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Waldorf Salad

This apple salad has become my go to recipe for everything from quick lunches to fancy potlucks because it combines crisp sweet apples with crunchy celery bright grapes and toasted walnuts all tossed in this amazing creamy dressing and what makes it really special is how it manages to feel elegant enough for company while being simple enough for everyday plus it's so refreshing and satisfying that the bowl always comes back empty whether I'm serving it at home or taking it somewhere and people always ask for the recipe.

Featured in Satisfying Salad Recipes.

Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:08:55 GMT
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A colorful fruit salad made of diced apples, green grapes, dried cranberries, and sprinkled with chopped nuts in a wooden bowl. Pin it
A colorful fruit salad made of diced apples, green grapes, dried cranberries, and sprinkled with chopped nuts in a wooden bowl. | alicesrecipes.com

Meet the Waldorf Salad - a true classic that's been winning hearts since 1898. Born at New York's famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel, this salad combines crisp apples, fresh celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts into something special. Our version adds a bright twist by soaking the apples in orange juice, keeping them fresh and adding extra flavor. It's simple enough for lunch at home but fancy enough for your next dinner party.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Favorite

This isn't just any salad - it's over a century of good taste in one bowl. Every bite brings something new: sweet apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and toasted walnuts, all wrapped in a light, creamy dressing. The orange juice trick not only keeps your apples looking fresh but adds a subtle citrus pop that makes this version special. Whether you're serving it at a backyard barbecue or Sunday dinner, it's sure to become a family favorite.

What Goes Into Your Waldorf

  • Apples - 3 medium, crisp and sweet (Gala or Pink Lady work great), cut into chunks. They're the stars here, so pick good ones
  • Fresh Orange Juice - ½ cup to keep those apples bright and add zip. Fresh squeezed makes a difference, but bottled works too
  • The Fresh Stuff:
    • 2 celery ribs, sliced thin for crunch
    • 1½ cups red grapes, cut in half (seedless please!)
    • ¾ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
    • ½ cup plump raisins
  • For the Dressing:
    • ½ cup real mayonnaise (the good stuff matters here)
    • 2 tablespoons honey for natural sweetness
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • Fresh black pepper to taste
A wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad made of diced apples, celery, cranberries, and pecans, garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad made of diced apples, celery, cranberries, and pecans, garnished with fresh herbs. | alicesrecipes.com

Bringing It All Together

Start with the Apples:
Chop your apples into bite-sized pieces and toss them in orange juice. This quick bath keeps them pretty and adds flavor. Let them hang out while you prep everything else
Toast Those Walnuts:
A quick 5 minutes in a dry pan makes walnuts extra crunchy and brings out their flavor. Watch them closely - they can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Let them cool before chopping
Mix the Dressing:
Stir together mayonnaise, a splash of the orange juice from your apples, honey, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste - this is your chance to make it perfect for you
Build Your Salad:
Drain those apples and pat them dry. Toss them in a big bowl with your celery, grapes, walnuts, and raisins. Each ingredient adds its own magic to the mix
Finish with Flair:
Pour that dressing over everything and fold it in gently. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes - this lets all those flavors get friendly

From Hotel Kitchen to Home Table

When Oscar Tschirky whipped up the first Waldorf Salad at New York's swankiest hotel back in 1898, he probably didn't know he was making history. What started as a simple mix of apples, celery, and mayo has grown into something special that's stood the test of time. Our version keeps that elegant spirit while adding extra touches that make it perfect for today's table.

Getting Those Flavors Just Right

There's a real art to balancing this salad. Each apple chunk soaks up just enough orange juice to stay bright and fresh. The celery adds that essential crunch, while grapes burst with sweetness in every bite. Those toasted walnuts? They're like little flavor bombs that wake up your taste buds. It's not just throwing ingredients in a bowl - it's about letting each one shine while working together.

Mix It Up Your Way

Feel free to play around with this recipe. No walnuts? Pecans or almonds step in beautifully. Want something tangier than raisins? Try dried cranberries or cherries. The dressing works great with Greek yogurt instead of mayo if you're looking for something lighter. Make it your own - that's how good recipes become family favorites.

A vibrant salad featuring lettuce, diced apples, grapes, and chopped pecans, all seasoned with black pepper. Pin it
A vibrant salad featuring lettuce, diced apples, grapes, and chopped pecans, all seasoned with black pepper. | alicesrecipes.com

Ways to Serve and Share

This salad plays well with others. Serve it on a bed of crisp lettuce for a light lunch, or bring it to your next potluck. It's equally happy next to a grilled chicken breast or as part of a bigger spread. Want to dress it up? Serve it in lettuce cups or hollow out apple halves for elegant individual portions. The possibilities are endless.

Keep It Fresh

The beauty of this salad is that it actually gets better after a little chill time in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container and it'll stay crisp and delicious for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before serving to wake everything up. Planning ahead for a party? Make it the night before - one less thing to worry about on the big day.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of apples work best?

Mix sweet and tart apples like Pink Lady or Gala - they give you the best mix of flavors and stay crisp in the salad.

→ Can I switch the nuts?

Pecans taste great here too - they're a bit sweeter than walnuts but still give you that nice crunch.

→ How do I stop brown apples?

Splash some orange juice on your cut apples - it keeps them looking fresh and adds a nice hint of citrus.

→ Can I skip the mayo?

Greek yogurt makes it lighter and just as creamy - lots of people like it better this way.

→ How long will it keep?

Store it in a good container in your fridge for up to 3 days - the apples might get soft but it still tastes great.

Conclusion

Love apples in salad? Try making apple slaw next time. Mix shredded cabbage and carrots with apples and nuts, add tangy dressing. Makes any meal feel fresh and light.

Waldorf Salad

Fresh Waldorf salad from today's market finds

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound apples, 2 medium (Gala or Pink Lady preferred).
02 ½ cup orange juice.
03 2 ribs celery (1 cup).
04 ½ cup seedless red grapes, quartered (3 oz).
05 ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped.
06 ¼ cup raisins.
07 ¼ cup mayonnaise.
08 1 tsp orange juice.
09 1 tsp honey.
10 ¼ tsp sea salt, or more to taste.
11 Pinch of black pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Fill a small bowl with ½ cup orange juice. Chop the apples into ½ to 1-inch cubes, keeping the peel on, and add them to the orange juice. Toss them to coat thoroughly and let them sit while you prepare the rest of the salad, stirring occasionally.

Step 02

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1 tsp orange juice, honey, sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper to create a smooth dressing. Set this aside.

Step 03

Slice each rib of celery in half lengthwise, then cut into thin slices.

Step 04

Drain the apples and pat them dry before transferring them to a large bowl. Add the sliced celery, quartered grapes, chopped walnuts, and raisins to the bowl with the apples. Stir well to combine everything.

Step 05

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 06

Transfer the dressed salad to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Step 07

Serve the salad chilled. For an elegant touch, you can serve it on top of fresh lettuce leaves if desired.

Notes

  1. For the best flavor, use a combination of tart and sweet apples like Pink Lady or Gala.
  2. Pecans can be used as a substitute for walnuts if preferred.
  3. If raisins aren't your favorite, consider swapping them out for dried cranberries for a zingier taste.
  4. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Glass batter bowl.
  • Measuring spoons.
  • Measuring cups.
  • Spatula.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Nuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 131
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
  • Protein: 1 g