Waldorf Salad

Fresh, Crisp & Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something fresh, crisp, and full of flavor, this Waldorf Salad is the perfect choice! Bursting with vibrant fruits, crunchy nuts, and a creamy dressing, this classic salad has been a favorite for over a century. The combination of juicy apples, tangy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a velvety mayonnaise dressing creates a balanced dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s the ultimate side salad for any occasion—from a simple family meal to an elegant dinner party.

Fun fact: The Waldorf Salad was created in the 1890s by the maître d’ of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, and it quickly became a beloved dish. It’s been a staple in American cuisine ever since!

This salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a light lunch or a side to complement a main dish. If you love fresh and flavorful salads like our Classic Caesar Salad, you’ll find this Waldorf Salad just as irresistible. Now, let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can recreate this timeless dish in your own kitchen!

What is Waldorf Salad?

You might be asking, “What exactly is Waldorf Salad?” Well, let’s break it down. This refreshing salad is a delightful mix of fresh apples, grapes, walnuts, and celery, all tossed together in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. The original recipe, created in the late 1800s, was served at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and quickly became a popular dish across the country.

But where does the name come from? It’s simple: the salad was named after the prestigious hotel, which was a hub for the wealthy and influential. It’s as fancy as it sounds, but don’t let that intimidate you—this salad is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

There’s a saying that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and I can assure you, this Waldorf Salad will win over even the toughest critics at the dinner table. Give it a try, and you’ll see just why it’s been a favorite for over a century!

Why You’ll Love This Waldorf Salad

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Waldorf Salad, and here are the top three:

1. Fresh and Crunchy: The combination of crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery offers a delightful texture that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Add in the walnuts for an extra crunch, and you’ve got the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
2. Quick and Easy: One of the best things about this salad is how simple it is to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a vibrant, fresh salad ready in minutes. It’s perfect for when you want something light yet filling, and you don’t have a lot of time to spare.
3. Customizable: The beauty of this salad is that it’s easy to tweak based on your preferences. Don’t like walnuts? Swap them for pecans or almonds. Want a lighter dressing? Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love.

If you’re a fan of our Greek Salad, you’ll appreciate the refreshing and crisp qualities of this Waldorf Salad. Plus, both salads are light, healthy, and packed with flavor. So why not try this delicious, classic recipe and add it to your salad repertoire?

How to Make Waldorf Salad

Quick Overview

Making this Waldorf Salad is as simple as chopping a few ingredients and mixing them together. The freshness of the apples and grapes, the crunch of the celery and walnuts, and the creaminess of the dressing come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a quick snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

The recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for when you need a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that doesn’t require a lot of time. Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need!

Key Ingredients for Waldorf Salad

To make this fresh and flavorful salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 medium apples (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith or a sweet variety like Fuji)
• 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Optional: You can add a drizzle of honey or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing the apples and grapes. Core and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Cut the grapes in half. Slice the celery into small pieces, and coarsely chop the walnuts.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) with the lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir well to combine. If you like a slightly sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey.
3. Toss the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to marinate and the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal!

What to Serve Waldorf Salad With

This Waldorf Salad is versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:

• Grilled Chicken: The light, fresh flavors of the salad pair beautifully with grilled chicken. Whether you go with a simple herb seasoning or a tangy marinade, the combination is sure to please.
• Quiche: A slice of savory quiche, such as our Spinach and Feta Quiche, makes a wonderful accompaniment to the Waldorf Salad for a light brunch or lunch.
• Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll is a great way to round out the meal and soak up any extra dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts adds a hearty element that balances the fresh crispness of the salad.

Top Tips for Perfecting Waldorf Salad

Enjoy this fresh and flavorful Waldorf Salad, and add a touch of classic elegance to any meal!

• Choose the Right Apples: Use a tart apple, such as Granny Smith, for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the grapes and dressing. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, opt for a sweeter apple variety like Fuji.
• Toast the Walnuts: For added flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. This enhances their natural nuttiness and adds a delicious crunch.
• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. This will make the salad creamy but with less fat and more protein.
• Keep It Fresh: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad within a few hours of making it. If you need to make it in advance, be sure to keep the dressing separate and toss it just before serving to prevent the ingredients from getting soggy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Waldorf Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep the ingredients fresh. If you’ve already mixed the dressing in, it may become slightly soggy over time, so it’s best to dress it just before serving.

If you prefer to make the salad ahead of time, you can chop the ingredients and store them separately. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply toss everything together with the dressing.

Recipe Schema Markup for Waldorf Salad

• Preparation Time: PT15M
• Cooking Time: PT0M
• Total Time: PT15M
• Type of Recipe: Salad
• Cuisine: American
• Keywords: Waldorf Salad, fresh salad, apple salad, walnut salad, light meal
• Recipe Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 220 per serving

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 medium apples
• 1 cup grapes
• 1/2 cup celery
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Pros

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Fresh, crisp, and light
• Customizable with different nuts or fruits
• Great for meal prep and make-ahead meals

Cons

• Best served fresh, so leftovers may get soggy
• Mayonnaise-based dressing is not suitable for those avoiding dairy

Recipe Instructions

1. Chop apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts.
2. Make dressing with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss all ingredients together, coat with dressing.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then serve chilled.