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Waldorf salad is a light and fruity American classic that you have to try at least once! This delicious recipe combines chopped apples, grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts in a mayonnaise dressing and it’s especially popular during the various holiday seasons! It’s the perfect mix of sweetness and nuttiness with just enough crunch!
Word on the street is that this salad dates back to the late 1800s when it was first created by a guy called Oscar Tschikry who was the head chef of the infamous Waldorf hotel at the time.
What is Waldorf Salad?
The original Waldorf salad recipe actually only consisted of red apples, celery, and mayonnaise, but chopped walnuts were added later, alongside other variations you’ll see if you look up a few different recipes. Honestly, one of the things I LOVE about cooking these traditional favorites is that way that you can customize any dish to make it your own, regardless of how long it’s been around!
How To Make Waldorf Salad
It’s super easy to make this popular salad in just 3 steps!
- Prepare the salad ingredients.
- Combine the ingredients for the dressing. Whisk until smooth and pour over the salad.
- Stir until the mixture is coated in the dressing. Done!
Will Waldorf Salad Last for Long?
This is a salad that’s best served nice and chilled, so try to keep it in the refrigerator most of the time. You’ll get away with having it out at room temp for a little while. but just remember the mayonnaise can also start to go bad if it’s sitting out too long!
If you’re not serving right away, this salad will keep for about a couple of days in the refrigerator in an airtight container or plastic wrap, but the mayo and the fruit will start to get watery. This is best eaten the day you make it.
Want a Healthier Version of this Salad?
Salad is ALWAYS healthy, right?? Well… that depends on the salad! This Waldorf Salad definitely isn’t unhealthy, but the mayonnaise can be a bit high in calories if you’re watching your intake. I’ve used mayonnaise here myself, but you can always use Greek yogurt instead for a healthier option.
What to Serve with Waldorf Salad
I like to serve this creamy and crunchy side salad for lunch with dinner rolls. Or if I’m serving it at a potluck, barbeque, or weeknight dinner I’ll often add some pulled pork or oven-baked fried chicken breasts for a deliciously filling meal. There are also lots of fun ways to customize your salad like adding some golden raisins, cranberries, chopped cauliflower, or even some marshmallows!
Hope you enjoy!
Love,
Karlynn
Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
Waldorf Salad Ingredients
- 3 sweet apples, cored and chopped (peeled if you prefer)
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnutes
- 1/2 cup red grapes, washed and halved
Waldorf Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the salad ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
- Whisk together the salad dressing ingredients until smooth, then pour over the salad ingredients. Stir until the apple mixture is coated in the dressing.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
All calories and info are based on a third party calculator and are only an estimate. Actual nutritional info will vary with brands used, your measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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