Capricciosa Salad
- Gluten Free
- Energy Kcal 583
- Carbohydrates g 4.8
- of which sugars g 4.8
- Protein g 10.2
- Fats g 58.1
- of which saturated fat g 9.49
- Fiber g 2
- Cholesterol mg 71
- Sodium mg 1000
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 10 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Low
- Note + 1 h cooling time
PRESENTATION
Capricciosa salad is, like, a big deal in Italian home cooking—seriously. It's the kind of dish you find at festive gatherings and those laid-back Sunday lunches. The traditional Italian salad is a must-have on the antipasto table, setting the stage for whatever comes next. What's so cool about capricciosa salad? It's all about that fresh mix of julienned celery root and carrots, which gives you that perfect combo of crunchy and tender goodness.
Unlike the heavier Russian salad, this one keeps it simple, focusing on the main flavors. And here's the thing: you get chunks of cooked ham and bits of Gruyère—or whatever cheese you've got on hand—adding a creamy and savory twist. The mayonnaise-based dressing with a touch of mustard? It gives it a tangy kick that wakes up your taste buds but doesn't weigh you down.
And listen, when it comes to parties and family dinners, this Italian salad recipe is a hit. It's both easy and special, you know? Plus, each region puts its own spin on it—like adding a splash of vinegar for more tang, or switching out the cheese for a local favorite. You can totally customize it with what’s in your fridge—making your own version of insalata capricciosa. It is got that moist texture from the mayo, crisp freshness from the veggies, and a really good blend of ham and cheese.
Its flexibility is key—sometimes celery root gets swapped for other root veggies, but the idea stays the same: keep it light, fresh, and scoopable. This classic Italian dish has earned its spot on Italian tables because it pulls simple flavors together in a way that works, no question. Whether you need something quick or want to impress, this salad is super satisfying. It's a perfect start to the meal and a nod to the beauty of Italian cooking—where even the simplest ingredients come together to create something with so much flavor and heart.
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- INGREDIENTS
- Mayonnaise 1 ¼ cup (300 g)
- White celery 3.5 oz (100 g) - cleaned
- Carrots 0.9 cup (100 g) - cleaned
- Gruyere cheese 1.75 oz (50 g)
- Prosciutto cotto 1.8 oz (50 g) - (one slice)
- Mustard 1 tsp
- Fine salt to taste
How to prepare Capricciosa Salad
To prepare the Capricciosa salad, first peel the celeriac 1, then slice it no more than 1/8 inch thick 2 and cut it into sticks 3.
Immediately transfer the celeriac to a bowl with the mayonnaise 4 and mix 5 to prevent the celeriac from oxidizing. Peel the carrots 6.
Slice them also into 1/8 inch pieces 7 and cut them into sticks 8. Finally, dice the Gruyère cheese 9.
From the slice of ham, cut strips 10 and then dice them 11. Now add the carrots, ham, and cheese to the celeriac 12.
Incorporate the mustard 13, stir to flavor 14. Refrigerate for an hour to blend the flavors, then serve your homemade Capricciosa salad 15.