If you have ever craved a salad that balances crisp fruit, crunchy nuts, and a creamy yet tangy dressing, you have to try this beloved Waldorf Salad Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that brings together sweet apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts all tossed in a lightly sweetened mayonnaise dressing. Every bite bursts with texture and flavor, making it an irresistible dish perfect for lunches, light dinners, or as a stunning side at any gathering. Whether you know the Waldorf Salad from famous hotel tables or homemade family meals, this version brings out the best in every ingredient with the perfect touch of lemon juice to brighten it all up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Waldorf Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward yet crucial, contributing something unique—be it sweetness, crunch, creaminess, or color—to make the salad a harmonious delight.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds all the ingredients together with a subtle tang.
- White sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples and lemon.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors to make each bite sing.
- Apples: Crisp and juicy, the star fruit adding fresh texture and sweetness.
- Seedless grapes: Provide bursts of juiciness and natural sweetness without any seeds to hassle with.
- Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthy note.
- Walnuts: Toasted or raw, walnuts bring a rich, nutty depth and satisfying crunch.
- Raisins (optional): For those who love an extra hint of sweetness and chewy texture.
- Lemon juice: Prevents apple browning and lifts all the flavors with its bright acidity.
How to Make Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Begin by combining mayonnaise, white sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk them together until completely smooth. This dressing is the glue that brings all your fresh salad ingredients together with a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the fruits perfectly.
Step 2: Core and Chop Apples
Take your apples and core them, cutting them into bite-sized chunks ideal for easy eating. Immediately toss the apple pieces with the lemon juice to keep them from turning brown and add a lovely zesty note that brightens the salad.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the lemon-coated apples, halved grapes, chopped celery, walnuts, and raisins if you opt to use them. Stir these ingredients gently to distribute everything evenly — you want every forkful to have the perfect balance.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour your prepared mayonnaise dressing over the mixed fruits and nuts. Fold the mixture carefully so every piece is lightly coated with that luscious dressing. This step ensures the textures combine beautifully without turning soggy.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled for the freshest taste and best texture. This salad is at its peak within a day, making it a wonderful make-ahead option for parties or quick weekday meals.
How to Serve Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add extra appeal by sprinkling some whole walnuts or a few fresh grape halves on top just before serving. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper can also add an unexpected but delightful hint of warmth.
Side Dishes
This Waldorf Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, turkey sandwiches, or as a refreshing contrast alongside a creamy soup. It’s also a vibrant side to accompany picnic fare or a brunch spread, offering something both nutritious and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the Waldorf Salad in hollowed-out apple halves or on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves. You can even stack it as a layered parfait in clear glasses to highlight the colorful ingredients — a fun twist that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day to maintain the crispness of the apples and celery while keeping the dressing fresh and creamy.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The fresh fruits, especially apples and grapes, and the creamy mayonnaise dressing do not hold up well after freezing and thawing, losing their desired texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this Waldorf Salad Recipe is designed to be served cold, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Just keep it chilled and enjoy the refreshing, crisp qualities it offers straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp all work wonderfully. Choose based on your preference for tartness or sweetness.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the mayonnaise?
You can use a vegan or dairy-free mayonnaise substitute without altering the essence of the salad. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to taste.
Can I add other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds can be great alternatives if you want to change up the nutty flavor or accommodate dietary preferences.
How can I make the salad less sweet?
Simply reduce or omit the sugar in the dressing and skip the raisins for a less sweet version while keeping all the classic textures intact.
What’s the best way to keep apples from browning?
Lemon juice is your best friend here. Toss the chopped apples immediately after cutting to stop browning and add freshness without affecting the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Waldorf Salad Recipe is a joyful celebration of texture and flavor that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, this vibrant salad is sure to brighten any table and bring smiles all around. Don’t wait to enjoy a bowl of this timeless classic that feels like a little bit of magic in every bite!
Print
Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Waldorf Salad combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts with a creamy, slightly sweet mayonnaise dressing. Tossed together and chilled, it’s a refreshing and easy-to-make fruit and nut salad perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
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)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white sugar, and salt. Whisk together until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
- Core and Chop Apples: Core and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Immediately toss them with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning and add a fresh tang.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the halved grapes, chopped celery, chopped walnuts, and optional raisins into the bowl with the apples. Stir gently to mix evenly.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared mayonnaise dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Waldorf Salad until ready to serve. For optimal flavor and texture, serve chilled and consume within a day.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter variation.
- Walnuts can be toasted beforehand to enhance their flavor.
- To prevent the apples from browning longer, soak them briefly in salted water before tossing with lemon juice.
- Raisins are optional; you can omit them or replace with dried cranberries for a different twist.
- Consume the salad within 24 hours for the best freshness.
