Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad is a classic American dish that originated in New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Known for its refreshing crunch and sweet-savory balance, this salad combines apples, celery, and grapes with a creamy dressing, often served on a bed of lettuce and garnished with walnuts. It’s perfect as a light appetizer, lunch, or elegant side dish.

ingredients

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

crisp applesceleryseedless grapesmayonnaiselemon juicewalnutshalved lettuce leaves (optional)salt and pepper (to taste)

directions

Wash and dice the apples, leaving the skin on for extra color and texture.

Slice the celery thinly and halve the grapes.

In a large bowl, combine the apples, celery, and grapes.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving a few for garnish if desired.

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves if desired, and top with extra walnuts.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add cooked, diced chicken or turkey for a heartier version.

Use Greek yogurt or a mayo-yogurt mix for a lighter dressing.

Try red or green apples for different levels of sweetness and tartness.

Include raisins or dried cranberries for added chew and flavor.

Swap walnuts with pecans for a slightly different nutty taste.

storage/reheating

Store Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.Do not freeze, as the texture of the fresh ingredients will deteriorate.

FAQs

Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made a few hours ahead to let the flavors blend. Just keep it chilled until serving.

What type of apple is best?

Crisp apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work well for their texture and balance of sweetness or tartness.

Is Waldorf Salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use a different nut?

Absolutely, pecans or almonds can be used in place of walnuts.

Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?

Yes, but it will add a tangier, sweeter flavor to the salad.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Yes, the salad will still be tasty and refreshing without them.

What if I don’t like celery?

You can reduce the amount or substitute with jicama for crunch.

Can I use sour cream instead of mayo?

Yes, or use a mix of sour cream and mayo for a balanced creaminess.

Is this salad vegan?

It can be made vegan by using plant-based mayo.

Does it need to be served on lettuce?

No, lettuce is optional and mainly used for presentation.

Conclusion

Waldorf Salad is a timeless dish that delivers freshness, crunch, and creamy flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or as part of a special meal, it’s a simple yet elegant recipe that’s easy to customize. Try it once, and its refreshing charm will make it a staple in your rotation.

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