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
- 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.
- Creamy Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, and zest until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- 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
Ingredients
- 4 cups lettuce Boston Bib, Romaine or Iceberg
- 1 medium green apple diced
- 1 medium red apple diced
- 3-4 stalks celery thinly sliced
- 1 cup red grapes halved
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise Miracle Whip
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest and juice
Instructions
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.
Dressing
- Combine red and green apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a large bowl. Combine with the creamy dressing. Serve on a bed of lettuce.
Assembling The Waldorf Salad
- Combine red and green apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a large bowl. Add in the creamy dressing. Serve on a bed of lettuce.
