Who knew that a salad made from celery could be so good and so satisfying? It's a shame that celery is rarely the star of a salad because the crunchy texture and mild but distinct flavor are really refreshing - and don't forget to add any leaves that are attached to the celery ribs. Although often ignored, celery leaves have a pleasant flavor.

Generously dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and topped with shavings of sharp and nutty Grana Padano cheese, each bite of this salad is a bold combination of flavors and textures. Although it can be enjoyed any time of year, celery is a the perfect vegetable to turn to in the winter when it's hard to find other fresh, seasonal vegetables at the market for salads.

Grana Padano is an Italian cow's milk cheese that is aged for 1-2 years. The texture is hard and granular. In fact, the name "Grana" comes from the word "grain" and refers to the grainy texture of the cheese. The flavor is nutty and buttery with a sharp fruitiness.Grana Padano has been made in the Po valley of Italy for at least a thousand years, and the same recipe is still used today. The recipe and the process of making Grana Padano is protected by its P.D.O. status. P.D.O stands for Protected Designation of Origin and is a set of guidelines that insure the quality and authenticity of cheese sold under the name Grana Padano.

Grana Padano and Parmigiano-Reggiano can be used interchangeably in recipes, since they are so similar. However, if you taste the two cheeses side by side you'll notice subtle differences in flavor that might lead you to prefer one over the other. It's also worth noting that Grana Padano is often less-expensive than Parmigiano-Reggiano.

See Also

Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Substitutes

Cheese Measurements

Which Types of Cheese Travel Well?