If you’re looking for a fresh and simple dish, the classic Waldorf salad is a great choice. This salad mixes crunchy apples, celery, and walnuts with a creamy dressing to create a tasty and refreshing meal or side dish. The classic Waldorf salad recipe is easy to make and uses ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
This post may contain affiliate links.
You can enjoy this salad as a light lunch or add it to your dinner table for a healthy touch. The combination of sweet and crunchy flavors makes the Waldorf salad stand out from other classic salads.
Making your own Waldorf salad lets you control the flavors and keep it just how you like it. You’ll find it is a versatile recipe that fits many occasions without much effort.
Related Recipe: Mango Cucumber Salad Refreshing Recipe for Hot Summer Days
How to Make a Classic Waldorf Salad
This salad is all about a balance of crunch, sweetness, and creaminess. You will need fresh, crisp ingredients and a simple creamy dressing to bring it all together. Preparing it means chopping, mixing, and adding flavors step-by-step.
Related Recipe: Best Creamy Grape Salad – Simple & Delicious Recipe
Classic Waldorf Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (red or green)
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (toasted, optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
Serve the Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce leaves if desired.
In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, and chopped walnuts. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the fruit and celery mixture, and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Related Recipe: Easy Mango & Black Bean Salad for Summer
Tips for the Perfect Waldorf Salad
Use crisp apples to keep the salad crunchy. Soak chopped apples in lemon water for 5 minutes to prevent browning. Always toast the nuts lightly—it enhances flavor and adds crunch.
Don’t overdress; start with less and add as needed. Mixing the salad just before serving keeps the lettuce and celery crisp. Store leftovers in a sealed container; the salad will stay fresh for about 24 hours.
You can swap mayonnaise for yogurt if you prefer a tangier, lighter taste. Adding herbs like mint or basil can give a fresh twist. Adjust sweetness to your taste by changing honey, sugar, or dried fruit amounts.
Serving, Variations, and History
You can enjoy a classic Waldorf salad in many ways, whether as a side dish or part of a light lunch. It has a rich history tied to New York City and offers room for creative twists. Knowing its background and nutrition can help you appreciate this simple salad even more.
Related Recipe: Creamy Cucumber and Dill Salad Perfect for Refreshing Summer Meals
Serving Suggestions
Waldorf salad is a popular classic side dish at picnics, holiday meals, and potlucks. You can serve it on its own for a light lunch or as a fresh, crunchy side with chicken salad or sandwiches.
For entertaining, try serving it in small bowls or on lettuce leaves. It works well with both casual gatherings and more formal occasions like brunch or charity balls.
To add a touch of elegance, pair it with grilled or blackened chicken. The creamy dressing and crunchy fruit make it a crowd-pleaser for almost any meal.
Creative Variations
You can easily change up the Waldorf salad to suit your taste or the occasion. Adding grapes, dried cranberries, or different nuts like pecans adds new textures and flavors.
Swap the traditional mayonnaise dressing for yogurt or add a splash of lemon juice to make it lighter. Some people mix in celery root for more crunch or add diced chicken for a heartier dish.
For a twist, turn it into a sandwich filling with toasted bread or use it as a topping for crackers at parties. These variations keep the salad fresh and exciting while still honoring its classic roots.
Follow my summer salads board on Pinterest.