Chef John’s Waldorf Salad

Ingredients

• Dressing:
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup creme fraiche
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• Salad:
• 2 large crisp, sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup cubed (1/4 inch) celery root, soaked briefly in cold water, drained well
• 1 cup quartered seedless green grapes
• 1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces

Directions

Whisk mayonnaise, creme fraiche, lemon juice, tarragon, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl.

Place apples, celery root, grapes, and walnut pieces in a large bowl. Toss with about 1/2 cup of dressing. Add more dressing until salad components are well coated but not swimming in dressing. You might not need all the dressing.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.