Waldorf Salad is a timeless and elegant dish that brings together a symphony of flavors and textures. This classic salad, originating from the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery with a creamy dressing, creating a harmonious and refreshing ensemble.
At the heart of Waldorf Salad are fresh and crisp apples, typically varieties like Granny Smith or Gala, diced to provide a sweet and tart base. Juicy red grapes add a burst of sweetness, while celery contributes a satisfying crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans introduce a nutty dimension, enhancing both texture and flavor.
The dressing, a simple mixture of mayonnaise and lemon juice, coats the ingredients with a creamy and zesty layer. Some variations may incorporate Greek yogurt for a lighter twist or a touch of honey for added sweetness.
Waldorf Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed as a side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing addition to brunch. It’s often served on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves or nestled in a hollowed-out apple for an elegant presentation.
This salad’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to balance sweetness, crunch, and creaminess, creating a delightful experience for the palate. With its rich history and delicious combination of ingredients, Waldorf Salad continues to be a beloved classic that stands the test of time.
Details Waldorf Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients For Waldorf Salad Recipes
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
⅛ teaspoon salt
3 apples — peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup thinly sliced celery
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup raisins (Optional)
Instructions: Waldorf Salad Recipes
Step 1: Gather all ingredients.
Step 2: Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, and salt together in a serving bowl.
Step 3: Stir in apples, celery, walnuts, and raisins. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
I love the simplicity of this recipe and how easy it is to throw together. I cut the recipe in half, using one large Cosmic apple and it was enough to serve two people with leftovers to spare. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
I love Waldorf salad, and this recipe is easily adapted to personal tastes. The changes I made: cut recipe in half (just husband and me), used 1/2 mayo and 1/2 fat free Greek yogurt (to cut calories and add a little protein), subbed in pecans (always in my freezer), and subbed in a stevia blend instead of sugar.
I used Craisins® instead of raisins and split the dressing between mayo and vanilla Greek yogurt. It makes it a bit healthier, but really, it’s just personal taste. I pretty much make Waldorf Salads all year, especially for lunch, and this is one that will reappear.
esquisita
Great recipe! I swapped lime juice for lemon juice, added chicken, and put it on a bed of romaine lettuce. It made a great cold dinner after a very hot day!
The dressing is so simple and so classic. Love it.
I make another Waldorf salad from this site that I think is better. That one has cream cheese and grapes in addition to the ingredients in this recipe. This recipe is good considering it is quick and easy to make.
My mom made this when I was a child but she made it with Miracle whip instead of the sugar and lemon or the salt. I wouldn't do it any other way.
This was perfection! I did add 1 T lime juice in addition to the lemon juice. I have used grapes, raisins (my favorite), and chopped up dates (which adds a toffee-like flavor). This is a winner and it's quick to put together. Thank you, Penny.
The key ingredients include chopped apples, sliced celery, walnuts, raisins, and a sweet dressing made with mayonnaise and lemon juice.
✅Can I use different types of apples in the salad?
Certainly! Experiment with various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp to customize the flavor and texture of your Waldorf Salad according to your preference.
✅Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and sour cream as a mayonnaise substitute for a lighter version of the Waldorf Salad dressing.
✅Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Absolutely! While the classic recipe includes apples and grapes, feel free to add fruits like sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges for a creative twist in your Waldorf Salad.
✅Can I make the salad in advance?
Certainly! Waldorf Salad can be prepared in advance, but for the best texture, add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the apples and celery.