Healthy French Celery Salad That Everyone Will Love
Discover the Charm of French Celery Salad
When you think of French cuisine, most people imagine buttery croissants, carefully prepared cheeses, delicate wines, or intricate sauces. Few would think that celery salad is one of the treasures that the French cherish as much as desserts like crème brûlée. Yet, celeri rémoulade, as the French celery salad with mayonnaise is traditionally called, is a staple of deli counters, home kitchens, and bistros throughout France.
French celery salad is not just another variation of the well-known Waldorf salad or celery spread. It is a far more delicate, elegant, and refreshing dish that reflects the French sense of balance in flavors, textures, and simplicity. What is its magic, and why should it find a place in your home?
Celery as the Main Star
The foundation of this salad is celery root, a vegetable often overlooked but nutritionally valuable. It contains B vitamins, vitamin C and K, potassium, calcium, and valuable antioxidants. It’s also great for fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. With its low calorie content (approximately 42 kcal per 100 g), it fits well into lighter, diet-friendly menus.
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What’s important is that celery has a specific, spicy flavor that requires the right balance. That’s why the ideal combination in this recipe is with a gentle homemade mayonnaise, a bit of Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. The result is a crunchy, slightly spicy, yet creamy smooth salad that delights the taste buds without the heaviness typical of other traditional salads.
The Secret of the French Recipe
The French have one essential rule in cooking – respect for ingredients. There is strength in simplicity. And this is reflected in celeri rémoulade. The salad should be simple, clear, with minimal ingredients but maximum flavor. It is typically prepared as follows:
Ingredients:
- 1 small celery root (about 300–400 g)
- 4 tablespoons homemade or quality organic mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice from half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
The celery is finely grated or cut into thin strips (julienne) and immediately sprinkled with lemon to preserve its color. It is then mixed with mayonnaise and mustard, seasoned with salt and pepper, and left to rest for a while, ideally a few hours in the fridge. The salad then gains the perfect balance of flavors.
Many French people prepare it at home, but it is also sold in every supermarket or deli. It’s a practical dish – it keeps in the fridge for several days and is suitable as a side dish, appetizer, or light dinner.
French Celery Salad and a Healthy Lifestyle
You might think of mayonnaise and question its alignment with a healthy lifestyle. But that’s another charm of this dish – you can customize it.
Want a lighter version? Replace part of the mayonnaise with white yogurt or a plant-based alternative. There are also vegan versions of egg-free mayonnaise that taste great and have less fat. For a more robust flavor, add a drop of apple cider vinegar, finely chopped spring onion, or fresh herbs like tarragon or chives.
Do you like fermented flavors? Try adding a teaspoon of mustard with whole seeds or a pinch of pickled vegetables to the salad. There are many options, and it always depends on what you like and how you want to customize the salad.
How the Salad Found a Place in Czech Households
Jana, a mother of two from Brno, discovered French celery salad by accident. “We found it in a small bistro on the way to Brittany. The kids initially wanted to refuse it because it looks pale and doesn’t have any meat. But after a few bites, they ate it all. Since then, we make it at home quite often," she says. “It’s best with bread as a quick dinner, and sometimes I pack it for school lunch."
Jana’s story shows that even in Czech cuisine, such a simple salad can find its place. Moreover, it teaches children to eat vegetables differently than just cooked or in broth form. And what’s more – it’s a recipe that involves the whole family, as its preparation is so simple that even small children can join in.
Where to Find Quality Ingredients?
If you decide to prepare the French celery salad with mayonnaise at home, it’s important to choose the right ingredients. The celery should be fresh, firm, and free of rot. The mayonnaise should be without chemical additives and preferably from organic eggs or entirely plant-based. On the Ferwer e-shop, you’ll find a wide range of organic foods and products for a healthy kitchen, including plant-based mayonnaises, quality mustards, and ecological kitchen supplies.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional French cuisine or looking for new ways to enrich your diet with healthy and tasty alternatives, this salad should definitely be on your table.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Salad
French celery salad is most often served as an appetizer, but it can easily be turned into a main course. Just add a piece of quality bread, a boiled egg, or a slice of cheese like Comté or Emmental. It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or as a side to roasted chicken. It has a universal character yet retains French elegance.
If you enjoy preparing refreshments for guests, you can serve the salad in small glasses as finger food. Combined with wine (such as a light white Sauvignon Blanc), you’ll create a perfect evening inspired by French charm.
As Julia Child, the American chef who popularized French cuisine in the USA, says: “People who love to eat are always the best people." And French celery salad is exactly the type of food that combines simplicity, nutrition, and elegance in one bite.
All it takes is a few ingredients, a bit of patience, and a willingness to try something new. Whether you prepare it according to the traditional recipe or in a modern, lighter version, one thing is certain – French celery salad with mayonnaise is a dish that will find a place in your repertoire not only for its taste but also its subtle versatility.
