Fresh Tomato and Celery Root Salad Recipe – Italian Special
A delight of Italian cuisine, this Fresh Tomato and Celery Root Salad brings together juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and earthy celery root (celeriac), creating crisp textures that are both satisfying and refreshing. Tossed with a light vinaigrette, red onion, parsley, and a sprinkle of oregano, it’s a healthy appetizer or light side dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors—bright, herbal, and simple. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect when you want something fresh and clean to complement any meal.
- Prep Time15 min
- Total Time15 min
Tomato, Cucumber and Celeriac Salad Ingredients :
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 small celery root (celeriac), peeled and diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare Vegetables :
Peel and dice the celery root. To do this, cut off the outer skin and chop the inner flesh into small cubes.
In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the diced celery root for about 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let it cool.
Dice the tomatoes and cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, cucumber, cooled celery root, and red onion.
Prepare Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Salad:
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
Stir in the chopped parsley.
Serve:
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Recipe Notes:
Prep Tips: Blanch the celery root for about 5 minutes to soften its texture and mellow its stronger raw flavor. Dice all vegetables roughly the same size to ensure uniformity in every bite.
Ingredient Alternatives: If celeriac is unavailable, use jicama or kohlrabi for a similar crunch. Swap red wine vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter, citrus-forward twist.
Flavor Balance: Adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar carefully—tomatoes bring sweetness, and celery root adds earthiness. A little extra red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice helps brighten the salad if it feels a bit flat.
Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen over time, though the celery root will soften slightly.
Serving Pairings: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted veggies. Serve alongside crusty bread or with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a simple lunch or side.
