Creamy Celery Root Salad with Walnuts
This delicious Celery Root Salad combines the earthy flavors of celery root with the crunch of walnuts and a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing. It's a refreshing dish perfect for any gathering or as a side. The lightness of the yogurt and the rich texture of mayonnaise create a balanced dressing that perfectly coats the grated celery root. For added sweetness and a fruitier twist, consider incorporating grated apples. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, this salad offers a delightful crunch and nutty aroma, sure to please any palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Celery Root
2 (medium, peeled and grated)
Lemon
1/2 (juice, for rubbing and mixing)
Yogurt
1/2 cup (strained)
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup (N/A)
Walnuts
1 cup (finely crushed)
Garlic
1 (clove, minced (optional))
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the celery roots and rubbing them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Work with one root at a time to maintain freshness.
2
Grate the peeled celery roots using a box grater or food processor. As you grate them, immediately transfer the shreds to a large mixing bowl and add a splash of lemon juice to keep them vibrant.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the strained yogurt, mayonnaise, crushed walnuts, minced garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt. Adjust the yogurt and mayonnaise ratio according to your taste.
4
Fold the grated celery roots into the yogurt-walnut mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and to chill the salad.
6
Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional crushed walnuts or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in the Creamy Celery Root Salad?
The main ingredients include medium celery roots, lemon juice, strained yogurt, mayonnaise, finely crushed walnuts, garlic, and salt.
How do I prevent the celery root from turning brown?
Immediately rub the peeled celery roots with lemon juice and add a splash of lemon juice to the shreds as you grate them to maintain their vibrant color.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a food processor to grate the celery roots instead of a traditional box grater for faster preparation.
What type of yogurt is recommended?
Strained yogurt, such as Greek yogurt, is recommended to ensure the dressing remains thick and creamy.
Is the garlic mandatory in the dressing?
No, the minced garlic is optional and can be omitted based on your personal taste preference.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to chill the dish.
Can I add fruit to this celery root salad?
Yes, adding grated apples is a great way to incorporate a fruitier twist and extra sweetness into the salad.
What is the best way to prepare the walnuts?
The walnuts should be finely crushed before being whisked into the yogurt and mayonnaise dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Creamy Celery Root Salad is naturally vegetarian.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad features a delightful crunch from both the raw grated celery root and the crushed walnuts, balanced by a smooth, creamy dressing.
Can I adjust the yogurt to mayonnaise ratio?
Yes, you can adjust the amounts of yogurt and mayonnaise to reach your preferred level of richness and tanginess.
How do I serve this salad?
Serve it chilled as an appetizer or a side dish, ideally garnished with extra walnuts or fresh herbs.
Is celery root the same as regular celery?
No, celery root (or celeriac) is a specific variety of celery grown for its large, edible root, which has an earthy flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance, as the flavors continue to develop while it sits in the refrigerator.
What does celery root taste like?
It has a subtle, earthy flavor that is similar to celery stalks but with a nuttier, slightly sweeter undertone.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While specific serving sizes aren't listed, the use of two medium celery roots typically serves 4 to 6 people as a side dish.
Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, pecans or hazelnuts would make excellent substitutes if you prefer a different nutty profile.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Do I need to peel the celery root?
Yes, you must peel the tough outer skin of the celery root before grating it for the salad.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe involving simple grating and mixing steps.
What kind of herbs go well with this dish?
Fresh parsley, dill, or chives are excellent choices for garnishing this creamy salad.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for flavor and preventing oxidation, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish as it uses fresh vegetables, nuts, and yogurt.
Why is the salad chilled before serving?
Chilling allows the celery root to absorb the flavors of the dressing and ensures the dish is refreshing.
Can I omit the salt?
The salt is used to taste, so you can reduce or omit it based on your dietary needs.
How do I crush the walnuts?
You can use a knife to chop them finely, or place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?
Yes, sour cream can be used as a substitute for yogurt if you prefer a richer, more tart flavor.
Does the celery root need to be cooked?
No, this recipe uses raw, grated celery root to provide a fresh and crunchy texture.
What should I look for when buying celery root?
Choose celery roots that are firm and heavy for their size, avoiding any that have soft spots or excessive bruising.