Classic Waldorf Salad
A Classic Waldorf Salad combines juicy grapes, crisp apples and celery, and crunchy walnuts. Everything gets tossed in an ultra creamy, sweet and tangy dressing! Serve the salad as is, or spoon it into lettuce cups for an elegant presentation.
What Is Waldorf Salad?
The Waldorf salad is one of those classic recipes that will never go out of style.
Now a potluck favorite for holidays like July 4th and Thanksgiving, this creamy fruit salad was first served at the luxury Waldorf Hotel in New York City (now the Waldorf-Astoria). Hence the name, Waldorf salad. It was created in 1893 by Oscar Tschirky, the maître d’hôtel.
The original Waldorf salad recipe called for a simple combination of chopped red apple, celery, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. These days, many recipes include walnuts for added texture.
The recipe I’m sharing with you today also includes grapes, lemon zest, and Greek yogurt. The resulting apple Waldorf salad is creamy, sweet, tangy, and full of complementary textures.
This is a fast and easy potluck salad recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes! Enjoy the salad as is, or add your favorite grilled or roasted protein to transform it into a main dish.
Tools You’ll Need
I recommend having the following kitchen tools on hand to prepare this classic Waldorf salad recipe:
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife — For chopping the fruits and veggies.
- Microplane — For zesting the lemon.
- Citrus Juicer — Makes juicing the lemon so much easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons — For measuring the salad and dressing ingredients.
- Large Mixing Bowl — You need one that’s large enough to toss the fruit and veggie mixture in the creamy dressing.
- Small Mixing Bowl — The dressing gets whisked together in a separate bowl before being added to the salad.
- Small Skillet (Optional) — Only needed if you want to toast the walnuts before adding them to the salad.
- Serving Platter (Optional) — I like to serve the Waldorf salad mixture in lettuce cups. However, you can also serve the salad straight from the mixing bowl or another large serving bowl.
Recipe Ingredients
This is a simple recipe that calls for basic ingredients you likely have on hand. Here’s what’s in a Waldorf salad:
For the salad:
- Green Apples
- Red Grapes
- Celery
- Walnuts
- Lettuce (Optional)
- Fresh Parsley
For the dressing:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek Yogurt
- Lemon Juice and Zest
- Honey
- Salt and Pepper
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this twist on a classic Waldorf Salad, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Make Classic Waldorf Salad
- Prepare the salad: Add the apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek yogurt, and honey.
- Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mix well to combine.
- Optionally serve in lettuce cups: Divide the Waldorf salad between lettuce leaves and arrange on a serving platter. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley.
The above is simply a quick summary of this classic Waldorf Salad recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Toast the walnuts for added flavor and texture. This can be done by adding the chopped walnuts to a dry skillet set over a medium heat on the stove. Watch them closely and shake the pan often as nuts have a tendency to burn. You’ll know they’re done toasting when they’re golden in color and smell fragrant.
- Chop everything finely. You want all of the fruits or vegetables to be chopped into bite-sized pieces so you can scoop a little of everything onto your fork. The blend of textures and flavors is what makes this creamy fruit salad so good!
- Use real mayonnaise. This isn’t the time to break out the low-fat mayo or Miracle Whip. You need traditional, full-fat mayo to make the Waldorf salad dressing. The Greek yogurt will add tang and cut through the richness of the mayonnaise, don’t worry!
- Add your choice of protein, if desired. This can easily be turned into a main dish salad by adding balsamic chicken, roast chicken, or smoked chicken.
Recipe FAQs
Got questions about how to make apple Waldorf salad? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
What are the best apples for Waldorf salad?
Use a crisp, tart apple variety to offset the sweetness and creaminess of the dressing. I prefer using Granny Smith apples, but you may use your favorite.
Can the walnuts be omitted or substituted?
Yes, you may omit the walnuts entirely or you can replace them with pecans.
Do I have to use mayonnaise?
Yes, the mayonnaise is essential! It adds richness and creaminess to the dressing that you won’t get by using a mayo alternative or by using all Greek yogurt.
Can I add other mix-ins to the salad?
Most likely, yes. To take this Waldorf salad into ambrosia salad territory, try adding mini marshmallows. You can also add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped pineapple. Feel free to experiment with this recipe!
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
No, the Waldorf fruit salad is best enjoyed right away.
Storage Instructions
This salad is best enjoyed immediately, but it will last up to 24 hours in an airtight container. After that point, the fruit will start to soften and the texture of the Waldorf salad won’t be palatable.
Do not freeze the salad; the fruit will change texture once frozen and will be mushy once thawed.
What to Serve with Waldorf Salad
Waldorf apple salad can be served as a summer potluck side with your favorite grilled proteins, but it’s also great as a sweet side dish alongside your favorite Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter mains.
- Grilled proteins: Grilled lemon rosemary chicken, blue cheese burgers, bbq chicken, smoked chicken drumsticks, and bruschetta grilled chicken.
- Holiday entrees: Smoked Traeger prime rib, slow cooker ham, and apple cider brined turkey.
- Holiday sides: Parmesan scalloped potatoes, potato dinner rolls, brown butter mashed potatoes, garlic sage roasted sweet potato cubes, and apple stuffed acorn squash.
Try Making Waldorf Fruit Salad at Home!
Next time you’re craving a creamy Waldorf salad, give this classic recipe a try!
Did you love how fast and easy the salad came together? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought.
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your apple Waldorf salad!
More Salad Recipes with Fruit:
Take advantage of fresh winter produce by making this Fennel and Orange Salad. It’s bright and citrusy in flavor, and is so easy to make!
This simple recipe for Fresh Citrus Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is great served any time of day – from Healthy Breakfasts to the perfect side dish at dinner. Take advantage of peak season for citrus during the winter months and add this delicious salad to your meal plans.
Tropical Fruit Salad is loaded with bite sized pieces of all the best tropical fruits, drizzled with a simple honey lime dressing, and garnished with toasted coconut.
This recipe for Watermelon Salad has a great combination of flavors – sweet and salty with a syrupy balsamic glaze and a touch of mint.
Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.
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Classic Waldorf Salad
A Classic Waldorf Salad combines juicy grapes, crisp apples and celery, and crunchy walnuts. Everything gets tossed in an ultra creamy, sweet and tangy dressing! Serve the salad as is, or spoon it into lettuce cups for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 green apples, diced (I used Granny Smith)
- 1 ½ cups red grapes, sliced in half
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ¾ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
For the dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons honey
To serve:
- 4 large lettuce leaves (optional)
- salt and pepper, season to taste
- 3 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the apples, grapes, celery and walnuts in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek yogurt and honey. Whisk well to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl and mix well to combine.
- On a serving platter, arrange the lettuce leaves. Divide the Waldorf salad between the leaves.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and scatter over the chopped parsley for garnish. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Walnuts: I like to lightly toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad. This can be done by adding the chopped walnuts to a dry skillet set over a medium heat on the stove. Watch them closely and shake the pan often as nuts have a tendency to burn. The walnuts can be substituted with pecans.
Lettuce: You can also omit the lettuce or serve on the side.
Want to add protein? Make this a main dish salad by adding balsamic chicken, roast chicken, or smoked chicken.
Storage: Best prepared fresh and served immediately. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Don’t freeze.
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