Waldorf Salad

Enjoy our version of a classic Waldorf Salad, the perfect easy-to-make dish that brings a fresh and crunchy twist to your table.

Crunchy apples, grapes, and celery tossed in a creamy dressing and topped with candied walnuts. Simple and delicious!

This salad’s sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors make it a perfect side dish. Add grilled chicken or salmon, and you have 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 three ingredients: apples, celery, and mayonnaise! It was an instant hit amongst the rich and famous who frequented the Waldorf Astoria. Since then, the salad has become a classic fruit and nut salad. Look at the variations and additions section for more ideas to customize this salad

Ingredient Notes

Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.

LETTUCE – Choose from Boston Bib, Romaine, or Iceberg for a crispy base that supports the weight of the toppings.

GREEN APPLE and RED APPLE – Diced for a burst of sweet and tart flavors that invigorate the palate.

CELERY – Thinly sliced to add a refreshing crunch and a subtle, earthy note.

GRAPES – We love using red grapes. They are sweet and add a wonderful pop of color.

WALNUTS – Candied with butter and sugar for a delightful crunch and a caramelized finish.

MAYONNAISE – Miracle Whip lends a creamy texture and a light tanginess to the dressing.

LEMON – Using the juice and zest of a lemon allows us to balance the sweetness of the apples and grapes.

How To Make A Waldorf Salad

Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

1. Candied Walnuts: Combine walnuts, butter, and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the walnuts are well coated, stirring constantly. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool.
2. Creamy Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, and zest until well combined and creamy. Season to taste 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.

Variations and Additions

• Delicious Topping: Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or even broiled salmon are great additions to a classic Waldorf Salad.
• Use pecans instead of walnuts.
• Add green grapes.
• Substitute low-fat yogurt for mayonnaise. It’ll save a few calories while still providing 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

More and Easy Salad Recipes

Big Mac Salad

Warm German Potato Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Chicken Salad

Tomato Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

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Waldorf Salad

Author: Maike Corbett

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Serving Size 4

A New York classic that took the world by storm.

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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

Candied Walnuts

• ▢ ¼ cup walnuts
• ▢ 1 tablespoon butter
• ▢ 1 tablespoon sugar

Dressing

• ▢ ½ cup mayonnaise Miracle Whip
• ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon zest and juice

Instructions

• 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.
• Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, and zest until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
• Combine red and green apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss until well combined. Serve on a bed of lettuce.

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl (glass)

wooden spoon

Nutritional Information

Calories: 365

Carbs: 27g

Fat: 29g

Protein: 3g

Nutritional Disclaimer

Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.

Maike Corbett

Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.