Waldorf Salad
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If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy side dish that’s both easy and delicious, this Waldorf Salad is the answer! Packed with crisp apples, juicy grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or adding it to your holiday spread, this classic salad is always a hit!
This salad is so good served so many ways. We like to make it a meal with grilled chicken breast, herb butter turkey, or creamy potato soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Sweet & Savory Flavors: With just the right combination of crunchy apples, grapes, and a creamy dressing, your salad strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
- Crunch Factor: Unlike some Waldorf salads that can turn soggy, your recipe highlights fresh, crisp ingredients that keep their crunch for longer.
- Simple and Quick: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, your Waldorf Salad recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced cooks looking for a quick yet impressive dish.
If you’re after a side dish that’s both fresh and a little fancy, this easy Waldorf Salad has you covered! Crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery all come together with a creamy dressing for a salad that’s as refreshing as it is classic. It’s a great way to make the most of seasonal produce, especially those apples begging to be used, and it’s the perfect complement to everything from holiday feasts to weekday lunches.
Plus, this salad has that perfect mix of textures—crunchy, creamy, and juicy—that makes every bite super satisfying. And the best part? It’s a breeze to put together with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand. Serve it up for family, friends, or just treat yourself to something a little extra. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Waldorf Salad Ingredients
This basic Waldorf Salad recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures, and each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect bite. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need, plus a few tips to help you get the best results from each ingredient!
- Mayonnaise: This creamy base brings everything together. For a lighter version, try swapping part of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a bit of tang and fewer calories.
- Sugar: Just a little bit goes a long way in balancing the tartness of the apples and lemon juice. If you prefer, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a pop of brightness while also keeping the apples from browning. Fresh-squeezed is ideal, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are a classic choice, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well if you prefer a milder tartness. Just make sure they’re fresh and crisp!
- Celery: Adds that essential crunch! Slice thinly for the best texture, and be sure to use the freshest stalks for maximum flavor.
- Chopped Walnuts: Toast them lightly in a dry pan before adding to the salad for extra depth of flavor. Pecans are also a great alternative if you prefer.
- Grapes (Optional): Red or green grapes add a juicy sweetness that balances the tart apples and crunchy celery. Slice them in half for easy bites and even distribution.
These ingredients come together to create a salad that’s as flavorful as it is refreshing! Feel free to adjust any of the ingredients to suit your taste—after all, the best recipes are the ones you make your own.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Waldorf Salad is how versatile it is! Whether you’re looking to change up the flavors or adjust for dietary preferences, here are some fun variations and easy substitutions to try:
- Swap the Mayo: For a lighter dressing for a waldorf salad, replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. It adds tang and keeps the salad creamy without being too rich.
- Add Some Protein: Make it a meal by adding diced cooked chicken or turkey. It’s a great way to turn this side dish into a filling main course, especially during the holidays when you have leftovers!
- Go Nut-Free: If you’re avoiding nuts, try sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. They’re a perfect nut-free alternative that still gives you that satisfying texture.
- Try Different Fruits: While apples are the classic choice, pears or even pomegranate seeds can add a fresh twist. These substitutions add a unique sweetness and keep the salad exciting.
- Add Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins bring a chewy, sweet element that complements the crunchy ingredients. They’re especially popular for a holiday twist.
With these variations, you can adapt this classic Waldorf Salad to fit your tastes and dietary needs, making it the ultimate customizable dish!
Easy Waldorf Salad Recipe
This is the best recipe for Waldorf Salad and couldn’t be easier! All it takes is a little chopping and mixing to bring out the best in each ingredient. Here’s how to make it:
- Prep the Ingredients: Chop the apples, celery, and grapes (if using) into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
- Add the Apples: Add the chopped apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes to the bowl. Toss everything together until well-coated.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately or chill for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Storage Instructions
To keep your salad fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay crisp and delicious for up to 2 days. The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent the apples from browning, but for the best flavor and texture, try to enjoy it within the first day.
Tips for Storing:
- Avoid Freezing: Waldorf Salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruits and creamy dressing, which can become watery when thawed.
- Refresh Before Serving: If you’re serving leftovers, give the salad a quick stir. You may also want to add a small spoonful of mayonnaise or lemon juice to refresh the dressing if it’s soaked into the ingredients.
Expert Recipe Tips:
Chill for Maximum Flavor: Waldorf Salad tastes even better after chilling for about an hour. The flavors meld together, making each bite extra delicious!
Use Crisp Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their crunch and add a great balance of flavor.
Toast the Walnuts: For a richer, nuttier flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re golden and fragrant. Just be sure to let them cool before adding them to the salad.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter salad, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of sugar or swap in honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
Serve with a Crunchy Topping: For a little extra texture, sprinkle some extra walnuts or even a few seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin, on top before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! In fact, this salad tastes even better after it’s had time to chill for an hour or so, allowing the flavors to meld. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container, and give it a quick stir before serving.
Tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. They provide a nice balance to the sweet dressing and add a crunchy texture that holds up well in the salad.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can replace part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will still give you a creamy dressing with a bit of added tang.
Waldorf Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The lemon juice in the dressing helps keep the apples from browning, but for the freshest texture, it’s best enjoyed within the first day.
Absolutely! Diced pears or even pomegranate seeds work well in this salad, adding a unique twist on the classic flavor. Feel free to experiment with any fruit that has a sweet, juicy flavor and firm texture.
More Must-Try Salad Recipes
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Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 green apples (chopped)
- 1 cup celery (sliced)
- ½ cup walnuts (walnuts)
- 1 cup grapes
Instructions
- Start by chopping the apples, celery, and grapes (if using) into bite-sized pieces. For the apples, try to keep the pieces fairly small for a good mix of texture. If you like, you can lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This adds a deeper flavor to the nuts, but it’s optional!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tartness by adding a bit more sugar or lemon juice, if needed.
- Add the chopped apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes to the bowl with the dressing. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, making sure each ingredient is coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as the apples and grapes can soften if stirred too much.
- You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh, crunchy texture, or refrigerate it for about an hour to let the flavors meld. Give it a quick stir before serving, and enjoy!
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
