Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Waldorf Salad is simple yet sophisticated, offering a refreshing combination of textures and flavors. The creamy dressing brings everything together, while the apples, grapes, and walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a burst of sweetness. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for both casual meals and elegant gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy fresh, nutritious ingredients, making it a light yet filling dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients

  • 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Red Delicious, diced)

  • 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (green or red)

  • 1 cup celery, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for added sweetness)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the fruit and nuts: Start by washing and dicing the apples into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using Granny Smith apples, you may want to leave the skin on for added texture and color. Halve the grapes, slice the celery, and chop the toasted walnuts into smaller pieces.

  2. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), fresh lemon juice, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

  3. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the diced apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, and chopped walnuts together. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

  4. Chill and serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the Waldorf Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. You can also prepare it ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

  5. Serve: Serve your Classic Waldorf Salad as a side dish, light lunch, or appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or as part of a festive meal.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6

  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

  • Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)

  • Total Time: 15-45 minutes

Variations

  • Add cheese: For a creamy, tangy twist, add crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese to the salad.

  • Use different nuts: If you prefer, you can use pecans, almonds, or cashews in place of walnuts for a different flavor and texture.

  • Add dried fruit: For a sweeter touch, add dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots to the salad.

  • Use a lighter dressing: Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a light sour cream to make this salad lighter while still maintaining its creamy texture.

  • Add chicken: Turn this salad into a more substantial meal by adding grilled or rotisserie chicken.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to enjoy it fresh, but it will keep well for a short time.

  • Refrigerating the dressing separately: If you plan on making the salad in advance, it’s best to store the dressing separately and toss it with the fruit and nuts just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the apples and grapes from becoming soggy. The salad will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.

2. Can I use other fruits in this salad?

Yes! You can add other fruits like pears, strawberries, or pomegranate seeds to the salad for more variety and color.

3. Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, but making the dressing from scratch with lemon juice and honey adds a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the salad perfectly.

4. Can I make this salad without walnuts?

Yes, if you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use walnuts, you can skip them or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

5. How do I keep the apples from turning brown?

To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a small amount of lemon juice or soak them briefly in a lemon-water mixture before adding them to the salad.

6. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can make this salad vegan by using a vegan mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt alternative and ensuring that the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave.

7. How do I make the dressing creamier?

For a richer, creamier dressing, you can add a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

Classic Waldorf Salad is a timeless dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Its creamy dressing, crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts create a balanced and refreshing flavor profile that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a holiday meal or enjoying it as a light lunch, this easy-to-make salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

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Classic Waldorf Salad

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Classic Waldorf Salad is a refreshing and elegant dish combining crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing. This timeless salad is perfect for gatherings, light lunches, or as a side dish.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Total Time: 15-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Red Delicious, diced)
  • 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (green or red)
  • 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Halve the grapes, slice the celery, and chop the toasted walnuts into smaller pieces.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), fresh lemon juice, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the diced apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, and chopped walnuts together. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve chilled as a side dish, light lunch, or appetizer. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

For a tangy twist, you can add crumbled blue cheese or feta to the salad.If you prefer a sweeter salad, add extra honey, maple syrup, or even a pinch of sugar.Use different nuts like pecans or almonds in place of walnuts for a different flavor and texture.For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise or dairy-free yogurt and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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