Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Waldorf Salad is the ideal combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy. The crisp texture of apples and celery, the nuttiness of walnuts, and the optional sweetness of raisins create a delightful contrast. Paired with a smooth, mayonnaise-based dressing with a hint of lemon, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors. Its versatility allows you to adjust the ingredients to your liking, and it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the salad:
- 3 apples — peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white sugar, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
- Add the salad ingredients: Stir in the chopped apples, sliced celery, chopped walnuts, and raisins (if using). Mix gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Variations
- Different Nuts: Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
- Fruits: For extra color and flavor, try adding grapes, pears, or dried cranberries in place of raisins.
- Vegan Option: For a dairy-free or vegan version, use a plant-based mayonnaise and skip the raisins if desired.
- Crunchy Twist: Add a handful of sunflower seeds or a sprinkle of granola for an extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some of its crunch over time, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
- Reheating: This salad is served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just chill it well before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! In fact, it’s even better when it’s chilled for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
What type of apples work best for Waldorf Salad?
Crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious work great in this salad. A mix of sweet and tart apples offers the best balance of flavor and texture.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, or use a dairy-free mayonnaise for a vegan version of the salad.
Is it okay to use different nuts?
Absolutely! You can swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts depending on your preference. Just make sure they are chopped for easy mixing.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Yes, you can customize this salad with other fruits like grapes, pears, or pomegranate seeds. These will add even more color and flavor to the dish.
Can I make this recipe without raisins?
Yes, raisins are optional. You can skip them or substitute with dried cranberries, or even leave them out for a more savory version.
How long will Waldorf Salad last in the fridge?
Waldorf Salad can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the apples and celery may lose some of their crunch the longer it sits.
Can I use pre-sliced apples?
While pre-sliced apples can save time, fresh-cut apples are best for this recipe as they maintain their crispness and prevent browning when mixed with the dressing.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
To prevent apples from browning, toss them with a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This helps maintain their fresh appearance and flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, Waldorf Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Waldorf Salad is a timeless dish that brings together simple ingredients to create something truly delicious. The combination of crunchy apples, fresh celery, and walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing, makes it the perfect side dish for any meal or occasion. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and refreshing flavors, this classic salad is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Waldorf Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Waldorf Salad is a refreshing dish made with crunchy apples, crisp celery, and walnuts, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, making it perfect for any season.
Ingredients
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
⅛ teaspoon salt
3 apples — peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup thinly sliced celery
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white sugar, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped apples, sliced celery, chopped walnuts, and raisins (if using). Mix gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Once chilled, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Try adding grapes, pears, or dried cranberries in place of raisins for added flavor and color.
For a vegan version, use plant-based mayonnaise and skip the raisins if desired.
For extra crunch, add sunflower seeds or granola on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
