March is National Celery Month! Celery usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of vegetables. Most of us think of celery as crudites rather than a real vegetable and few people would know celery is one of the best vegetables for us. There are many health benefits associated with celery. Dr. Richard Foxx, MD considers celery a super green. He gives his top health benefits of celery, including anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, cancer fighter and more.
Other health benefits of celery include:
- Rich source of antioxidants
- Fair source of dietary fiber
- Aids digestion
- Lowers cholesterol
Another popular benefit for celery is weight loss. Everyone should add this vegetable to their diet. One large stalk of celery is only 10 calories. It makes a great substitute for chips when eating guacamole or salsa. It is also a water-heavy vegetable, which helps to make you feel full.
Celery is one of those ingredients that you generally have in your refrigerator, but have you ever thought of using it for a salad? It is crisp, refreshing and a wonderful idea when you discover you have no lettuce for the salad you planned to serve! It’s also very good for a plan-ahead salad.
Celery Salad with Blanca Bianca and Pecans
4-5 ribs of celery
4 ounces Blanca Bianca* or Taleggio Cheese
½ cup toasted pecans
½ cup finely chopped yellow onions
2 Tablespoons hazelnut oil
2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Remove the stings on the outsides of the ribs of celery using a vegetable peeler. Cut the celery ribs on the diagonal into slices about ¼ inch thick. Place the celery in a medium-sized bowl. Cut the cheese into thin slices and then cut again into small pieces about 1 inch square. Add to the bowl. Coarsely chop the pecans and add to the bowl. Add the onions.
In a small bowl, combine the oils, vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients until the vinaigrette is emulsified.
Pour the vinaigrette over the celery and other ingredients. Toss well to coat the salad.
The salad can be served immediately or set aside for up to an hour to marinate.
Serves 4
*Blanca Bianca is a pungent raw cow’s milk cheese that I created. Taleggio is a very good substitute.
This makes a wonderful bed for a grilled chicken breast, especially when garnished with heirloom tomatoes.
Copyright 2007 Cheese, Glorious Cheese by Paula Lambert, all rights reserved.
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