ROASTED FALL VEGETABLE SALAD

with Miso-Apple Vinaigrette

Chef Tracey thinks a great strategy for salads in fall and winter is roasting the season’s hearty root vegetables and fruits and serving them at room temperature, tossed in a dressing that bring out their flavors.

Here, she’s chosen celery root, kohlrabi, fennel, and apples, roasted in stages to bring out their best textures.  Taking a page from Waldorf salad, she adds toasted walnuts, golden raisins, plumped in verjus, and sweet and creamy miso-apple vinaigrette.

Pairing: 2019 Russian River Valley Chardonnay.  The apple and miso vinaigrette plays off the apple flavors in this classic Chardonnay.

Ingredients (serves 8):

• • 1 cup walnut halves
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • 3 cups peeled and diced celery root, cut into medium dice
  • 3 cups diced kohlrabi, cut into medium dice
  • 3 cups diced fennel bulb, cut into medium dice, fronds reserved
  • 3 cups cored and diced Fuji or other red apple, cut into medium dice
  • 3 tablespoons white miso
  • 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed
  • lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • 1⁄2 cup apple juice
  • 1⁄3 cup white verjus
  • 1⁄3 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup loosely packed celery leaves (light tender leaves from center of head)
  • 1⁄2 cup loosely packed fennel fronds

Instructions:

• • To toast the walnuts: Preheat the oven to 325°F convection (350°F conventional). Put the walnuts in the center of a small sheet pan, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and toss to coat evenly, then spread the walnuts in a single layer. Toast for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden. Pour onto a cutting board to cool, then chop.
  • To roast the vegetables: Position two racks in the upper part of the oven and raise the oven temperature to 400°F convection (425°F conventional).  Place two half sheet pans on the racks to preheat.
    • In a large bowl, combine the celery root, kohlrabi, and fennel with 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt and toss to coat evenly. Divide the mixture between the hot pans, spreading it evenly, and roast for 15 minutes.
    • In a medium bowl, combine the apple with 1 teaspoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss to coat evenly. Remove the pans from the oven and raise the oven temperature to 425°F convection (450°F conventional). Add the apple to the pans, stir to combine with the vegetables, and return the pans to the oven. Roast for 8 minutes longer, until the vegetables and apple are tender and the edges are beginning to caramelize. Remove from the oven and let cool.
  • To make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the miso, mayonnaise, lemon juice, tahini, and apple juice, mixing well. You will not need all of the vinaigrette. The leftover vinaigrette will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To finish and serve: In a small pot, bring the verjus just to a boil over high heat. Remove from the heat, add the raisins, and let sit for 5 minutes. Drain the raisins.