If you crave a fresh, creamy, and delightfully crunchy salad that’s as at home at a holiday dinner as it is at Sunday lunch, this Waldorf Salad Recipe needs a spot in your recipe box. Packed with crisp apples, juicy grapes, and hearty walnuts, all lightly enveloped in a tangy yogurt or mayo dressing, this salad is a masterclass in classic flavors and texture. Whether you’re hosting friends for brunch or just want a quick, healthy side, the Waldorf Salad Recipe delivers vibrancy and nostalgia in a single bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Waldorf Salad Recipe is its simplicity — these everyday ingredients come together to create something truly memorable. Every component brings essential texture, color, or flavor for that unmistakable Waldorf charm.
- Apples (2 cups, chopped, unpeeled – use a mix of red and green): The heart and soul of the salad, giving crunch, tartness, and a splash of festive color.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Keeps those apples from browning and adds a subtle, essential zing to balance the creaminess.
- Seedless red grapes (1 cup, halved): Bursts of mellow sweet juiciness that pair perfectly with the apples and nuts.
- Celery (1 cup, sliced): Adds unbeatable fresh crunch and a gentle savoriness that makes each bite interesting.
- Walnuts (1/2 cup, chopped and lightly toasted): A toasty, earthy bite that’s both classic and deeply comforting.
- Mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): The foundation for the creamy dressing; pick yogurt for a lighter, tangier finish.
- Honey (1 tablespoon, optional): Offers just a touch of sweetness and helps balance the lemon and yogurt.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Just a pinch brings all the flavors into delicious harmony.
- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional): A fresh and classic base that transforms your salad into a gorgeous plated dish.
How to Make Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start the Waldorf Salad Recipe by giving your apples a good wash. Leave the peels on for added color and texture, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the apples immediately with lemon juice in a medium bowl to prevent browning and add a bright note to the fruit mix. This simple step guarantees your salad looks and tastes fresh every time.
Step 2: Combine the Fruits and Veggies
Add the halved grapes and sliced celery to your bowl of apples. This is when the salad truly comes together with layers of sweetness and crispness. Stir in the lightly toasted walnuts for a nutty crunch that’s essential in any authentic Waldorf Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, blend together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If you like things a little sweeter, whisk in the honey — it’s optional but wonderful. Season with a touch of salt and black pepper, tasting as you go until you’re happy with the balance.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour the dressing over your apple, grape, celery, and walnut mixture. Gently toss, making sure every bit is evenly coated but without smushing the fruit. The creamy, tangy dressing should hug every ingredient for that signature Waldorf Salad Recipe flavor.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and ensures each bite is crisp and refreshing. Before serving, fluff the salad and, if you’d like, dish it onto crisp lettuce leaves for that classic presentation.
How to Serve Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra toasted walnuts on top never goes amiss. For a splash of color, add a few halved grapes or even some chopped fresh parsley. These finishing touches make your Waldorf Salad Recipe as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This salad loves to share the plate with roast chicken, baked salmon, or sandwiches of all kinds. It’s also a hit alongside a spread of assorted salads and breads for a spring or holiday buffet. The freshness of the Waldorf Salad Recipe lightens up any meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Waldorf Salad Recipe in individual lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer. For picnics, spoon it into jars for a fun, portable treat. You can even layer it as part of a festive grain bowl with cooked farro or quinoa; it’s a great way to make this classic shine in new ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Waldorf Salad Recipe will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apples may soften slightly, but the flavors deepen, making for a satisfying snack or sandwich filling later on.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this salad isn’t a freezer-friendly option. Freezing changes the texture of fresh fruits and veggies, making them mushy once thawed — not ideal for a salad known for its crunch!
Reheating
No reheating needed here! Waldorf Salad Recipe is at its best served cold straight from the fridge. If you’d like to freshen it up after storing, just give it a gentle stir and maybe add a touch more lemon or yogurt if it seems a little dry.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Mixing red and green apples gives the Waldorf Salad Recipe a wonderful variety of color, tartness, and sweetness. Feel free to use whatever apples you have — Granny Smith adds tang, while Fuji or Honeycrisp bring juicy sweetness.
Is it best with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt?
Both options work beautifully. Greek yogurt creates a lighter, tangier version, while mayonnaise gives a classic creamy texture. You can also use half and half to strike a perfect balance in your Waldorf Salad Recipe.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Substitute your favorite vegan mayo or unsweetened coconut yogurt for the dressing, and use maple syrup instead of honey. This way, you’ll still enjoy all the classic notes of a Waldorf Salad Recipe but in a completely plant-based format.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you don’t have walnuts or prefer a different flavor, pecans make a delicious swap. For a nut-free option, roasted sunflower seeds offer crunch without allergens, keeping the spirit of the Waldorf Salad Recipe intact.
How far in advance can I make Waldorf Salad Recipe?
You can prepare it up to a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a quick stir before serving. If possible, wait to add the walnuts until just before serving so they stay extra crunchy.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Waldorf Salad Recipe has been beloved for generations: it’s fresh, simple, and adaptable — perfect for any season or occasion. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find yourself making it for everything from quick lunches to festive gatherings. Your table (and everyone around it) will thank you!
Print
Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A classic Waldorf Salad recipe that combines the sweetness of apples and grapes with the crunch of celery and walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Apples:
2 cups chopped apples (a mix of red and green)
Lemon Juice:
1 tablespoon
Seedless Red Grapes:
1 cup, halved
Celery:
1 cup sliced
Walnuts:
1/2 cup chopped and lightly toasted
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt:
1/2 cup
Honey:
1 tablespoon (optional)
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Lettuce Leaves:
for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Fruits and Vegetables: Toss chopped apples with lemon juice in a medium bowl. Add grapes, celery, and walnuts.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with honey. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the apple mixture, toss gently to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Optionally serve on lettuce leaves.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt and skip the honey.
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness, or use pecans instead of walnuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
