Celery Dressing(Low-Fat)
A light and flavorful low-fat celery dressing with aromatic herbs and toasted bread, perfect as a side for poultry or vegetable dishes and suitable for health-conscious meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the onion and celery.
- Sauté the chopped onion and celery in turkey fat until tender.
- Prepare the Melba toast and cut into cubes.
- Cube the toast and stir into the chicken broth until soaked.
- Add marjoram, salt, pepper, and the sautéed vegetables to the mixture.
- Stir in the well-beaten egg.
- Coat a casserole dish with vegetable pan spray.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until the dressing is puffy and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the turkey fat with olive oil or a low-fat butter alternative. If you don’t have Melba toast, any dry bread will work, just toast it until crispy. You can also include herbs such as thyme or sage for a different flavor profile. Ensure the onion and celery are finely chopped for even cooking and distribution throughout the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This celery dressing pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it an excellent side for holiday meals. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced plate. It can also complement dishes like the First Place Chicken Casserole for a comforting dinner. For a lighter option, enjoy it with steamed vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover celery dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Dressing(Low-Fat) contains roughly 157 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1442mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it fresh when you're ready to serve, ensuring the best texture and flavor. If you want to save time on the day of serving, prepare the vegetable mixture and bread ahead, then combine and bake when needed.
Can I freeze celery dressing?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze celery dressing for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, and label it with the date. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake until warmed through, adding a little broth if it seems dry.
What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, consider using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed ripe banana. You can also use a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a vegan alternative. These substitutions will still help bind the dressing together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).