Introduction
The Waldorf Salad is a timeless classic that originated at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in the late 1800s. This refreshing salad combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and nutty walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s light, elegant, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and crunch. Over the years, it has remained a favorite worldwide because of its simplicity, sophistication, and versatility.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it embodies freshness and balance in every bite. The crisp apples pair beautifully with the creamy dressing, while the grapes add bursts of juiciness and walnuts bring earthy crunch. It’s refreshing, healthy, and satisfying without being heavy. I also enjoy how it can be served on its own, as a side dish, or even presented elegantly for special occasions.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because it proves that simplicity can be extraordinary. With only a handful of ingredients, you get a salad that’s flavorful, refreshing, and visually appealing. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can make it light with yogurt dressing or richer with mayonnaise. Whether you’re serving brunch, a holiday spread, or a light lunch, this salad fits perfectly.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~280–300 per serving (with mayonnaise-based dressing)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American (classic, hotel-inspired)
- Course: Salad, Side Dish, Light Appetizer
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 medium apples (red or green), cored and chopped (leave skin on for color)
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (red or green)
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1 cup romaine lettuce or butter lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Simple Cooking Directions
- Chop apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts.
- Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Toss everything together and serve on lettuce leaves.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Wash and dry apples, grapes, and celery.
- Chop apples into bite-sized cubes.
- Halve grapes and slice celery thinly.
- Toast walnuts lightly in a pan for 3–4 minutes (optional) and chop them roughly.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise (or yogurt), lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts.
- Pour dressing over the top and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.
Step 4: Serve
- Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter or individual plates.
- Spoon Waldorf Salad on top of lettuce and serve immediately.
How to Serve
- Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce leaves for a classic presentation.
- Perfect as a side dish for roasted meats, sandwiches, or brunch spreads.
- For a modern touch, serve in cups, jars, or hollowed apples for parties.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use a mix of red and green apples for color and balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
- To prevent apples from browning, toss them in lemon juice before mixing.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add diced cooked chicken or turkey for a main-course salad.
- Nut-Free: Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Extra Sweetness: Add raisins or dried cranberries.
- Luxury Touch: Use candied walnuts or pecans for a gourmet version.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.
Freezing & Storage
- Freezing: Not recommended—the fresh produce and dressing do not freeze well.
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best freshness, store dressing separately and combine before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Salad bowl
- Small whisk and mixing bowl
Conclusion
The Waldorf Salad with Apples, Celery, Grapes, and Walnuts is a true classic that has stood the test of time for good reason. Crisp, refreshing, and creamy, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed year-round, whether as a light appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course with added protein. With its elegant presentation and ease of preparation, this salad is a must-have recipe for both casual meals and special occasions.
Waldorf Salad with Apples, Celery, Grapes, and Walnuts
Description
The Waldorf Salad is a timeless classic that originated at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in the late 1800s. This refreshing salad combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and nutty walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad
For the Dressing
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients : Wash and dry apples, grapes, and celery.Chop apples into bite-sized cubes.Halve grapes and slice celery thinly.Toast walnuts lightly in a pan for 3–4 minutes (optional) and chop them roughly.
-
Step 2: Make the Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise (or yogurt), lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.
-
Step 3: Combine the Salad : In a large mixing bowl, add apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts.Pour dressing over the top and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.
-
Step 4: Serve : Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter or individual plates.Spoon Waldorf Salad on top of lettuce and serve immediately.
