Waldorf Salad Recipe
Introduction
The Waldorf Salad is a classic dish known for its crisp, refreshing flavors and satisfying crunch. Combining sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and a creamy dressing, it makes a perfect light lunch or side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp. plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup toasted walnuts
- Bibb lettuce, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Add the halved grapes, chopped apples, sliced celery, and chopped parsley to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the salad and serve it over a bed of Bibb lettuce for a fresh presentation.
Tips & Variations
- For added sweetness, use honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or toasted almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- To make it lighter, use all yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a unique twist.
Storage
Store the prepared salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day for best freshness. To maintain crunch, add the walnuts just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best served chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare Waldorf salad in advance?
Yes, but it’s best to prepare it no more than a day ahead. Keep the walnuts separate and add them just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Can I use other types of lettuce for serving?
Absolutely. While Bibb lettuce is traditional for its tender leaves, you can substitute with romaine, butter lettuce, or even serve it without lettuce as a standalone salad.
PrintWaldorf Salad Recipe
A refreshing and classic Waldorf Salad featuring crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, yogurt, and lemon juice. Served over fresh Bibb lettuce for a light and flavorful dish perfect as a side or a light meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Salad
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- Bibb lettuce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy and tangy base for the salad.
- Add the fruits and vegetables: Add the halved red grapes, chopped apples, sliced celery, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold together until all ingredients are just combined, ensuring the delicate fruits stay intact.
- Season the salad: Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Toast the walnuts: If not already toasted, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden, then let them cool slightly.
- Serve: Top the salad with the toasted walnuts and serve the Waldorf Salad over a bed of fresh Bibb lettuce leaves for a crisp and attractive presentation.
Notes
- For extra tang, substitute lemon juice with a bit of apple cider vinegar.
- To keep apples from browning, toss them with a little extra lemon juice before adding.
- Walnuts can be replaced with pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Use Greek yogurt for a thicker dressing, or regular yogurt for a lighter texture.
- This salad is best served immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to one day.
Keywords: Waldorf Salad, Classic Salad, Apple Salad, Grape Salad, Creamy Salad Dressing, Nutty Salad, Healthy Salad
