Waldorf Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Waldorf Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and slightly sweet classic that combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, celery, and walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing. Light and refreshing, it’s perfect as a side dish for picnics, brunches, or holiday meals—and it’s ready in minutes!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, diced)
red or green grapes (halved)
celery (thinly sliced)
walnuts (chopped)
mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
fresh lemon juice
salt
black pepper
butter lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)

directions

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, and chopped walnuts.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Serve on its own or spooned over butter lettuce leaves for a classic touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Add diced cooked chicken for a hearty twist.
Stir in dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
Use half sour cream and half mayo for a tangier dressing.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Serve chilled—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Why is it called Waldorf Salad?
It was created at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City in the late 1800s.

Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add the apples just before serving to keep them crisp and prevent browning.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free mayo or plain coconut yogurt for the dressing.

What apples are best?
Crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best.

Should the nuts be toasted?
Toasting the walnuts brings out their flavor but is optional.

Conclusion

Waldorf Salad is a timeless, refreshing dish with the perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and creamy. Whether served as a light side or a simple lunch, this classic never goes out of style and adds a fresh touch to any meal.

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