A rustic wooden bowl filled with a vibrant celery root and walnut salad, drizzled with a Dijon vinaigrette

Root vegetables

celery root and walnut salad with dijon vinaigrette

By Eleanor Vance

Published: 13 Mar 2025

This celery root and walnut salad is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients transformed into a culinary masterpiece. The earthy sweetness of the celery root perfectly complements the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, all brought together by a tangy and slightly sweet Dijon vinaigrette. It's surprisingly easy to make, yet incredibly elegant – perfect for a light lunch, a sophisticated side dish, or even a starter for a dinner party.
Close-up shot of a celery root being peeled
The recipe takes just a few minutes to assemble, and most of the time is spent prepping the ingredients. The result, however, is well worth the minimal effort. I first discovered this combination completely by accident, while trying to use up some leftover celery root. The accidental nature of the recipe's creation makes it even more special, a reminder that sometimes the best recipes come about through happy, unexpected turns.
A bowl of the finished salad, garnished with fresh herbs

Required Equipments

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Salad spinner (optional)
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Celery-Root-and-Walnut-Salad-with-Dijon-Vinaigrette

This recipe delivers a delightful combination of crunchy walnuts, earthy celery root, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. It's surprisingly simple to make yet wonderfully flavorful!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, prep your celery root! Wash it thoroughly, then peel it using a vegetable peeler. This part can be a little tough, so be careful. You want to get rid of the tough outer layer, but not take off too much of the good stuff. Once peeled, slice it into thin matchsticks, about 1/8th inch thick (or thinner!). Aim for uniform slices for even cooking.
  2. Next, let's tackle the walnuts. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch them carefully; they burn quickly! Let them cool completely before chopping them roughly. Don't over-chop. Some bigger pieces add textural contrast.
  3. Now, let's make the Dijon vinaigrette – the star of the show! In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Start with a small amount of each, then taste and adjust to your preference. I like mine a bit tangier than most, but you do you!
  4. Time to assemble the salad! Toss the celery root matchsticks with the toasted walnuts and the Dijon vinaigrette. Use a salad spinner if you'd like to gently dry the celery root before dressing; It helps the vinaigrette adhere better. If you're skipping the spinner, just make sure to gently but thoroughly toss the celery root to coat each piece. Make sure every piece is nicely dressed and glistening. So satisfying!
  5. Give your salad a final taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Maybe a pinch more salt? A dash more pepper? It’s all about finding the perfect balance for your palate. This is where your culinary instincts come in. Trust them. You’ve got this!
  6. Serve immediately or chill for later, maybe 30 mins or so. The flavors will meld beautifully. Serve in a nice bowl for a pretty presentation or pack it for lunch. This salad is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your preferences. Enjoy!

📝 Notes

  • For a richer vinaigrette, you could substitute half of the olive oil with a high quality walnut oil.
  • If your celery root is very large, you might want to increase the amount of vinaigrette slightly.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with other herbs. Parsley, chives, or tarragon would work very well

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 250

Protein: 5 g

Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 10 g

Fiber: 3 g

Calcium: 30 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

“The best things in life are simple things. Like a good salad.” - Eleanor Vance

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