There’s a certain charm that comes with whipping up a quick, yet delightful dish in the kitchen. I found myself searching for something different one sunny afternoon when the air was filled with the promise of summer gatherings. That’s when I stumbled upon this vibrant Creamy French Celery Slaw, a refreshing twist on the classic coleslaw.
Imagine the satisfying crunch of celery root mingling with the sweetness of candied walnuts and a creamy mayo dressing—it’s a match made in foodie heaven! This slaw not only brightens up your plate but also caters to various dietary needs, making it an ideal companion for everything from barbecued chicken to grilled veggies. Best of all? It takes just 10 minutes to whip up, giving you more time to savor the moments with family and friends. Let’s dive into this simple yet stylish recipe that just might become your go-to summer side!
Why is French Celery Slaw a Must-Try?
Refreshing, this slaw brings a burst of flavor to any meal, making it a delightful addition to summer barbecues or cozy winter gatherings.
Quick to prepare, with only 10 minutes of your time, you can create a stunning dish that impresses everyone.
Versatile, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or stands alone as a light, healthy option.
Nutritious, low in calories and high in fiber, it caters to various dietary preferences and needs.
Unique flavor profile, combining the crunchiness of celery root with sweet walnuts, makes it a standout alternative to traditional coleslaw.
French Celery Slaw Ingredients
• Here’s what you need for the perfect slaw!
For the Slaw
- Celery Root – Adds crunch and texture without overpowering flavor; substitute with jicama or radishes if desired.
- Walnuts – Provide sweetness and a satisfying crunch; use pecans or almonds as alternatives.
- Apple (sliced or diced) – Offers a subtle sweetness; can be replaced with pears for a different flavor profile.
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise – Creates a creamy dressing base; for a lighter option, substitute with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo.
- Lemon Juice – Freshens up the slaw; it’s essential to add just before serving to maintain crispness. No direct substitutes recommended for its tangy flavor.
This delightful French Celery Slaw will be a crisp and creamy delight at your next gathering!
How to Make French Celery Slaw
-
Prepare: Begin by peeling the celery root and finely chopping it along with the apple. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even mixing and taste.
-
Combine: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped celery root, diced apple, and walnuts. The combination of these ingredients will create a beautiful contrast in color and texture.
-
Mix Dressing: Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice to the bowl; gently stir until every piece is evenly coated. This creamy dressing brings everything together.
-
Chill: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld perfectly, giving you a refreshing slaw.
-
Serve: When ready to serve, give the slaw a gentle toss and add more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier flavor. It’s ready to wow your guests!
Optional: Garnish with extra walnuts or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze French Celery Slaw
Fridge: Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping its crunchiness intact.
Prep Ahead: You can make this slaw a day in advance; just wait to add the walnuts until right before serving to preserve their texture.
Freezer: While not recommended for freezing due to the creamy dressing, you can freeze the chopped celery root and apple separately for quick use later.
Reheating: Serve chilled or at room temperature. If the slaw has been dressed and refrigerated, give it a gentle toss to refresh before serving.
What to Serve with French Celery Slaw?
Elevate your meal with perfect pairings that complement this refreshing slaw and satisfy your taste buds.
-
Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken enhance the slaw’s freshness, making each bite a delightful harmony of taste.
-
Roasted Vegetables: Their warm, earthy flavors balance the crispness of the slaw. Plus, the vibrant colors create an eye-catching plate!
-
Sandwiches: Whether it’s a classic club or a hearty veggie sandwich, the slaw adds a crunchy, creamy texture that uplifts every bite.
-
Potato Salad: This combination brings a lovely balance of flavors; enjoy the creamy potato salad alongside the lightness of celery slaw for a delectable duo.
-
Pork Chops: Juicy, flavorful pork chops serve as a satisfying counterpart to the slaw’s brightness, creating a well-rounded meal.
-
Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade complements the slaw’s tanginess, quenching your thirst while enhancing the dish’s overall freshness.
-
Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory elements, bringing a burst of color and sweetness to your table.
-
Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp fits perfectly after the slaw, echoing its sweet apple notes while adding a comforting finish.
Expert Tips for French Celery Slaw
-
Even Cutting: Ensure all vegetables are cut into uniform pieces for consistent texture and flavor throughout the slaw.
-
Gradual Dressing: Add mayonnaise to the slaw gradually to prevent overdressing; this ensures the dish remains light and crisp.
-
Chill Time: Don’t skip refrigerating before serving! Chilling for at least 20 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully in this French Celery Slaw.
-
Refresh Before Serving: Toss the slaw lightly after chilling to re-distribute the dressing, keeping every bite fresh and flavorful.
-
Storage Tips: Keep the slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day; add nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
French Celery Slaw Variations
Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own with these delightful twists and swaps!
-
Dried Cranberries: Add a handful for a pop of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
-
Shredded Carrots: Toss in shredded carrots for vibrant color and an extra touch of natural sweetness, perfect for a visual and flavor upgrade.
-
Nut-Free: Swap the walnuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds to make the salad nut-free and equally crunchy.
-
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the slaw a subtle heat that’ll excite your taste buds.
-
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be mixed in for a refreshing green note, enhancing the salad’s overall flavor profile.
-
Creamy Avocado: Blend in creamy avocado pieces for an extra layer of richness and healthy fats that keep everything beautifully smooth.
-
Citrus Twist: Experiment by adding orange or lime juice instead of lemon for a zesty flair that brightens each bite in a delightful new way.
-
Gourmet Cheesiness: Incorporate crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy dimension that elevates this slaw into a gourmet delight.
Let creativity flourish and enjoy discovering your personal favorite version of this French Celery Slaw!
Make Ahead Options
These French Celery Slaw preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking for time-saving solutions! You can chop the celery root and apple up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them separately in airtight containers to prevent browning. The walnuts can also be pre-measured and stored until you’re ready to mix everything. When you’re set to serve, combine all components in a bowl, add the creamy mayonnaise and lemon juice, then give it a gentle toss. This way, you’ll enjoy the same fresh, delicious flavor as if you made it right before serving! Enjoy the extra time you’ll have while still serving a delightful dish!
French Celery Slaw Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best celery root?
Absolutely! When selecting celery root, look for a firm and heavy bulb without any dark spots or blemishes, which can indicate spoilage. The skin should feel rough, and the root should be relatively small, as larger celery roots can sometimes have a tougher texture.
How long can I store leftover slaw in the fridge?
You can keep your French Celery Slaw stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the walnuts may lose some crunch after the first day, so consider adding them right before serving for maximum texture!
Can I freeze French Celery Slaw?
Very! Although it’s best not to freeze the entire dressed slaw due to the mayo, you can freeze the chopped celery root and apple separately. To do this, chop them and spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw and prepare the dressing fresh!
What if my slaw turns out too watery?
Don’t worry, it happens! If you find your French Celery Slaw is too watery after resting, try draining any excess liquid using a fine mesh strainer. You can also consider adding a touch more chopped celery root or even some shredded carrots to absorb the moisture and enhance texture.
Is this slaw suitable for people with nut allergies?
Definitely! If you’re making this slaw for someone with nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They offer a delightful crunch without compromising safety.
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Very much so! You can make this French Celery Slaw up to a day in advance. Just prepare the slaw and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Remember to add the nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch and freshness!
French Celery Slaw: A Crisp, Creamy Deli Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by peeling the celery root and finely chopping it along with the apple. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even mixing and taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped celery root, diced apple, and walnuts.
- Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice to the bowl; gently stir until every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- When ready to serve, give the slaw a gentle toss and add more lemon juice if preferred.