Celery Chopped Salad with Apricots, Gorgonzola, and Pecans (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian)

Ever since posting my original Celery Chopped Salad with Feta, Dates and Nuts, I’ve had dozens and dozens of you messaging me asking for another version. You all loved it so much and wanted more ways to eat it, so I knew I had to oblige. Another version you will have! And here it is.

Blue cheese and celery is a classic combination (have you every seen buffalo wings served without it?!), and Gorgonzola is my blue of choice here. Gorgonzola, the namesake of a province in Italy, is soft and creamy blue cheese with a slightly acidic finish. This tartness balances beautifully with the fresh and crispy celery, and then add in the sweetness of the apricots and this salad is guaranteed to be your new go-to – plus it lasts all week in the fridge!

Watch Me Make My Celery Chopped Salad with Apricots, Gorgonzola, and Pecans

If you’re in need of some more Hungry Lady Salads, be sure to follow me on Facebook, or see all of my favorites (and so many other delicious recipes!) over on Pinterest.

How To Make My Celery Chopped Salad with Apricots, Gorgonzola, and Pecans

Step 1. Separate the leaves from the stalks of the celery.  Slice the stalks thinly on a bias and discard the leaves.  

Step 2. If your celery is a little wilted, place it in a bowl of ice water to heighten the crispiness, then drain on a tea towel before continuing.  

Step 3. To toast the pecans, warm them in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant and toasted, about 2-4 minutes.  Note:  if you are making this salad ahead, store the nuts separately and mix in just before serving to maintain their crunch!

Step 4. Place sliced celery stalks and leaves in a medium sized bowl.  

Step 5. Add the chopped pecans, apricots, gorgonzola, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper, top with chopped parsley, and toss to combine. 

Step 6. Enjoy!

What Else Can I Use?

• Can’t find gorgonzola, but you can find another blue cheese such as Stilton?  Use it!
• Don’t like blue cheese?  Try goat cheese or parmesan
• If you don’t have apricots, use any dried fruit.  Dried plums or cherries would work nicely.
• Almonds or walnuts can be substituted for the pecans.
• If you don’t eat nuts, use roasted pumpkin seeds.
• To add more protein, feel free to throw in some shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Vegetarian and want to add protein?  Throw in some cooked lentils.

This Celery Chopped Salad with Apricots, Gorgonzola, and Pecans is special because:

It’s the perfect balance of tart, sweet and fresh in every bite

It’s a beautiful twist on a chopped salad, especially if you need to use up celery or have to improvise when you don’t have traditional salad greens on hand.

It lasts all week in the fridge!

Chopped Salad Recipes

Crunchy Kale Chopped Salad with 3-Ingredient Hummus Dressing (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)

The Famous La Scala Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

Lentil Chopped Salad with Honey Walnut Dressing (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

Tuscan Kale Chopped Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

If you make my Celery Chopped Salad with Apricots, Gorgonzola, and Pecans, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment here and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations!

If you like full recipe videos, you’ll want to follow me on Facebook and Youtube as I publish new videos daily!