Mediterranean Celery Olive Salad (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 4 cups celery, sliced
02 - 1 cup olives, sliced or chopped, drained (with pimentos included)
03 - 1/3 cup black olives, minced into a fine mixture
04 - 2 packed cups baby arugula, roughly chopped
05 - 1/2 packed cup flat parsley, chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
07 - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (substitute Greek if preferred)
08 - 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
09 - 1/2 cup dates, chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
11 - 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
12 - 1 large lemon, juiced and zested

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the celery, olives, baby arugula, parsley, thyme, Italian seasoning, apricots, dates, and black pepper. Toss and blend well.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
03 - Drizzle the lemon and olive oil dressing over the celery mixture. Toss to blend thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

# Notes:

01 - For the best flavor, allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator to let the ingredients absorb the dressing.