Is celeriac remoulade good for you?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

While raw celeriac is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C, its classic preparation as celeriac remoulade raises questions about overall health. The answer to whether this creamy salad is truly good for you lies in the sauce, not the root vegetable itself.

Quick Summary

This article explores the healthiness of celeriac remoulade by examining the nutritional content of its base celeriac and its mayonnaise-heavy dressing. It details the benefits of the root vegetable and contrasts a traditional recipe with a healthier version.

Key Points

Dressing is Key: The healthiness of celeriac remoulade hinges on the dressing; traditional mayonnaise-heavy recipes are high in fat, while lighter, homemade versions are healthier.
Celeriac is Nutrient-Dense: The celeriac root itself is low in calories and carbs but high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals like potassium, supporting digestion, immunity, and bone health.
Opt for Lighter Alternatives: Replace traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, tahini, or a mustard vinaigrette to significantly reduce fat and calories.
Enhance with Extra Veggies: Adding shredded carrots, radishes, or fresh herbs boosts the fiber and nutrient content of the salad.
Enjoy in Moderation: If you prefer the traditional version, consume it in moderation as a treat rather than a daily health food due to its higher calorie density.
DIY for Control: Making celeriac remoulade from scratch gives you complete control over the quality and quantity of ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier result.

The Core Ingredient: Celeriac's Impressive Health Profile

Before delving into the final dish, it is essential to understand the foundation: celeriac. This gnarly, underrated root vegetable is a nutritional hero on its own, offering a host of benefits that are often overlooked. It is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals, and its high fiber content is particularly beneficial for digestive health. Celeriac is a low-carb and low-calorie alternative to potatoes, making it a great choice for those managing their weight.

Key nutritional highlights of celeriac:

Rich in vitamins: Celeriac is packed with vitamins K, C, and B6. Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and bone health, while vitamin C supports the immune system.
High in dietary fiber: The fiber in celeriac promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. It also acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
Good source of minerals: It provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, as well as phosphorus and manganese, vital for bone health.
Antioxidant properties: The antioxidants found in celeriac, including vitamin C and E, help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage.

The Remoulade Dressing: Where the Health Equation Shifts

In its traditional French preparation, celeriac remoulade is tossed in a rich, mayonnaise-based dressing. This is where the overall healthiness of the dish can change dramatically. A standard mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and egg yolks, which means it can be very high in calories and fat. For example, some ready-made versions can contain a significant amount of saturated fat and sodium. A homemade version offers more control over ingredients, but can still be calorie-dense. The key is mindful preparation.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Healthy Celeriac Remoulade

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of a traditional recipe using standard mayonnaise versus a healthier alternative with a lighter dressing.


Feature	Traditional Celeriac Remoulade	Healthy Celeriac Remoulade
Dressing Base	Mayonnaise (oil and egg yolk)	Greek yogurt, tahini, or lighter vinaigrette
Calorie Count	Potentially high (e.g., 235 calories per serving)	Significantly lower (e.g., 80 calories per 100g)
Fat Content	High, especially saturated fat	Lower fat and saturated fat content
Added Sugar	Possible, especially in pre-made versions	Reduced or no added sugar
Overall Health Score	Enjoy in moderation due to calorie density	Excellent low-calorie, high-fiber salad

How to Make a Healthier Celeriac Remoulade

Making your own version is the best way to ensure celeriac remoulade remains a healthy option. By swapping out or reducing high-fat ingredients, you can enjoy all the benefits of celeriac with a lighter, equally delicious dressing.

Tips for a healthier recipe:

Swap mayonnaise: Use plain Greek yogurt, a tahini-based dressing, or a simple Dijon mustard and lemon juice vinaigrette. Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture while boosting protein content.
Add other vegetables: Incorporate other crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, radishes, or fennel to bulk up the salad and increase its nutrient density.
Include fresh herbs: Use plenty of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives to add flavor without adding calories.
Use healthy fats sparingly: If you use oil, opt for a small amount of extra virgin olive oil for its monounsaturated fats.
Boost with protein: For a more substantial, balanced meal, serve the remoulade with grilled fish or chicken.

The Verdict: A Healthy Dish with the Right Preparation

Ultimately, whether celeriac remoulade is good for you is entirely dependent on how it's made. The celeriac itself is undeniably healthy, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support heart, bone, and digestive health. A traditional, mayonnaise-heavy version, while a classic, is better enjoyed as an occasional indulgence due to its high calorie and fat content. However, by opting for a homemade recipe with lighter, healthier dressing alternatives like yogurt or vinaigrette, you can create a truly nutritious and delicious salad.

For more detailed nutritional information on celeriac, consult reputable sources like Healthline.

Conclusion

Celeriac remoulade can be a very good-for-you dish, provided you take a mindful approach to its preparation. The raw root vegetable is loaded with essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that contribute significantly to overall health. By moving away from a heavy mayonnaise and embracing lighter alternatives, this French classic can become a regular, guilt-free component of a healthy diet, perfect for a refreshing lunch or a nutrient-packed side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make a low-calorie celeriac remoulade, replace the traditional mayonnaise with a healthier alternative such as plain Greek yogurt, a mustard and lemon juice vinaigrette, or a tahini-based dressing.

A traditional celeriac remoulade made with a standard mayonnaise is typically high in fat. However, a healthier version made with lighter dressings, like yogurt or a vinaigrette, will have a much lower fat content.

Celeriac is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins K and C, and minerals like potassium and phosphorus. These nutrients support digestive health, boost the immune system, and are beneficial for heart and bone health.

Yes, a lightened, homemade celeriac remoulade can be great for weight management. Celeriac is low in calories and high in fiber, which promotes feelings of fullness, helping to prevent overeating.

Store-bought versions can vary widely in nutritional value. They often contain higher levels of fat, sodium, and sometimes sugar. It is best to check the nutritional label and opt for a homemade version for better control.

Yes, celeriac remoulade can be made vegan by replacing the egg-based mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise or using a completely dairy-free and egg-free dressing base like tahini, plant-based yogurt, or a simple vinaigrette.

Celeriac remoulade pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is often served with grilled fish, roast chicken, smoked salmon, or ham. It also makes an excellent side salad for barbecues or as part of a cold platter.