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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    Waldorf Salad

    Published: December 5, 2019 · Updated: January 24, 2020 · By: Krissy · 5 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    classic Waldorf Salad

    Waldorf Salad, made with apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and a tangy dressing, is a classic side dish recipe that is perfect for fall and winter!

    This traditional side dish is also a great addition to holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Serve alongside Oven Roasted Turkey, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans for a complete meal!

    Waldorf Salad in bowl with butter lettuce

    WALDORF SALAD RECIPE

    I know what you're thinking... Waldorf Salad is made with mayonnaise. Not to worry. It works. I promise! If you can't quite wrap your head around that, you can always use Greek yogurt as a base for your dressing.

    What is Waldorf Salad?

    If you're like me, you've heard of this recipe but had no idea what was in it or where it came from.

    The main ingredients in the classic version of this recipe are apples, celery, mayonnaise, walnuts and grapes. You can make it unique by adding diced chicken or turkey, raisins and other vegetables.

    Waldorf salad, which only contained apples, celery, and mayonnaise, is named for the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, where it was first created for a charity ball given in honor of the St. Mary's Hospital for Children back in the late 1800s. The nuts and grapes made their entrance a few decades later.

    Making Waldorf Salad is easy.

    This recipe really contains two steps.

    1. First, just combine the walnuts and chopped celery, apple, and grapes (photo 1).
    2. Then, mix all of the dressing ingredients together and toss that with the rest of the salad to combine (photo 2). Chill and serve!
    Waldorf Salad process photos

    What kind of fruit works best?

    As far as the apples go, I recommend using varieties that are sweet, crisp and juicy. Because the mayo and lemon juice add an element of tartness, you want the fruit to be sweet. Honeycrisp is my favorite but Fuji is a great choice too.

    As far as whether to use green or red grapes, that's completely personal preference. Some people like the green so that the entire salad is pretty neutral in color, but honestly I just recommend using firm sweet grapes, regardless of the color.

    Make ahead directions:

    Because Waldorf Salad contains a lot of fresh fruit that will release liquid as it sits, I recommend serving this salad on the day it's made. If you need to make it ahead of time or are wondering about leftovers, however, it will keep in the refrigerator for several days.

    Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any liquids or juices that were released. This salad definitely needs to be served chilled.

    apples, celery, walnuts, grapes in salad with dressing
    creamy dressing over apples, grapes, celery, walnut salad

    Waldorf Salad

    Waldorf Salad, made with apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and a tangy dressing, is a classic side dish recipe that is perfect for fall and winter!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Hover to scale: 8 servings
    Chef: Krissy Allori

    Ingredients

    Dressing:

    • 6 tablespoon mayonnaise (or plain yogurt)
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground )

    Salad:

    • 2 apples (cored and chopped into cubes (Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp recommended))
    • 1 cup green seedless grapes (quartered)
    • 1 cup celery (thinly sliced)
    • 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
    • 6 leaves butter lettuce (for serving)

    Instructions

    • In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or yogurt), honey, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper.
    • In a large bowl, combine apple, celery, grapes, and walnuts.
    • Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to combine.
    • Serve on a bed of fresh butter lettuce.

    Notes

    • The best apples are crisp, sweet, juicy apples like a Fuji, Jonagold, or Honeycrisp. I prefer to leave the skin on for extra color and flavor.
      Plain greek yogurt can be used in place of the mayonnaise, however you may need to add more honey to compensate for the tartness.

    NUTRITION INFORMATION

    Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 209mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
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    This post was originally created for The Salty Marshmallow where I've contributed my recipes.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elaine

      January 30, 2020 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      I can never get tired of Waldorf - such a gloriuos salad to make. Your recipe is a great proof 🙂

      Reply
    2. Mindy Fewless

      January 30, 2020 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      This is my favorite recipe for Waldorf salad!!

      Reply
    3. Cyndy

      January 30, 2020 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe brings up so many great memories. My Grandmother loved this salad. Can't wait to try your version!

      Reply
    4. Cathleen

      January 30, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      I can't say that I have ever had waldorf salad before. I would actually love to try all of these fruits in a savoury salad! I am definitely intrigued!

      Reply
    5. Mahy

      January 30, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      5 stars
      Good old Waldorf Salad. I can't stop enjoying its deliciousness and looks. Love your recipe and definitely need to give it a try!

      Reply

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    I love to create the BEST versions of your favorite recipes. If you love to cook, love to eat, or just have a deep appreciation for good food, you're in the right place! Stick around... I have hundreds of recipes for you to make. more about me...

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