This classic Waldorf salad is loaded with apples, walnuts, grapes and celery tossed in a creamy and sweet mayonnaise-based dressing. It's an easy, fresh side dish that's ready in about 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this recipe. The full recipe card and ingredient list can be found at the bottom of the page.
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon
- Honey
- Apples (red or green)
- Red grapes
- Celery
- Walnuts
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, stir together the ingredients for the dressing: mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a medium mixing bowl or serving bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients with the dressing. Taste and season with additional salt if preferred.
Step 3: Serve
Optionally, serve over a bed of lettuce. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Substitutions
- Greek yogurt: swap out mayonnaise for greek yogurt as the base of your dressing
- Apples: red or green apples can be used for this recipe. I like to use 1 sweet red apple (like Fuji, Honey Crisp, or Gala apples) and 1 tart green apple (Granny Smith) for variety.
- Grapes: red or green seedless grapes will work for this recipe
- Nuts: walnuts are traditional part of waldorf salad; but you could substitute pecans or almonds if you prefer.
- Honey: this adds sweetness to the salad. Add more or less depending on how sweet you want your salad to be.
- Lettuce: waldorf salad is traditionally served on a bed of bibb or butter lettuce. You can swap this out for any kind of lettuce or leave it out.
Storage
- In the fridge: waldorf salad will stay good in the fridge stored in an airtight container for up to 4 - 5 days; but it will start to lose its crispy texture after about a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, waldorf salad can be made ahead of time. The flavors will mingle and actually taste better after a few hours in the fridge!
If you want to make this salad ahead of time, I find that it's best to make it a few hours in advance. If you let it sit overnight it tends to lose some of its crispiness.
Waldorf salad is most popular as a side dish but it can also be served as a main dish. It is traditionally served over a bed of lettuce.
Because it can be made ahead of time, this salad is also perfect for potlucks, picnics, and parties.
Waldorf salad originates from the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City! It has a rich history — it dates back to 1896, when it was created at the hotel for a charity ball.
Today, waldorf salad is a popular, classic side dish for summer get togethers and holidays.
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Waldorf Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Waldorf salad is loaded with apples, walnuts, grapes and celery tossed in a creamy and sweet mayonnaise-based dressing. It's an easy, fresh side dish that's ready in about 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 apples (red or green)
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted*)
- Lettuce optional, for serving (Bibb or Butter Lettuce)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the ingredients for the dressing: mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt.
- Mix everything together: In a medium mixing bowl or serving bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients with the dressing. Taste and season with additional salt if preferred. See notes below for instructions on how to toast the walnuts.
- Serve: Optionally, serve over a bed of lettuce. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Waldorf salad will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 - 5 days but starts to lose its texture after a day.
Notes
*To toast the walnuts: bake on a foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet at 350° for 7 - 10 minutes, until crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas, holidays, salad
Jan
lots of compliments from the family!! would make again
★★★★★