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Waldorf Salad Recipe

Waldorf Salad brings fruits, nuts and veggies together in a tantalizing creamy dressing. This classic salad makes a delicious light lunch or summertime side dish.

Like Cucumber Tomato Salad, this salad is easy to make, and adds a bit of elegant simplicity to your table.

Waldorf salad in a bowl with lettuce.

What is Waldorf Salad

Tradition states that this salad was originally created in 1896 by a chef at New York’s famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The original salad contained just three ingredients: apples, celery and mayonnaise.

As the dish grew in popularity, the recipe evolved to include grapes and walnuts. Our Waldorf Salad recipe has all the traditional fixtures plus a zest of fresh lemon juice.

Served on a bed of lettuce, it’s delicious on its own or tossed with chicken for a light meal.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed to make waldorf salad.

Apples. Granny smith are the traditional choice for satisfying color and tartness.

Grapes. We used green grapes, but red grapes or a combination of grapes works well too.

Mayonnaise. Use real mayonnaise (not miracle whip) and check the label for any added sugars.

Lemon juice. Please use freshly squeezed juice for best results!

Walnuts. Chop the shelled nuts roughly before adding to the salad.

Tips and Tricks

  • Black pepper. Add a pinch of black pepper to your finished salad for a surprising kick of flavor.
  • Pecan variation. Swap out the walnuts for pecans for a southern style twist.
  • Serving styles. This salad is traditionally served on a bed of lettuce. If preferred, you can chop up the lettuce leaves and toss them with the other ingredients.
  • Add chicken. Diced cooked chicken or turkey can be added to turn it into a heartier dish.
Waldorf salad ingredients in a bowl with dressing being added.

Recipe FAQs

Can Waldorf Salad be made in advance?

Waldorf Salad tastes best the same day. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days. If you need to prep it in advance, we recommend chopping all the fruits and celery ahead of time and storing them covered in the fridge. When ready to eat, just toss everything together with the dressing and serve.

Is Waldorf Salad vegan?

The salad is vegetarian but not vegan as it contains egg-based mayonnaise. This recipe can be made vegan by using an egg-free vegan mayonnaise. Make sure to check the label to ensure it’s free of added sugars.

Is this recipe low carb?

Waldorf Apple Salad contains a lot of fruit which is high in natural carbohydrates. While it’s not necessarily low carb, it is free of added sugars and completely grain free.

Waldorf salad served in a bowl with grapes on the side.

More No Sugar No Flour Recipes

Waldorf salad in a bowl lined with lettuce.

Waldorf Salad Recipe

Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Waldorf Salad brings fruits, nuts and veggies together in a tantalizing creamy dressing. This classic salad makes a delicious light lunch or summertime side dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 granny smith apples
  • 1 cup salted shelled walnuts
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup seedless green grapes
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 4 iceberg lettuce leaves, for garnishing the bowl

Instructions

  1. Core and chop apples into bite sized pieces. Roughly chop the shelled walnuts. Add both to a bowl.
  2. Add chopped celery, and green grapes (you can halve them if you prefer).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, salt, and lemon juice. Pour over apple mixture.
  4. To serve, line a bowl (or two individual bowls) with iceberg lettuce leaves. Spoon salad into bowls. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Apple Waldorf salad is best enjoyed the day it is made, however it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Substitutions: swap out the green grapes for red grapes. Use pecans instead of walnuts. Add a pinch of black pepper for a little more flavor!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 273Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 488mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 4gSugar: 15gProtein: 2g

A Waldorf Style Salad never goes out of style! Bookmark this recipe and you’ll never be more than a few minutes away serving a side salad that everyone loves.

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