Waldorf Salad Recipe
Introduction
Waldorf Salad is a classic, refreshing dish combining crisp apples, celery, and grapes with a creamy dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side 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 walnuts, toasted
- 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.
- Step 3: Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top.
- Step 4: Serve the Waldorf Salad over a bed of Bibb lettuce for a crisp, fresh presentation.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of red and green apples for a colorful look and varied sweetness.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- For a lighter dressing, replace mayonnaise with extra yogurt or use a dairy-free mayo alternative.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for a subtle twist.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, store it separately and assemble just before serving. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if refrigerated, bring it to room temperature and give it a gentle stir before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare Waldorf Salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. To avoid sogginess, add the toasted walnuts and lettuce just before serving.
What can I do if I don’t have Bibb lettuce?
You can substitute Bibb lettuce with other tender greens like romaine, butter lettuce, or even baby spinach for a similar fresh base.
PrintWaldorf Salad Recipe
A fresh and crunchy Waldorf Salad featuring a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, yogurt, and lemon juice, tossed with crisp apples, celery, juicy red grapes, and toasted walnuts, served over crisp Bibb lettuce for a light and vibrant dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
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
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth and evenly combined, forming the creamy base of the salad.
- Combine the salad ingredients: Add the halved red grapes, chopped apples, sliced celery, and chopped parsley into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined, ensuring the fruit and vegetables are coated without becoming mushy.
- Season and serve: Season the salad mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Top the salad with the toasted walnuts for crunch and serve the mixture over crisp Bibb lettuce leaves for a refreshing presentation.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant for enhanced flavor.
- This salad is best served immediately to retain its crispness.
- You may substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt for a thicker dressing with more protein.
- For a lighter version, reduce or omit the mayonnaise and increase yogurt accordingly.
Keywords: Waldorf Salad, salad with apples and walnuts, creamy fruit salad, classic American salad, healthy salad recipe
