Italian chef Lidia Bastianich whipped up this easy celery salad, accented with fresh mozzarella and crunchy walnuts.

Mozzarella and celery salad

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, cubed
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 2 cups celery thinly sliced on the bias, with some leaves

Method:

In a serving bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mustard, and salt. Then slowly whisk in the olive oil to make a smooth dressing. Add the mozzarella, walnuts, and celery. Toss well with the dressing, and serve. Or you can plate a more formal version with fanned, sliced mozzarella and the dressed celery and walnuts on top.

Courtesy Lidia Bastianich

www.lidiasitaly.com