If you are on the lookout for a bright, refreshing dish that blends crisp textures with a creamy, tangy dressing, this Waldorf Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with juicy apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and sweet grapes, it comes alive with a luscious blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing. It’s the perfect salad to serve at a casual lunch or to impress guests at a dinner party, offering a harmonious balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors that will instantly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Waldorf Salad Recipe is delightfully simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in delivering the signature taste and texture of this classic. From the crispness of apples and celery to the creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy walnuts, every ingredient adds a special touch to the overall experience.
- 2 crisp apples (such as Fuji or Granny Smith, cored and chopped): Choose firm apples for that perfect crunch and balance of sweetness or tartness.
- 1 cup red seedless grapes (halved): These juicy grapes add a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup celery (thinly sliced): Celery lends a refreshing crunch and brightness to the salad.
- 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted and roughly chopped): Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying, nutty depth.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and richness to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightness, balancing the mayonnaise perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the dressing.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh lettuce leaves or butter lettuce (for serving, optional): Adds a leafy base that makes the salad look stunning and adds subtle freshness.
How to Make Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits and Nuts
Start by washing and chopping the apples into bite-sized pieces. Halve the red seedless grapes and thinly slice the celery stalks, making sure everything is roughly the same size for a harmonious bite. Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and slightly golden, then roughly chop them to add a fantastic crunch to the salad.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and honey until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your taste. This dressing is what elevates the Waldorf Salad Recipe with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In your large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, and toasted walnuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to ensure every piece is evenly coated. This step is important to infuse all the ingredients with that delicious dressing without bruising the delicate fruits.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows all the flavors to meld together and makes the salad extra refreshing, especially on a warm day. Serving it slightly cold is key to highlighting the crisp textures.
How to Serve Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet stunning presentation, serve your Waldorf Salad Recipe on a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce leaves or butter lettuce. This not only adds a lovely pop of green but also enhances the texture with an additional layer of crunch. You can sprinkle a few whole walnuts or extra sliced grapes on top for an inviting look.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty sandwich. Its fresh and tangy profile makes it a great complement to richer mains without overpowering them. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own, especially when you add some diced cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Waldorf Salad Recipe in individual glass jars or small bowls for an elegant touch at parties. You can also stuff it into hollowed-out apples or add it as a filling in wraps for a portable, tasty treat. For a festive look, arrange it on a platter decorated with edible flowers or fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the Waldorf Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh fruits and creamy dressing, it’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to retain its vibrant texture and flavor. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the fresh fruits and creamy dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing. To maintain the best taste and texture, enjoy this salad fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, cold salad, reheating is unnecessary and would diminish the freshness that makes the Waldorf Salad Recipe so delightful. Serve straight from the fridge for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this Waldorf Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional and add a lovely flavor and crunch, pecans or almonds work wonderfully as substitutes. Just toast them lightly to release their aroma.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes, you can swap the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative and use dairy-free yogurt to keep the creamy dressing while making the salad fully plant-based.
How can I prevent the apples from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing helps keep the apples from turning brown. You can also toss the chopped apples immediately in lemon juice before mixing them with other ingredients for extra protection.
Can I add protein to make this salad more filling?
Definitely! Adding diced cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas can make the Waldorf Salad Recipe heartier and suitable as a complete meal.
What is the best type of apple to use in this salad?
Fuji and Granny Smith apples are excellent choices because they stay crisp and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Waldorf Salad Recipe is such a timeless classic for a good reason—it’s fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, enjoying it as a light lunch, or using it as a side for dinner, it’s guaranteed to brighten your table and your taste buds. Give it a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorites!
Print
Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and refreshing Waldorf Salad combining crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts in a creamy yogurt-mayonnaise dressing. This easy no-cook recipe is perfect for a light lunch or side dish and can be served on fresh lettuce leaves for extra crunch.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 crisp apples (such as Fuji or Granny Smith, cored and chopped)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes (halved)
- 1 cup celery (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted and roughly chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional
- Fresh lettuce leaves or butter lettuce (for serving)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped apples, halved grapes, thinly sliced celery, and toasted walnuts, mixing them gently to distribute evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and gently toss everything together, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Optionally, arrange fresh lettuce leaves on a serving plate and spoon the chilled Waldorf Salad on top for an added layer of texture and presentation.
Notes
- You can use all mayonnaise or all Greek yogurt depending on your preference for creaminess or tanginess in the dressing.
- For a heartier version, try adding raisins or diced cooked chicken to the salad.
