Céleri Rémoulade with Cured Ham

Raw celeriac takes well to the French rémoulade treatment: grated into fine, crunchy strands and coated in a sharp mayonnaise dressing lifted with Dijon mustard and lemon. The result is cool, creamy and tangy, with the vegetable’s gentle celery-like flavour cutting through the richness. Served chilled with thin slices of cured ham, it becomes a simple lunch plate in the classic French style — savoury, fresh and ready without cooking. A short rest helps the celeriac soften just enough while keeping its bite, and parsley adds a clean herbal finish.
Cuisine style French bistro cooking
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Make-ahead friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Crisp but creamy: Coarsely grated celeriac keeps its bite while the mayonnaise-based dressing coats it evenly.
  • Bright, well-balanced dressing: Lemon juice and Dijon mustard cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and keep the salad tasting fresh.
  • Fast no-cook assembly: The whole dish comes together with grating, whisking and a brief chill, making it practical for lunch or a light starter.

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Ingredient notes

  • Choose firm celeriac: Look for a root that feels heavy for its size, with no soft patches, as this gives the cleanest flavour and crispest texture.
  • Use lemon to sharpen the dressing: Celeriac and mayonnaise both benefit from acidity, so adjust with a little extra lemon juice if the salad tastes too rich.
  • Serve the ham separately: Keep the cured ham wrapped and add it at the last moment so it stays supple rather than drying out in the fridge.

Texture tips

  • Grate coarsely: Use the coarse side of a box grater so the celeriac remains crisp instead of becoming wet or pulpy.
  • Keep the chill brief: A short rest helps the dressing settle and slightly softens the celeriac without losing its fresh crunch.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make the salad ahead: The rémoulade can be prepared in advance and kept chilled; stir before serving if it releases a little liquid.
  • Store the ham apart: For the best presentation and texture, refrigerate the celeriac mixture and cured ham separately, then plate just before eating.

Authenticity notes

  • Classic French salad: Céleri rémoulade is a familiar French cold salad, often served simply as part of a lunch plate, starter or charcuterie-style spread.
  • Dressing variations: Some versions use whole-grain mustard or a little crème fraîche for a softer, lighter dressing while keeping the same sharp-savoury character.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Peel the celeriac, then grate it coarsely into a mixing bowl. Squeeze over half the lemon juice straight away and toss well to stop it discolouring.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fine sea salt, black pepper, and the remaining lemon juice to taste. The dressing should be tangy and well seasoned.
  3. Pour the dressing over the celeriac and mix until evenly coated. Cover and chill for 10 minutes so the celeriac softens slightly and the flavours meld.
  4. Finely chop the parsley and fold most of it through the rémoulade, reserving a pinch for the top. Taste and adjust with a little more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed.
  5. Divide the céleri rémoulade between two plates and sprinkle with the reserved parsley. Serve chilled with the cured ham alongside.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, grate the celeriac on the coarse side of a box grater so it stays crisp rather than turning watery.
  • If you are serving later, keep the ham separate and plate it at the last moment so it does not dry out.

Substitutions

  • Replace Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a milder heat and a coarser texture.
  • Replace some of the mayonnaise with crème fraîche for a lighter, slightly tangier dressing.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Store the céleri rémoulade in an airtight container in the fridge; it may release a little liquid, so stir before serving. Keep the cured ham wrapped separately and add just before eating.

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Céleri Rémoulade with Cured Ham
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 plates
  • Total time: 25min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: French
  • Allergens:
    Eggs Mustard
Beginner friendly

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