If you love discovering fresh and simple flavors that brighten up your meal, then you’re going to adore this recipe for Céleri Rémoulade (French Celeriac Salad) | Classic Creamy Celeriac Side Dish Recipe. This traditional French salad highlights the knobby, underrated celeriac root with a luscious, tangy dressing that is creamy yet light. Every bite offers a crisp texture balanced by the subtle zing of lemon and mustard, making it the perfect companion to rich mains or a refreshing addition to any lunch spread. It’s a timeless dish that blends elegance with rustic charm, proving that a humble vegetable and a well-crafted sauce can truly shine on their own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this salad is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in creating that unmistakable harmony of taste and texture. From the earthy crunch of celeriac to the zesty bite of Dijon mustard, these components come together like a culinary symphony.
- 1 large celeriac: The star of the dish, celeriac offers a crisp, celery-like flavor with a hint of nuttiness.
- ¾ cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base that ties all the flavors together with richness and smoothness.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle heat and sharpness to brighten the dressing wonderfully.
- 1 lemon, juiced, divided: The acidity keeps the salad fresh and prevents the celeriac from browning.
- 2 tbsp full cream milk (optional): Helps to loosen the dressing if you prefer a lighter texture without losing creaminess.
- 1 stalk flat leaf parsley: Brings a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a mild spiciness to complement the tangy dressing.
How to Make Céleri Rémoulade (French Celeriac Salad) | Classic Creamy Celeriac Side Dish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Celeriac
Start by peeling the celeriac root carefully with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, as its rough outer skin is quite thick. Once peeled, finely julienne the celeriac into matchstick-thin strips for the ideal tender yet crunchy texture. Immediately toss the sliced celeriac in half of the lemon juice to keep it from oxidizing and turning brown. This also adds a fresh burst of citrus to every bite.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, remaining lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a smooth, tangy dressing. If you want a slightly lighter consistency, whisk in the optional milk a little at a time. This step is where the magic happens — the dressing should feel creamy but lively, enhancing the natural flavor of the celeriac without overpowering it.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Drain any excess lemon juice from the celeriac strips, then gently fold them into the dressing until fully coated. The key is to be thorough but gentle so the celeriac retains its crispness. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, sprinkle finely chopped flat leaf parsley on top to introduce a fresh herbaceous layer and colorful contrast.
How to Serve Céleri Rémoulade (French Celeriac Salad) | Classic Creamy Celeriac Side Dish Recipe
Garnishes
A touch of extra parsley or chives sprinkled on top elevates the presentation and adds fresh herbal notes to complement the creamy dressing beautifully. For a little crunch, toasted walnuts or pine nuts work wonderfully as a topping, imparting nutty richness that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with roasted meats like pork or chicken, where its vibrant acidity cuts through rich flavors. It also serves as a fantastic refreshing side alongside hearty stews or grilled fish. For a lighter meal, try it with a crusty baguette and soft cheeses to revel in a true French-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Céleri Rémoulade elegantly in individual small bowls or on a large platter garnished with extra parsley sprigs. For a fun twist, layer it with thinly sliced apples or crispy radishes for added texture and a burst of sweetness. It also makes a stunning filling for an open-faced tartine, lending sophistication and crunch to your snack or appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Céleri Rémoulade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually improve after resting, but the celeriac’s crispness is best enjoyed fresh, so consume sooner rather than later for the ultimate texture.
Freezing
This creamy celeriac salad does not freeze well because mayonnaise and the fresh crunch of celeriac would separate and become watery upon thawing. It’s best to prepare it fresh or store only in the fridge.
Reheating
Since this salad is traditionally served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off before serving, which allows the flavors to open up delightfully.
FAQs
What is celeriac and does it taste like celery?
Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a knobby root vegetable with a mild celery flavor but earthier and nuttier. It’s crunchy and great for salads like this one because it holds up well when sliced thinly.
Can I substitute mayonnaise with something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and a little olive oil if you want a lighter or tangier dressing, though it will alter the classic creamy texture a bit.
How long does Céleri Rémoulade keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to two days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, the celeriac may lose its crispness and the dressing can separate.
Can I prepare the celeriac ahead of time?
You can peel and cut the celeriac a few hours ahead and keep it covered in lemon water to prevent browning, but it’s best to dress it close to serving to maintain that wonderful fresh crunch.
Is this dish gluten-free and suitable for special diets?
Yes, Céleri Rémoulade is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian. Just ensure your mayonnaise or substitutes fit your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Céleri Rémoulade (French Celeriac Salad) | Classic Creamy Celeriac Side Dish Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those timeless dishes that turns a simple root vegetable into something undeniably delicious and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for friends or simply treating yourself, this salad delivers a fresh, creamy bite that feels like a little piece of France on your plate. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
PrintCéleri Rémoulade (French Celeriac Salad) | Classic Creamy Celeriac Side Dish Recipe
Céleri Rémoulade is a classic French salad featuring crisp, shredded celeriac coated in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This refreshing side dish is perfect for adding a zesty crunch to any meal and showcases the unique, earthy flavor of celeriac.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large celeriac (celery root), peeled and shredded
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon (divided)
- 2 tbsp full cream milk (optional)
- 1 stalk flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the celeriac: Peel the celeriac with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler until all rough outer skin is removed. Grate or finely shred the celeriac into thin strips using a box grater or food processor. To prevent browning, immediately toss the shredded celeriac with half of the lemon juice.
- Make the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, the remaining lemon juice, and optional milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine salad and dressing: Add the shredded celeriac to the dressing and mix thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add parsley and chill: Stir in the finely chopped flat leaf parsley for freshness and color. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the celeriac to soften slightly.
- Serve: Give the salad a final stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve chilled as a side dish alongside meats, sandwiches, or other French-inspired fare.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adding a pinch of celery salt can enhance the celery flavor of the celeriac.
- Serve within 1-2 days for optimal freshness as the salad can darken over time despite lemon juice.
- The optional milk thins the dressing slightly for easier mixing but can be omitted for a thicker consistency.
- If you prefer a more pronounced mustard flavor, increase the Dijon mustard to 1½ tablespoons.
