Waldorf Salad
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Posted: 11/04/24
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Enjoy this refreshing Waldorf salad. It features juicy apples and crunchy walnuts, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This recipe favorite around here, particularly in the fall when apples and walnuts are in season. It’s especially popular around the holidays.
“You’re the top, you’re a Waldorf salad”🎶 I don’t know about you, but if a dish is memorable enough to make it into a song, then it’s pretty much a guarantee to me that it’s going to be delicious. And that is definitely the case with this easy apple Waldorf salad! While the combination of ingredients may sound strange, it truly is so yummy!
Green apples don’t often get to be the star of the show, unless you’re making my yummy apple crisp. But with this classic salad recipe, green apples get to be the star of the show again. You’re going to love this combination of tangy and rich flavors! Wow the crowd with a recipe that has stood the test of time and make the best Waldorf salad ever.
Why You’ll Love Waldorf Salad
- This classic waldorf salad is a fabulous dish to bring to potlcuks and parties. You can never have too many salads!
- It really easy to make this simple recipe. Just mix everything up in a bowl, chill it, and voila!
- The flavor of Waldorf salad is really unique. It’s not your average fruit salad and it will stand out from the crowd.
Ingredients for this Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Green apples – Granny smith apples are the classic option for waldorf salad, but you can use a different kind of apple if you prefer. Fuji and honeycrisp would be fantastic.
- Grapes – You can use red grapes or green grapes, whichever you prefer.
- Mayonnaise – Mayo may be the weirdest of the waldorf salad ingredients, but trust me, it works! It makes the salad so so creamy.
- Greek yogurt – Tangy plain Greek yogurt is a flavorful and creamy addition to this classic salad.
- Kosher salt – Add a bit of salt to help balance all of the flavors in this dish.
- Lemon juice – Fresh squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and tart element that cuts through the creamy mixture.
- Celery – Crunchy celery with crisp apples makes for the best texture ever!
- Honey – Green apples are pretty tart, so mix some honey into this salad to sweeten it perfectly.
- Walnuts – Add a nutty flavor and crunchy element with some chopped walnuts.
Helpful Tools
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container
How to Make Waldorf Salad
In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and honey then set it aside.
Next add the green apples, celery, grapes, walnuts, salt, and mayonnaise mixture to a large bowl.
Add the creamy ingredient to the large bowl and mix everything together until evenly coated.
Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve and enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Waldorf Salad
Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and immediately to the refrigerator. Store in the fridge for about 2 days. The apples will start to turn brown, even with the lemon juice. So Waldorf salad is best eaten fresh, though you can store leftovers if you want!
What is the origin of the Waldorf salad?
The Waldorf salad was originally created in 1893 and served at charity ball honoring St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. This salad, originally just apples, celery and mayo, was created by Oscar Tschirky, the maître d’hôtel of the Waldorf Astoria hotel.
Are walnuts traditionally in a waldorf salad?
Walnuts are not a part of the original recipe. When the Waldorf salad was first served, it was simply just made of apples, celery and mayonnaise. However, over the years there have been many popular additions and variations to the recipe — including the use of walnuts!
What can I add to a Waldorf salad?
Over the years, there have been many variations and substitutions to this easy salad recipe. I personally love my version of the recipe, but here’s some tasty ideas to mix into this creamy and fruity creation:
- shredded chicken
- turkey
- slivered almonds
- chopped pecans
- black pepper
- raisins
- dried cranberries
- whipped cream
What to Serve with Waldorf Salad
The crunchy and creamy fruit salad mix can be served all on it’s own, or on some lettuce leaves. It also pairs beautifully as a side dish with things like chicken salad sandwiches or deviled eggs sandwiches.
This salad also pairs great with baked chicken thighs, roast turkey, and juicy pork tenderloin. It’s a unique side dish that adds fun flavor to any meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Waldorf Salad
- I don’t recommend making this any earlier than the day you plan to serve it. Feel free to chill it for longer than an hour, but if you make it the day before, you may end up with really browned apples.
- Chop the apples and grapes in small enough pieces so that they easily mix in with all of the other ingredients.
- If you plan to add extra mix-ins, especially chicken or turkey, keep in mind that you may need more mayo and/or yogurt to keep things super creamy.
Give this dish a shot and I bet you’ll agree — there’s a reason it’s been so popular for decades. So tasty and simple to make!
More Unique Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
- Watergate Salad is another classic that definitely deserves recognition. This pistachio creation is oh so yummy.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad is going to change your view on cucumbers. It’s seriously divine!
- This Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is incredibly creamy and absolutely delicious.
- Looking for a fun pasta salad? Then check out my Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Waldorf Salad
Savor the crisp and refreshing flavors of this Waldorf salad. With juicy apples, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy dressing, it's the perfect light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 2 green apples diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup halved grapes
- 1 cup roughly chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and honey. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the green apples, celery, grapes, walnuts, salt, and mayonnaise mixture. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips
Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and immediately to the refrigerator. Store in the fridge for about 2 days. The apples will start to turn brown, even with the lemon juice. So Waldorf salad is best eaten fresh, though you can store leftovers if you want!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 258kcal (13%), Carbohydrates: 19g (6%), Protein: 4g (8%), Fat: 20g (31%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 4mg (1%), Sodium: 271mg (12%), Potassium: 260mg (7%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 14g (16%), Vitamin A: 135IU (3%), Vitamin C: 5mg (6%), Calcium: 42mg (4%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
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