Start by washing the celery thoroughly and patting it dry. Slice it thinly to ensure every bite stays crisp yet easy to chew. Fresh celery is essential for that signature crunch.
Finely chop the red onion and parsley to blend evenly into the salad. Smaller cuts help distribute flavors better without overpowering the celery. This keeps every bite balanced.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This simple dressing enhances the natural flavors without masking them. Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference.
Add celery, onion, parsley, and feta into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently. Make sure everything is evenly coated without breaking the feta too much.
If using nuts, toast them lightly before adding for extra flavor. Sprinkle them on top just before serving. This keeps them crunchy and prevents sogginess.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve fresh for the best texture and taste.