Name: Waldorf Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium Granny Smith apples, diced (about 2 cups); 1 cup (151 g) red seedless grapes, halved; ½ cup (58 g) toasted walnuts, roughly chopped; 2 medium ribs celery, diced (about 1 cup); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; ¼ cup (59 g) heavy whipping cream; ¼ cup (58 g) mayonnaise; ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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Introduction

Waldorf Salad is a classic, refreshing dish combining crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts, all bound together in a creamy dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

A white bowl filled with a creamy fruit and nut salad consisting of several layers: large slices of purple grapes, small white cheese cubes, light green apple pieces, green celery bits, and chopped brown walnuts, all evenly mixed and coated with a white creamy dressing, placed on a white marbled surface with scattered walnuts, green apples, and purple grapes around it, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium Granny Smith apples, diced (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 medium ribs celery, diced (about 1 cup)
1 cup (151 g) red seedless grapes, halved
½ cup (58 g) toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
¼ cup (59 g) heavy whipping cream
¼ cup (58 g) mayonnaise
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly and prevent browning.
Step 2: Add the diced celery, halved grapes, and toasted walnuts to the bowl with the apples. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form, meaning the cream stands straight up and holds its shape.
Step 4: Carefully fold the mayonnaise into the whipped cream until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Sprinkle with kosher salt, then fold everything together gently until evenly coated.
Step 6: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Step 7: Serve the Waldorf Salad cold as a refreshing side or light meal.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add raisins or dried cranberries for an extra touch of sweetness.
Use toasted pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
To keep apples from browning longer, toss them in lemon juice immediately after dicing.

Storage

Store the Waldorf Salad covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed within this time as the apples may soften and the salad can become watery. Before serving, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Avoid freezing as the texture will change.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a creamy fruit salad. The salad has three main layers: light green apple pieces cut into small cubes, red and purple halved grapes with shiny skins, and chopped light brown nuts mixed evenly throughout. The creamy white dressing coats every ingredient, giving the dish a smooth, thick texture. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl on the left side, partially covered by the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Waldorf Salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours to overnight ahead of time. Just be aware that the apples may soften and the dressing softens the salad as it sits, so for the freshest texture, toss the salad right before serving if possible.

Can I make Waldorf Salad vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like coconut cream and vegan mayo or a cashew-based dressing for a delicious vegan version.