Celeriac and Apple Slaw Recipe

This Celeriac and Apple Slaw Recipe is a crisp, refreshing side dish that combines crunchy celeriac, tart Granny Smith apples, sweet carrots, and toasted hazelnuts with a tangy homemade mustard vinaigrette. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this easy slaw recipe delivers bright flavours and satisfying texture, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, and barbecue favourites.

The Inspiration

Slaws have long been a staple at barbecues because they provide a cool, refreshing contrast to smoky grilled foods. While traditional coleslaw often features cabbage and mayonnaise, this version takes a more refined approach by highlighting celeriac, one of the most underrated root vegetables.

Also known as celery root, celeriac has a mild celery flavour with a slightly nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with crisp apples and fresh vegetables. Combined with tart Granny Smith apples, colourful carrots, and thinly sliced red onions, this slaw delivers a wonderful balance of sweetness, acidity, crunch, and freshness.

Inspired by the outdoor cooking style of Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, Maddie and Kiki Longo focus on seasonal ingredients and simple preparations that complement barbecue meals without overpowering them. The homemade mustard vinaigrette replaces heavier creamy dressings with a light, herb-filled dressing that enhances the natural flavours of the vegetables.

Ingredients

For the slaw

1/3 cup of mustard vinaigrette (see recipe below)
1 celery root (1lb), peeled and cut into matchsticks
1 jumbo carrot, peeled and cut into matchsticks
2 large granny smith apples, quartered, cored, and cut into matchsticks
1 small red onion, cut into matchsticks
3 tbsp toasted hazelnuts, chopped
Lemon juice, if needed, to stop the oxidizing of the apple and celery root

For the mustard vinaigrette

3 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 shallots, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
¼ cup hazelnut oil
¼ cup canola oil
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Make the vinaigrette. Place all ingredients except salt and pepper in a mason jar.
Place the lid ion the jar and shake vigorously until the vinaigrette emulsifies.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and shake one more time.
Prepare all the slaw veggies.
If you are preparing the celeriac and apple matchsticks ahead of time, place them in a bowl of cold water and lemon juice to stop them from browning.
Once ready, strain them and pat them dry.
Place celeriac, apple, carrot, red onions and hazelnuts in a mixing bowl.
Pour dressing over top and toss. Plate and garnish with extra parsley and hazelnuts. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Celeriac and Apple Slaw Recipe is a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, smoked brisket, barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, sausages, and grilled seafood. Its bright acidity and crisp texture help balance rich barbecue dishes, making it an excellent addition to summer cookouts and outdoor entertaining.

The slaw also works wonderfully as a topping for sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, adding freshness and crunch to every bite. Because the dressing is vinaigrette-based rather than creamy, it travels well for picnics, potlucks, and packed lunches.

Serve chilled with extra toasted hazelnuts and fresh parsley for a colourful presentation that complements any barbecue spread.

Final Thoughts

This Crisp Celeriac and Apple Slaw Recipe celebrates fresh produce, vibrant flavours, and simple homemade ingredients. Inspired by Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this recipe proves that a thoughtfully prepared slaw can be just as memorable as the main course.

The crisp celeriac, tart apples, sweet carrots, and crunchy hazelnuts combine beautifully with the tangy mustard vinaigrette to create a refreshing salad full of texture and flavour. Every bite offers a balance of sweetness, acidity, freshness, and nuttiness that complements a wide variety of grilled dishes.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!