When I first discovered the magic that happens when crisp green apples and earthy celery root meet in a bowl, I knew I had stumbled upon a salad that defies expectations. Trust me, this isn’t just a side dish—it’s an experience that will have you wondering why you didn’t invite these flavors to the party earlier.
This Celery Root Green Apple Salad is such a wonderful balance of crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Julienne celery root and sliced green apples have an incredible refreshing crunch, which is just what you want in a salad.
But the real star of this dish is the dressing, which I would classify as a bright and tangy vinaigrette. This dish also has an added touch: toasted walnuts.
As if the salad needed anything else to elevate it, the walnuts provide an extra earthiness that rounds out the dish. And can we talk about how gorgeous this salad is?
Perfect for a dinner party.
Celery Root Green Apple Salad Recipe Ingredients
- Celery Root: Rich in fiber and vitamins, it’s a low-calorie vegetable with a subtle earthy flavor.
- Green Apples: Packed with vitamin C and fiber, they add a crisp, tart sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: High in vitamin C, it provides a bright, tangy zest to the salad.
- Olive Oil: A source of healthy monounsaturated fats, it adds richness and depth.
- Dijon Mustard: Offers a spicy, tangy kick that enhances flavors.
- Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the tartness of the apples and lemon.
Celery Root Green Apple Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 medium celery root, peeled and julienned
- 2 green apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
How to Make this Celery Root Green Apple Salad Recipe
1. In a big mixing bowl, put together the celery root, cut into matchstick-sized pieces, and the green apples, cut into very thin slices.
2. In another small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard with honey, and whisk together until well blended.
3. Pour the dressing over the mixture of celery root and apple, and toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
4. Add to the salad salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; then toss the salad again to distribute the seasoning.
5. Fold the mixture gently with the chopped fresh parsley.
6. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the salad and incorporate them throughout with one last toss.
7. Let the flavors meld together for about 10 minutes after sitting in a salad.
8. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to achieve your desired flavor.
9. Put the salad on a serving plate or individual plates, and arrange it attractively.
10. Serve right away or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before serving to let the flavors mingle and develop further.
Celery Root Green Apple Salad Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Chef’s knife
2. Cutting board
3. Peeler
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Small mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Salad tongs or large spoon for tossing
10. Serving plate or individual plates
FAQ
- What is celery root and where can I find it?Celeriac, or celery root, is a root vegetable with a mild celery flavor. It is available in most grocery stores, usually in the produce section near other root vegetables.
- Can I use a different type of mustard?Certainly! Grainy mustard can be used in place of Dijon mustard if you want a different kind of texture and flavor. Mustard is a basic ingredient in many recipes, and how you use it depends entirely on what you’re looking for.
- Is there a substitute for walnuts?Substitute any nut you like for this recipe—walnuts, hazelnuts, or even pine nuts work well—or leave them out entirely if nuts make you nervous. You can use any nut of your choice, like almonds or pecans, or omit them altogether if you have a nut allergy.
- How far in advance can I prepare this salad?The parts can be made a few hours ahead, but it’s best to put everything together just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
- How should I store leftovers?Keep any remaining portions in a sealed container in the fridge for two days maximum. The next time you unearth these beauties, they might have a tan. But don’t let that color slight fool you. They’re still gonna be delicious.
- Can I make this salad vegan?Absolutely, just switch out the honey for maple syrup or agave syrup, and the salad is vegan.
Celery Root Green Apple Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Celery root: Replace with jicama or kohlrabi, peeled and cut into matchsticks.
Green apples: Replace with hardy pears or sour Granny Smith apples.
Lemon juice. Replace with: lime juice, apple cider vinegar.
Avocado oil or grapeseed oil can be used as substitutes for olive oil.
Walnuts. If you don’t have the walnuts, just use toasted and roughly chopped pecans or almonds.
Pro Tips
1. To prevent the apple slices from browning, toss them with a bit of the lemon juice immediately after slicing. This will keep them fresh and enhance the tangy flavor.
2. For extra depth of flavor, consider toasting the walnuts yourself in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant. This will enhance their crunchiness and nuttiness.
3. If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing mixture. This will add richness to the salad.
4. Consider adding a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup to the dressing if you find it a bit too tangy from the lemon juice. Adjust to taste based on your preference.
5. For a bit of extra freshness and color, you can garnish the salad with some lemon zest or a few extra parsley leaves before serving. This will add a nice touch to the presentation.
Celery Root Green Apple Salad Recipe
My favorite Celery Root Green Apple Salad Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Chef’s knife
2. Cutting board
3. Peeler
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Small mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Salad tongs or large spoon for tossing
10. Serving plate or individual plates
Ingredients:
- 1 medium celery root, peeled and julienned
- 2 green apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
Instructions:
1. In a big mixing bowl, put together the celery root, cut into matchstick-sized pieces, and the green apples, cut into very thin slices.
2. In another small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard with honey, and whisk together until well blended.
3. Pour the dressing over the mixture of celery root and apple, and toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
4. Add to the salad salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; then toss the salad again to distribute the seasoning.
5. Fold the mixture gently with the chopped fresh parsley.
6. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the salad and incorporate them throughout with one last toss.
7. Let the flavors meld together for about 10 minutes after sitting in a salad.
8. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to achieve your desired flavor.
9. Put the salad on a serving plate or individual plates, and arrange it attractively.
10. Serve right away or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before serving to let the flavors mingle and develop further.