Celery salad

Celery Salad with Ham – a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

When it comes to salads, the combination of crunchy celery and salty ham is a true feast for the taste buds. This celery salad with ham is not only a quick and easy choice, but also a recipe that combines texture and flavors in a pleasing way. Over the years, salads like this have become a favorite at many festive meals, as well as in everyday dining, due to their versatility.

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 medium celery roots (about 400-500 g)
- 250 g of ham
- 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 200 ml of sour cream
- ½ onion
- Juice of one lemon
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of mustard

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the celery roots. Remove the skin and cut them into large pieces. Then, place them in a bowl with cold water and lemon juice. This will prevent oxidation and keep the celery crunchy.

2. Slicing the ham:
Take the ham and cut it into thin slices, then turn them into small sticks. These will add a salty and savory note to your salad.

3. The onion:
The onion can be grated or finely chopped, depending on your preference. If you want a milder taste, opt for finely chopping it.

4. Grating the celery:
Remove the celery from the water and dry it well. Use a grater with large holes to grate it. This method will create fine strands that will mix better with the dressing.

5. Preparing the dressing:
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and creamy dressing. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to taste.

6. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the grated celery, ham, and onion. Pour the dressing over them and gently mix, so that all the ingredients are well coated.

7. Finalizing the salad:
Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the salad. This will not only provide a color contrast but will also add a fresh flavor. Gently mix and let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to blend.

Serving suggestions:
This celery salad with ham can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside a roast, or it can be enjoyed as a quick lunch with a slice of fresh bread. I recommend serving it with a crunchy green salad or alongside a glass of fresh tomato juice for a contrast of flavors.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want to enrich the salad, you can add olives or canned corn.
- You can replace the ham with boiled chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Make sure the celery is fresh; older celery may have a more fibrous texture and a less pleasant taste.

Nutritional information:
This salad is high in fiber due to the celery, which is known for its beneficial properties on digestion. Additionally, the ham adds a source of protein, while the sour cream provides calcium. One serving contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can the salad be prepared a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance, but it is recommended to add the fresh parsley before serving to preserve its aroma.
- Can I replace the sour cream?
Yes, for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a low-fat yogurt.

Possible variations:
Experiment with different types of meat, such as crispy bacon or even leftover roast from a previous meal. You can also try adding fruits, such as diced apples or grapes, for a sweet contrast.

I invite you to try this celery salad with ham recipe, an excellent choice for those moments when you want to quickly prepare a tasty and nourishing dish! Enjoy!