Raw Vegan Waldorf Salad

The original Waldorf salad was created in 1893 at the New York Waldorf Astoria hotel by a man named Oscar Tschirky. Mr. Tschirky was maître d’hôtel at this famous establishment. Today nobody remembers his name, but most people have tried or at least heard of his creation.

Traditionally Waldorf salad is made of celery, apples, walnuts and mayonnaise. I adjusted this recipe to make a vegan-friendly version. But even if you decide to make it with mayonnaise, you can opt for a raw, home-made one, provided you have an access to perfectly fresh, organic eggs.

Conventionally grown celery is considered as one of the "dirtiest"vegetables. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reported that green celery stalks are laced with as many as 64 difficult to wash-off chemicals. Keep this in mind and always buy organic or grow your own.

Ingredients:

for the salad
  • 3-4 celery ribs
  • 1/3 cup chopped celeriac (celery root)
  • 1/3 cup chopped tart apple (I used Belle de Boskoop)
  • 1/3 -1/2 cup chopped walnuts (soaked in water overnight and dehydrated)
  • freshly ground black pepper


for the dressing
  • 1/2 cup cashew nuts (soaked in water overnight)
  • 1/4 purified water
  • 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder or 1 tsp mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Celtic salt
Method:
  • Mix all the chopped celery, apple and celeriac in a large bowl.
  • Using food processor or a blender whiz a dressing using all the cashews, water vinegar, olive oil and mustard. Add salt and taste if it needs more mustard, oil or vinegar.
  • Pour half of the dressing over the chopped ingredients and mix well. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
  • Remove from fridge. Add more dressing and the freshly ground pepper. Mix well.
  • Add chopped nuts and gently mix again.
  • Serve with raw crackers or some sprouted, raw bread. Enjoy in good company on its own or as a side dish.



Tip:  You can change this simple winter salad into a summer delicacy by adding a handful of chopped, seeded grapes.

In radiant health - passionately raw - Dominique