Pickled Cucumber Tomato and Celery Salad

A simple and refreshing summer salad full of texture and pop. Acidiic and sweet. Beautiful colors and flavors. This is a wonderful example of the great food that can happen when you simply wander through the store picking out the freshest produce, take it home and get creative.

4 stalks celery, sliced on the bias
1 large cucumber, cut into matchsticks
1 pint grape tomatoes, cut into quarters
1 large handful celery leaves, chopped small
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 a jalapeno, minced

3 tbls olive oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup apple juice
3 tbls hot sauce
2 tsps thyme
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp crushed pepper flakes
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsps salt

Add all ingredients to a large bowl and toss/stir to coat and combine. Chill at least 3 hours, preferably longer