Waldorf Salad Recipe
If you crave a dish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying, Waldorf Salad absolutely fits the bill! This beloved classic brings together the irresistible crunch of apples and celery, the natural sweetness of grapes, and buttery notes from toasted walnuts, all tossed in a tangy-creamy dressing. Waldorf Salad isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a revitalizing bite of American culinary history and makes the perfect addition to brunches, picnics, or even a quick lunch at home. Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering it, this recipe will show you why it’s stood the test of time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Waldorf Salad is its simplicity: a short list of ingredients that all play pivotal roles. Each element brings a unique texture, color, and burst of flavor, so picking the freshest produce really makes a difference!
- Apples: Their crispness and subtle tartness are essential. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties hold up wonderfully and don’t turn mushy.
- Red grapes: For a little pop of sweetness and a juicy contrast to the crunchy elements. Halving them lets their flavor mingle evenly throughout the salad.
- Celery: Thin slices add a cool, peppery crunch. Fresh celery boosts the salad’s vibrancy and texture.
- Walnuts: Roughly chopped walnuts offer a nutty, buttery flavor with a pleasant bite and extra satisfaction.
- Mayonnaise: Provides richness and an unmistakable creamy base for the dressing.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Lightens up the dressing while adding a gentle tang, balancing the mayonnaise perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up all the flavors and keeps the apples from browning. Freshly squeezed is best!
- Honey: Just a touch smooths out the tang and brings subtle sweetness to the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper: These seasonings make all the flavors pop and add depth.
- Lettuce leaves (optional): Serving the Waldorf Salad on a crisp bed of lettuce is timeless and adds a gorgeous touch of green.
How to Make Waldorf Salad
Step 1: Prep the fresh ingredients
Start by washing and preparing all your produce. Dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, halve the grapes, and slice the celery thinly for that signature crunch. If you want to go the extra mile, toss your apple cubes with just a bit of lemon juice to keep them vibrant and prevent browning.
Step 2: Combine the fruit, nuts, and veggies
Place your diced apples, halved grapes, thin-sliced celery, and roughly chopped walnuts together in a large mixing bowl. Gently stir everything together, letting the colors and aromas mingle. This is where the iconic Waldorf Salad begins to come alive!
Step 3: Whisk up the creamy Waldorf Salad dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. Aim for a silky, smooth dressing with a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring you’re happy with the flavor before moving on.
Step 4: Toss and chill the salad
Pour that irresistible dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Toss gently—just enough to evenly coat everything without bruising the apples or grapes. Cover the bowl and let the Waldorf Salad chill in your refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld and enhances the salad’s crunch.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir. You can enjoy it as-is or create a charming presentation by scooping portions onto crisp lettuce leaves for that signature Waldorf Salad look. Dig in and savor each wonderful bite!
How to Serve Waldorf Salad
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, a sprinkling of extra chopped walnuts or a few delicate celery leaves can really set off the freshness of Waldorf Salad. You might also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or a scattering of minced chives for color and mild oniony flavor.
Side Dishes
Waldorf Salad pairs lovingly with so many meals. It’s right at home alongside grilled chicken, roast turkey, or a bowl of creamy soup. For a light lunch, serve it with a hearty slice of whole grain bread. Its sweet-savory profile makes it the perfect companion for a picnic spread, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Spoon the Waldorf Salad into halved avocados for a modern twist, or fill delicate endive leaves for an easy, elegant appetizer. For brunch, try layering it in small mason jars—ideal for make-ahead entertaining and adorable single servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any remaining Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2 days, although the apples may lose a bit of their crispness the longer they sit. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
I wouldn’t recommend freezing Waldorf Salad, as the apples and grapes lose their crispness and the creamy dressing can become watery when thawed. Enjoy this dish freshly made or shortly after chilling for the very best flavor and texture.
Reheating
This sunny salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If the salad has been in the fridge, just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring out all the nuances in taste.
FAQs
Can I make Waldorf Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, and the salad will still taste amazing—fresh, crisp, and delicious.
What apples work best in Waldorf Salad?
Crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are the stars here. They keep their texture and don’t become mushy, balancing the salad’s sweetness perfectly.
Is Waldorf Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe for Waldorf Salad is naturally gluten-free as written. Just check that your mayonnaise and yogurt are gluten-free if you’re serving guests with sensitivities.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Feel free to add a cup of cooked, chopped chicken or turkey for extra protein, or toss in a handful of raisins for additional sweetness and fiber. These tasty additions turn Waldorf Salad into a satisfying meal on its own.
Can Waldorf Salad be made the night before?
You can! Assemble everything except the walnuts for best results, as they can lose crispness if they sit in the dressing overnight. Stir in the nuts just before serving for a freshly made crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the kind of salad that makes you excited to eat your fruits and veggies, this Waldorf Salad is ready to be your new favorite. All it takes is a few simple steps and you’re rewarded with a dish bursting with color, crunch, and flavor. So grab your apples—and get ready to share this classic with family and friends. You may just find yourself making a double batch next time!
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Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A classic Waldorf Salad that combines the crunch of apples, celery, and walnuts with the sweetness of grapes, all dressed in a creamy, tangy dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss: Pour the dressing over the fruit and nut mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Chill: Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve on its own or spooned over lettuce leaves for a classic presentation.
Notes
- To prevent browning, toss the chopped apples with a little extra lemon juice before mixing.
- You can use all mayo or all yogurt depending on your preference.
- Add raisins or chopped chicken for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
