There’s something utterly timeless about the Waldorf Salad Recipe—a crisp, creamy, and colorful classic that never fails to charm at any table. With a wonderfully refreshing mix of sweet apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and earthy toasted walnuts, all tossed in a velvety dressing, this salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, a potluck, or enjoying it as a quick and wholesome lunch, you’ll love how every ingredient comes together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed that such a memorable salad springs from just a handful of simple ingredients! Each one brings a special touch, from freshness and crunch to a creamy finish, making the Waldorf Salad Recipe a true celebration of textures and flavors.

Apples (2 medium, cored and chopped): For a dynamic balance of sweet and tart, use a mix of red and green apples.
Seedless red grapes (1 cup, halved): These add bursts of fruity sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
Celery (1 cup, thinly sliced): Crisp celery delivers unbeatable crunch and a touch of earthiness.
Walnuts (1/2 cup, chopped and lightly toasted): Toasting brings out their nuttiness and adds a delicious warmth.
Mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): This creamy base ties everything together—use yogurt for a lighter version.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Essential to brighten the flavors and keep the apples from browning.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Lettuce leaves (for serving, optional): Create a lovely nest for your salad or simply enjoy as a fresh touch on the plate.

How to Make Waldorf Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Start by coring and chopping your apples into bite-sized pieces. For the most eye-catching and flavorful Waldorf Salad Recipe, I like to use one red apple and one green—this way, you get the best of both worlds. Halve your seedless red grapes, thinly slice the celery, and give your walnuts a quick toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let the walnuts cool before chopping for extra crunch.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your freshly prepped apples, grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts. The magic here is in how the different shapes and colors tumble together—it’s a little promise of the delightful bites to come.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until the dressing is silky smooth. If you want your Waldorf Salad Recipe a bit lighter, feel free to substitute some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt—either way, the tartness and creaminess shine through.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

Drizzle the creamy dressing over your bowl of fruit, nuts, and veggies, then toss gently to ensure every bite is beautifully coated. Handle this step with care to keep those fruity grapes and crisp apples in tact.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

The Waldorf Salad Recipe tastes best served cold, so pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. For that retro, nostalgic touch, arrange the salad on fresh lettuce leaves—or simply scoop it right into bowls and watch everyone dig in!

How to Serve Waldorf Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To really make the Waldorf Salad Recipe shine, finish each serving with a scattering of extra toasted walnuts or a sprig of fresh parsley for color. A light grating of lemon zest on top adds a sunny aroma and a professional finish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Try it alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or as a bright counterpoint to a hearty quiche. You can even let it take center stage as part of a light vegetarian lunch plate with crusty bread and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform the Waldorf Salad Recipe into a showstopper by serving it stuffed in halved avocados, atop endive leaves as elegant finger food, or portioned into small glass cups for a chic appetizer at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Waldorf Salad Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its crispness and keep the flavors fresh. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Due to the freshness of the fruit and the creamy dressing, freezing isn’t recommended. The textures of the apples, grapes, and celery may become mushy and watery after thawing, and you’ll lose that signature crunch.

Reheating

This is a salad best enjoyed cold! There’s no need to reheat—if anything, a quick chill before serving will have it tasting its very best.

FAQs

Can I make Waldorf Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors meld beautifully if prepared a few hours in advance. Just be sure to toss the apples in extra lemon juice to fend off browning, cover well, and refrigerate until serving.

What apples are best for this recipe?

A combination of crisp, sweet, and tart apples works best. Try mixing Gala or Fuji (sweet) with Granny Smith (tart) for a well-rounded bite and vibrant color.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Definitely! Simply use a vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo or yogurt, and you’ll have a dairy-free Waldorf Salad Recipe that’s every bit as creamy and delicious.

How do I keep the salad from turning watery?

Make sure to pat dry the apples and grapes after washing, and don’t assemble the salad too far ahead. Storing in a tightly covered container helps maintain texture and prevents excess moisture.

Can I add protein to make this salad a complete meal?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked turkey make hearty additions to your Waldorf Salad Recipe and turn it into the ultimate satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to brighten up a weekday lunch, this Waldorf Salad Recipe is classic comfort with a refreshing twist. Give it a try—you may just discover your new favorite salad!

Waldorf Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Waldorf Salad recipe featuring a delightful mix of crisp apples, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples:

2 medium apples, cored and chopped

Grapes:

1 cup seedless red grapes, halved

Celery:

1 cup celery, thinly sliced

Walnuts:

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Serving:

Lettuce leaves (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Serve: Chill the salad and serve on its own or over lettuce leaves.