The Best Waldorf Salad Recipe for Fresh Summer Flavor

Crafting a delightful waldorf salad brings together crisp textures and vibrant flavors in a classic dish.

Sweet apples mingle with crunchy walnuts and tender celery.

Creamy mayonnaise binds the ingredients into a harmonious blend.

Refreshing and light, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating a memorable meal.

Chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the simplicity and elegance of this timeless recipe.

Whip up this delectable salad and surprise everyone at your next gathering.

Why Waldorf Salad Is a Classic Favorite

• Craft a Delightful Dish: Create a crowd-pleasing salad that combines crisp textures and tangy flavors with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Crunch: Personalize the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding protein to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Prep in a Snap: Assemble this quick and simple salad with just a few basic ingredients and standard kitchen tools.
• Celebrate Fresh Flavors: Enjoy a light, refreshing meal that brings together sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing for a perfect balance of tastes.

Ingredients for Waldorf Salad

• Apples: Crisp and sweet fruits that provide a refreshing crunch to the salad.
• Celery: Adds a crunchy texture and light, fresh flavor to the dish.
• Grapes: Sweet and juicy fruits that complement the other ingredients.

• Walnuts: Provide a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Lemon Juice, Salt, Pepper: Create a creamy and tangy dressing that ties all the ingredients together.

Instructions for Waldorf Salad

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Grab a sharp knife and cutting board. Wash all produce thoroughly. Dice crisp apples into bite-sized cubes. Chop fresh celery into thin, crunchy pieces. Slice sweet grapes in half. Roughly chop walnuts for added texture.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Mix Salad Components

Pour dressing over prepared fruits and nuts. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring every piece gets coated with the creamy mixture. Be careful not to mash the delicate ingredients.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. This resting time allows flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer salad to a beautiful serving dish. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled as a side dish or light lunch.

Helpful Tips for Waldorf Salad

• Choose Crisp Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for maximum crunch and flavor.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Quickly toss diced apples with fresh lemon juice to maintain their bright white color and prevent oxidation.
• Boost Protein Power: Transform this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or turkey for extra nutrition.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Enhance Freshness: Prepare ingredients just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy salad components.

Variations for Waldorf Salad

• Vegan Waldorf Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan cashew cream, use plant-based yogurt, and swap walnuts for toasted sunflower seeds.
• Greek Yogurt Version: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed alternative, adding a lighter touch to the classic recipe.
• Herb-Infused Crunch: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped mint or dill into the dressing, elevating the salad's flavor profile with a zesty herbal note.
• Protein Power Bowl: Mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas for a substantial meal, transforming the light salad into a hearty and nutritious main course.

Pairing Suggestions for Waldorf Salad

• Crisp White Wine Match: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with light, crisp notes that complement the salad's fresh ingredients and creamy dressing.
• Protein-Packed Companion: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or roasted turkey slices to transform the salad into a complete, satisfying meal with balanced nutrition.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Pair with a slice of toasted sourdough or whole grain bread to add a crunchy texture and provide a hearty base that absorbs the salad's delightful dressing.
• Herbal Tea Refreshment: Enjoy with a cool glass of mint or chamomile tea that offers a light, clean finish and helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, creamy salad.

Storage Tips for Waldorf Salad

• Transfer leftover Waldorf salad to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing.
• Cover surface with plastic wrap directly touching the salad to minimize apple discoloration and maintain freshness.
• Skip freezing this salad as mayonnaise and fresh fruits will separate and lose texture when thawed.
• Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and a quick stir to revive the salad's crispness and brighten flavors before enjoying leftovers.

FAQs About Waldorf Salad

• What makes Waldorf salad unique?

The combination of crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast that sets this salad apart from other fruit salads.

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent healthier alternative that provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture while reducing the overall calorie content of the salad.

• How do I keep the apples from turning brown?

Toss the freshly diced apples in a bit of lemon juice immediately after cutting, which helps prevent oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh and white.

Waldorf Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Elevate classic Waldorf salad with crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and creamy dressing that dances between sweet and tangy. Luxurious ingredients blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite of this timeless American culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 2 apples, diced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 cup grapes, halved

Nuts:

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) lemon juice
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare fresh ingredients by dicing crisp apples into uniform cubes, ensuring they are clean and free from blemishes.
2. Chop celery into delicate, thin slices to provide a satisfying crunch and complement the apple’s texture.
3. Halve or quarter grapes depending on their size, creating bite-sized pieces that distribute evenly throughout the salad.
4. Roughly chop walnuts to release their robust flavor and provide a delightful nutty dimension to the dish.
5. Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice, balancing tanginess and richness.
6. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Gently fold the prepared fruits and nuts into the dressing, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated.
8. Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes at 40°F, allowing flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste.
9. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and reinvigorate the ingredients.
10. Present the Waldorf salad chilled, garnishing with additional chopped walnuts for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith to maintain a firm texture and provide a zesty contrast to the creamy dressing.
• Quickly toss apple chunks in fresh lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent browning and add a bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Transform this classic side into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled chicken or turkey, making it perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
• Swap traditional mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-rich version that’s lower in calories and adds a subtle tangy twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 265 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg