Chef John's Waldorf Salad

Prep time: 20 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Chef John uses chopped celery root in his version of this classic salad--just 4 ingredients and a creamy dressing is all it takes.

Ingredients

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup creme fraiche
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 large crisp, sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup cubed (1/4 inch) celery root, soaked briefly in cold water, drained well
1 cup quartered seedless green grapes
1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces

Directions

1 Whisk mayonnaise, creme fraiche, lemon juice, tarragon, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl.
2 Place apples, celery root, grapes, and walnut pieces in a large bowl. Toss with about 1/2 cup of dressing. Add more dressing until salad components are well coated but not swimming in dressing. You might not need all the dressing.
3 Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.