Cucumber & Celery Yogurt Salad with harrisa and pine nuts
This salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors: cool, crunchy cucumber and celery are paired with creamy yogurt, then topped with warm, spicy harissa-infused pine nut butter. It’s a versatile dish that can serve as a side or a light main course.
⏱️ Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 cucumbers
4 celery stalks
1 unwaxed lemon (zest and juice)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
200g natural yogurt
For the harrisa and pine nuts:
1 generous handful of pine nuts
1 heaped teaspoon harissa paste
Zest of 1 lemon (from above)
Juice of ½ lemon (from above)
Salt, to taste
Optional: 2 tins of good-quality tuna in olive oil, drained
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Slice the cucumbers and celery into desired shapes (thin rounds, half-moons, or dice).
Place them in a large bowl.
2. Season the Salad:
Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables.
Add the juice of half the lemon.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss to coat evenly.
3. Prepare the Harissa-Pine Nut:
Add the pine nuts and cook until they turn golden brown.
Stir in the harissa paste and lemon zest.
Let it bubble gently for a minute, then remove from heat.
Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and season with salt if needed.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Transfer the seasoned vegetables to a serving platter.
Optional: Add the drained tuna over the vegetables.
Dollop the yogurt over the top.
Spoon the warm harrisa – pine nut over the yogurt.
5. Serve:
Serve immediately while the butter is still warm.
Notes
Harissa: Adjust the amount of harissa to your spice preference.
Yogurt: Use full-fat natural yogurt for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestion: This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal.
Tips
Make Ahead: You can prepare the cucumber and celery ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Add the dressing and toppings just before serving.
Variations: Try adding chopped fresh herbs like mint or parsley for added freshness.
❓ Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use a different nut instead of pine nuts?
A: Yes, slivered almonds or chopped walnuts can be used as alternatives.
Q: Is there a substitute for harissa paste?
A: You can use chili paste or a mix of paprika and cayenne pepper as a substitute, though the flavor profile will differ.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes, use a plant-based yogurt and substitute the butter with a vegan alternative.
️ Nutritional Information
Calories ~220 kcal
Protein ~6 g
Fat ~18 g
Carbohydrates ~10 g
Sugars ~5 g
Fiber ~2 g