Waldorf Salad With Candied Walnuts

Waldorf Salad is a classic! Crisp apples, sweet grapes, crunchy celery served in a creamy dressing and topped with candied walnuts. Simple and delicious!

Its sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors make this salad a perfect side dish. Add grilled chicken or salmon and you’ve got yourself a perfect light meal.

Waldorf Salad was first served in New York City in the late 1890s at the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Originally, this salad had only 3 ingredients: apples, celery, and mayonnaise! And it was an instant hit amongst the rich and famous who’d frequent the Waldorf Astoria.

Since then, the salad has evolved and become a classic fruit and nut salad. Look at the variations and additions section to check out more ideas to customize this salad.

Why You’ll Love This Waldorf Salad Recipe

• Ease. This salad just takes a few minutes to put together.
• Taste and Texture. This is an incredibly refreshing salad.
• Lunch Salad. Adding a protein like grilled chicken turns this salad into a delicious lunch.
• Party Salad. Double the recipe and this salad is ready to make a great impression on any buffet table.

Ingredients

Variations and Additions

• Delicious Topping: Grilled chicken breast, grilled shrimp, or even broiled salmon are great additions for a classic Waldorf Salad.
• Use pecans instead of walnuts.
• Add green grapes.
• Substitute low-fat yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It’ll save a few calories and will still give you a creamy tangy dressing.
• Adding raisins adds both a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Avocado might not be a typical addition but feel free to try this delicious little twist.
• Radishes are another delicious addition that adds interest to the salad

How To Make Waldorf Salad

1. Candied Walnuts: Combine walnuts, butter, and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the walnuts have been well coated. Stir constantly. Transfer onto a plate and allow to cool.

2. Creamy Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, and zest until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Assembling The Waldorf Salad: Combine red and green apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a large bowl. Combine with the creamy dressing. Serve on a bed of lettuce.

Recipe Success Tip

I highly recommend using Miracle Whip for this recipe. Miracle Whip has a unique tanginess other mayonnaise brands don’t.

More Simple and Delicious Salad Ideas

• Egg Salad – This salad is perfect for lunch on slice of toast or even better stuffed inside a croissant.
• Tomato Salad – this easy chopped salad is incredibly refreshing and perfect for summer
• Cold German Potato Salad – made with hard boiled eggs
• Creamy Cucumber Salad – nothing says German side salad more than cucumber salad it goes with almost everything … really
• Italian Pasta Salad – one of my favorite salads for a summer buffet