The vibrant colors of summer always remind me of how refreshing a bright salad can be, especially when it brings together unexpected flavors. That’s how I stumbled upon this delightful Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad, a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory. One afternoon, while rummaging through my fridge, I was faced with ripe mangoes desperate to be used and a half guava that had been sitting quietly. Inspiration struck, and I knew I could whip up something spectacular.
Imagine crunching down on refreshing mango, complemented by the crispness of celeriac and the zing of horseradish cream dressing! This salad isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is versatile enough to brighten up any table. So come along with me as I share this simple yet delightful recipe that promises to elevate your dining experience!
Why is Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad a Must-Try?
Vibrant flavors come together in this salad, offering a refreshing twist that indulges your taste buds. Simple preparation means you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time, perfect for busy chefs. Unique combination of sweet mango, juicy guava, and crunchy celeriac creates an exciting texture profile. Customization options allow for personal touches—try adding your favorite herbs! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy, making it an essential addition to your summer recipes.
Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 mango – use ripe mangoes for the best sweetness and flavor.
- 1 red apple – adds a crisp texture; a tart variety enhances the flavor balance.
- ½ guava – offers a mildly sweet, tropical note that complements the salad beautifully.
- ¼ celeriac – provides crunch; look for firm and blemish-free celeriac roots.
For the Dressing
- ½ lemon – fresh juice brightens up the flavors and prevents browning.
- 5 sprigs dill, divided – adds a fresh herbal note; include extra sprigs for garnish if desired.
- salt – enhances the salad’s flavors; start with a pinch and adjust to taste.
- pepper – adds a bit of spice; freshly cracked pepper is always best for flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream – creamy base for the dressing; Greek yogurt works as a lighter substitute.
- 3 tsp horseradish cream – the key ingredient that adds a delightful kick to the dish.
Enjoy crafting this refreshing Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad, perfect for summer gatherings or casual meals!
How to Make Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad
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Prepare the Fruit: Start by peeling and chopping the mango, red apple, guava, and celeriac into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even flavor in every bite.
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Squeeze Lemon Juice: Grab your half lemon and squeeze out the juice. This will not only add brightness to the salad but also keep the fruits from browning.
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Thread onto Skewers: Carefully thread the fruit pieces onto the skewers, alternating between mango, red apple, guava, and celeriac. The colorful assortment will make your salad visually appealing!
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Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped dill, sour cream, and horseradish cream. Stir until smooth to create a creamy dressing with a hint of tangy spice.
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Season the Salad: Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors of the fresh ingredients. Adjust according to your preference for a little kick!
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Drizzle and Serve: Pour the dressing over the skewered fruit just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors and textures!
Optional: Garnish with extra sprigs of dill for an aromatic touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors of this unique salad.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky flavor of grilled shrimp pairs perfectly with the salad’s fruity elements, adding a satisfying protein boost.
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Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy, herbed quinoa pilaf offers a nutty richness that balances the sweet notes of the mango and guava.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread provides a crispy texture contrast, making each bite of salad even more enjoyable.
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Avocado Toast: Creamy, spreadable avocado on toasted bread complements the salad beautifully, creating a delightful union of textures and flavors.
Serve a chilled glass of Mint Lemonade alongside for a refreshing, zesty drink that enhances the salad’s tropical vibe. The brightness of the mint and lemon is a perfect match!
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, opt for a light and fruity lemon sorbet. The citrusy sweetness ties back to the salad, making for a harmonious end to your meal.
Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by personalizing this salad to suit your taste, each twist adding its own special charm!
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Tropical Twist: Substitute half of the mango with diced pineapple for an extra burst of tropical flavor that brightens every bite.
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Herb Enhancements: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint instead of dill for a refreshing lift that makes the salad uniquely yours.
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Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a delightful heat that balances the sweetness of the fruits.
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Creamy Option: Swap sour cream for avocado to create a rich and creamy dressing that pairs beautifully with the distinct flavors of the salad.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the softer fruit textures.
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Vegan Delight: Use a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream, and replace the horseradish cream with a dash of lemon zest for an invigorating vegan option.
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Citrus Blend: Incorporate a mix of citrus fruits, like orange or grapefruit segments, to add brightness and juiciness to every skewer.
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Texture Play: For a fun twist, roast the celeriac before adding it to the salad, giving a warm, earthy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the fresh fruits.
Expert Tips for Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad
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Fruit Selection: Choose ripe mango and crisp apple for optimal sweetness and texture. Avoid overripe or mushy fruit to maintain crunch.
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Uniform Sizing: Cut the celeriac, mango, apple, and guava into even pieces. This not only ensures even flavor but also enhances the salad’s presentation.
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Layering Flavors: Consider adding additional herbs or spices, such as mint or chili flakes, to personalize your Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad and enhance its taste.
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Dress Before Serving: To keep the salad fresh, drizzle the dressing over the skewers just before serving. This prevents the fruits from becoming soggy.
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Storing Tips: If you plan to store leftovers, keep dressed and undressed components separate. This way, the flavor and texture remain intact for your next serving!
Make Ahead Options
These Celeriac Mango and Guava Skewers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing salad any day of the week! You can chop the mango, apple, guava, and celeriac up to 24 hours in advance, just remember to toss the fruit with lemon juice to prevent browning. Assemble the skewers ahead of time, refrigerating them until you’re ready to serve; they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy, simply mix the dill dressing and drizzle it over the skewers just before serving, ensuring that every bite is just as delicious and vibrant as when you first made it!
How to Store and Freeze Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad
Fridge: Keep the Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures freshness while allowing the flavors to mingle.
Separation: Store the salad components separately (fruits and dressing) to maintain texture. Dressed salad may become soggy quickly, so assemble as needed.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to the high water content of the fruits, which can change the texture upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh!
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best served cold. Just prepare and enjoy straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat!
Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe mangoes?
Absolutely! When selecting mangoes, look for those that yield slightly to pressure, indicating ripeness. The skin should have a mix of yellow and red tones without any dark spots. A ripe mango will also emit a sweet aroma near the stem.
How should I store leftover salad?
To keep your Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, I recommend keeping the salad components—fruits and dressing—separate. This prevents the fruits from becoming soggy and helps retain their lovely crunch.
Can I freeze the salad for later use?
Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad due to the high water content in the fruits. Freezing can change their texture when thawed, making them mushy. Instead, enjoy the salad fresh! If you’re looking to save some, prepare the ingredients and dressing separately to assemble later.
What can I do if my salad looks wilted or mushy?
If your salad appears wilted, it’s likely due to the dressing being applied too early. To fix this, consider cutting new fresh fruits to replace any soggy pieces, and serve them with a freshly made dressing drizzled over just before serving. Always dress before serving to maintain crispness!
Is this salad suitable for those with allergies?
Always a good question! The Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad can be enjoyed by many, but if you have allergies, be cautious with the ingredients. The dressing contains sour cream and horseradish cream; you can substitute with dairy-free yogurt and omit the horseradish for a mild alternative. Always check labels for any potential allergens, especially if serving guests.
Can I add more ingredients to customize the salad?
Very! This salad is quite versatile. Feel free to add herbs like mint or basil for extra freshness, or sprinkle in some chopped nuts for added crunch. If you want a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes! The more the merrier, so get creative with your additions.
Refreshing Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad for Summer Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling and chopping the mango, red apple, guava, and celeriac into bite-sized pieces.
- Squeeze out the juice from half a lemon to add brightness and prevent browning.
- Carefully thread the fruit pieces onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dill, sour cream, and horseradish cream. Stir until smooth.
- Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the skewered fruit just before serving.