If there’s one salad that instantly takes me back to cozy family gatherings and light, refreshing lunches, it’s the Waldorf Salad Recipe. This classic combination of crisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and toasted walnuts all tossed in a creamy, subtly sweet dressing is a timeless crowd-pleaser. Not only does it deliver a burst of textures and flavors in every bite, but it also carries that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory that makes it both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, a holiday side, or a refreshing snack, this Waldorf Salad Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Waldorf Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its signature taste and texture. From refreshing crunch to subtle sweetness, every component shines through and complements the others perfectly.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy, tangy base that binds the salad without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
- White sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples and lemon juice.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing subtle depth to the dressing.
- Apples: Crisp and juicy, they form the heart of the salad and add a refreshing bite—use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best crunch.
- Seedless grapes: Provide a burst of juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the other textures.
- Celery: Adds a crisp, fresh crunch that lifts the entire salad.
- Walnuts: Toasted and chopped for a buttery, nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Raisins (optional): For a little extra chew and a hint of natural sweetness if you like a more varied texture.
- Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a lovely zesty brightness.
How to Make Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by mixing the mayonnaise, white sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and well blended. This creamy dressing will gently coat the ingredients, bringing everything together in delicious harmony.
Step 2: Chop the Apples and Toss with Lemon Juice
Core and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces, making sure they’re evenly sized for the best texture. Immediately toss the chopped apples with the lemon juice in a large bowl. This simple step not only keeps the apples from turning brown but also adds a fresh, tangy punch that cuts through the richness of the dressing.
Step 3: Combine the Fruits, Celery, Walnuts, and Raisins
Add the halved grapes, chopped celery, walnuts, and raisins (if you’re using them) to the bowl with the apples. Stir everything gently to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed without bruising the delicate grapes or apples.
Step 4: Add the Dressing and Toss
Pour the creamy dressing over your fruit and nut mixture. Using a gentle hand, toss the salad just enough to coat every mouthful in that luscious dressing. This is where the magic happens—bringing together crunchy, juicy, sweet, and savory all at once.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate your Waldorf Salad Recipe until you’re ready to serve. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a refreshing bite that’s perfect for warm days or any occasion. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it within a day of making.
How to Serve Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra walnut halves on top for a garnish that’s both pretty and adds a bit of fresh color and texture. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can also enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
Side Dishes
This Waldorf Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or turkey, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s also fantastic alongside a hearty sandwich or as part of a festive buffet where guests can nibble on a refreshing side between richer dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in hollowed-out apple halves or in crisp lettuce cups for a charming presentation that adds an extra fresh crunch. You can also layer it in a clear glass bowl to show off the beautiful mix of colorful fruits and nuts, making it a visually stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Waldorf Salad Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 24 hours, but the apples and celery may lose some crispness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh fruits would separate and become watery upon thawing, losing their appealing textures and flavor balance.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, there’s no need for reheating. Serve it chilled straight from the fridge for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different dressing instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind this will change the classic creamy texture and flavor slightly, but it can still be delicious.
What type of apples work best in this Waldorf Salad Recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide the right balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?
Yes, feel free to experiment with pecans or almonds as a nut alternative and dried cranberries or chopped dates instead of raisins to customize your salad’s flavor and texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
It is best prepared fresh or within 24 hours because the apples and celery can soften and the dressing may separate over longer storage. For meal prep, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Definitely! Simply use a vegan mayonnaise alternative and omit the raisins if you want to keep it strictly plant-based. The salad will remain delicious and refreshing.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring a classic touch to your table with this Waldorf Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful celebration of flavors and textures that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Give it a try—you may find it becoming your go-to for picnics, holidays, or whenever you crave something light but full of personality. Happy cooking and enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite!
Print
Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Waldorf Salad combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and walnuts tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. A hint of lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and adds a bright, tangy flavor making it a perfect refreshing side dish or light lunch option.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Salad
- 3 apples, cored and chopped
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, white sugar, and salt. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Set aside while you prepare the salad ingredients.
- Prepare the apples: Core and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Immediately toss them with lemon juice in a large salad bowl to prevent browning and add a fresh, tangy flavor to the salad.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the halved grapes, chopped celery, chopped walnuts, and optional raisins to the bowl with the apples. Stir gently to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Add the dressing: Pour the prepared mayonnaise dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Stir gently again until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Waldorf Salad until ready to serve. For best flavor and texture, serve chilled and enjoy within one day of preparation.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
- Add raisins for extra sweetness or omit if preferred.
- Walnuts can be toasted lightly for added aroma and crunch.
- Serve as a side dish or light lunch.
- Best consumed fresh within a day to prevent apples from browning too much.
