to use fresh ones, try lightly sautéing or macerating them with a bit of sugar first.

Is this salad suitable for a holiday gathering?

Definitely! The crunchy celery, bright cranberries, and toasted pecans make it festive and visually appealing. It’s a lovely side dish to brighten up holiday tables and pair with richer main courses.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version of this Easy Creamy Celery Salad with Cranberries and Pecans, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives such as cashew cream or vegan mayo. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Easy Creamy Celery Salad with Cranberries and Pecans that makes it a standout for any occasion. Its crunchy texture, balanced tangy creaminess, and bursts of sweet and nutty goodness will win over celery skeptics and fans alike. Give it a try and turn your ordinary celery into an extraordinary dish that everyone will love!

Easy Creamy Celery Salad with Cranberries and Pecans