Waldorf Salad is one of those tried-and-true classics that never fails to impress, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving something delightfully fresh and crunchy on a sunny afternoon. Juicy apples, sweet grapes, and earthy walnuts come together with crisp celery in a creamy dressing for a salad that’s at once sophisticated and effortlessly simple. When you take a bite, you get that irresistible mix of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors—an instant trip to comfort food heaven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Waldorf Salad lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients—each one adds a special touch, from the juicy bite of the fruit to the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. Gathering these won’t just be easy, but you’ll notice how each plays a crucial role in the salad’s irresistible taste and vibrant presentation!

Crisp apples (2 cups, cored and chopped): Choose apples that stay firm after chopping—try a mix of tart and sweet varieties for flavor depth.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): This keeps the apples from browning and adds a lovely burst of citrusy brightness.
Seedless grapes (1 cup, halved): Red or green, their sweet juiciness makes every forkful a treat.
Celery (1 cup, thinly sliced): For that signature fresh crunch, slice celery really thin so it distributes evenly in every bite.
Walnuts (1/2 cup, toasted and roughly chopped): Toasting the walnuts brings out a warm, nutty aroma and irresistible texture.
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Go classic with mayo, or swap for Greek yogurt (or try half-and-half) for a lighter, tangier twist.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Just a hint balances the tart and savory notes in the dressing.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Season gently to pull all the flavors together without overpowering their natural goodness.
Lettuce leaves (for serving, optional): A crisp, cool base that’s as pretty as it is practical—perfect for serving or scooping!

How to Make Waldorf Salad

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by chopping up your apples into bite-sized pieces—leave the skin on for extra color and fiber, or peel them if you prefer a softer bite. Toss them right away with the lemon juice in your largest mixing bowl. This brightens their flavor and keeps them looking beautiful, not browned.

Step 2: Combine the Crunch and Sweetness

Next, add the halved grapes, thinly sliced celery, and toasted walnut pieces to the bowl with your apples. Give everything a gentle toss to mix. You’ll love how the contrasting textures and pops of color come together!

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), honey, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking—if you like a touch more sweetness, add a dab more honey.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the creamy dressing over your fruit and nut mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, fold gently (so you don’t crush the fruit) until everything is evenly coated and gleaming. You’ll immediately notice those fresh aromas coming to life!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

You can serve the Waldorf Salad right away for ultimate crunch, or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld—either way, it’s delightful. If you want a little extra flair, pile it on crisp lettuce leaves, or serve as is in a lovely bowl.

How to Serve Waldorf Salad

Garnishes

Garnishing really takes your Waldorf Salad to the next level! Try topping each portion with a few extra toasted walnut pieces, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or even a handful of pomegranate seeds if they’re in season. The final touch adds both visual appeal and a little extra burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

Since Waldorf Salad is so refreshingly light and creamy, it pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even a fresh, crusty baguette. For a picnic or potluck, serve it with classic deli sandwiches, quiche, or cold poached shrimp for a memorable feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Scoop your Waldorf Salad into hollowed-out apple halves for individual servings, or mound it inside butter lettuce cups for a party-ready appetizer. For a family dinner, try presenting it in a big, wide bowl with colorful apple slices fanned around the edges to tempt every guest!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer your Waldorf Salad to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days, as the fruit will slowly soften over time. The flavors get even more harmonious after a brief chill, but past 48 hours, the crisp factor starts to fade.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Waldorf Salad, as the texture of fresh fruit, celery, and the creamy dressing will break down and become watery after thawing. This salad truly shines when it’s fresh, so enjoy any leftovers soon after making.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Waldorf Salad—it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for 5–10 minutes before serving to take off the chill and let the flavors come through.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional in Waldorf Salad, you can substitute pecans, almonds, or even cashews if you prefer. Toasting whichever nut you choose adds a deliciously deep flavor.

Is there a way to make Waldorf Salad dairy-free?

Yes! If you’re avoiding dairy, stick with mayonnaise for the dressing or use a dairy-free yogurt. Just make sure to choose a creamy, tangy option that you enjoy.

What kinds of apples work best for Waldorf Salad?

Crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp hold up best and give you that satisfying bite. Mixing a couple of varieties can add real depth to the salad’s flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare most components a few hours in advance. Just be sure to toss the apples with lemon juice promptly, and keep the salad chilled until ready to serve for peak freshness!

How do I lighten up the dressing?

For a lighter Waldorf Salad, use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt, or substitute all Greek yogurt for an extra tangy, creamy finish that still feels indulgent but is a bit more wholesome.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a vibrant, utterly satisfying dish that dazzles at both casual and special occasions, give Waldorf Salad a spot on your table. Mix up a bowl and enjoy every crisp, creamy, and colorful bite—you’re in for a true classic that never ceases to delight!

Waldorf Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Waldorf Salad recipe with a mix of crisp apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing, perfect for a light and refreshing meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

2 cups crisp apples (cored and chopped, skin on or off)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup seedless grapes (halved)
1 cup celery (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup walnuts (toasted and roughly chopped)

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and black pepper to taste

To Serve:

Lettuce leaves (optional)

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Instructions

Toss Apples: In a large bowl, toss chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Add Ingredients: Add grapes, celery, and walnuts to the apples.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour dressing over the fruit and nut mixture, tossing gently to coat.
Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve on its own or on a bed of lettuce.