Waldorf Salad is fresh, crisp, crunchy, and sweet. So refreshing and filling, the perfect side dish to any meal!
Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad is a favorite side dish that originated in New York City at the Waldorf Hotel. My husband says this was a staple at nearly every Sunday or holiday meal growing up. It’s truly the perfect side dish because you can throw in just about any ingredients you have on hand. It’s light, refreshing, crispy and satisfying. Sometimes we will make this salad to eat as a main dish or with simple sandwiches on hot summer nights when I just can’t face turning on the stove or oven. Because this recipe makes a huge salad, I love taking it to church or family potlucks. It serves 12-16 people depending on serving sizes. And we always serve this at Thanksgiving and Christmas because it’s colorful and light, a perfect complement to turkey or ham dinners.
What is in a Waldorf Salad?
The original Waldorf Salad recipe contained only apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Many variations on this salad have been developed over the years and you can add any of these ingredients:
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Pineapple Tidbits
- Raisins
- Dates
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Dried Cranberries
Crunchy Apples are a Must
Finding crisp apples for this salad is the most important ingredient in this salad. I like using two different varieties of apples when I make it, but if they aren’t in season I will use whatever apples I can find that are crisp. Honey crisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples are my favorite, but you could use any apples you have on hand.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
Salads are a fresh and delicious way to get vegetables and fruits into your diet. It doesn’t take a lot to give a salad a little extra flavor and color. These salad recipes are unique, healthy, and easy to make.
- Nuts About Berries Salad – This salad is loaded with (you guessed it!) nuts and berries. It is fruity and refreshing.
- Mandarin Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans – My favorite part of this salad is the pomegranate seeds mixed in with the fruit and pecans. It is so flavorful!
- Kona Grill’s Red Pepper Coleslaw – Gorgonzola cheese and roasted red peppers give this traditional coleslaw a delicious twist.
- Asian Cucumber Salad – This low calorie salad is loaded with healthy vegetables and is lightly tossed in a rice vinegar based dressing.
- Fresh Mango Avocado Coleslaw – If you are lucky enough to find ripe mangoes and ripe avocados at the same time, you have to try this coleslaw! It is so colorful. The textures and flavors go so well together.
- Greek Side Salad with Greek Dressing – This flavor packed salad will not disappoint. Colorful vegetables, olives, and beans are dressed in an olive oil and vinegar dressing.
How to Make a Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 3 apples crisp (Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala)
- 3 crisp Granny Smith apples crisp
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups red grapes cut in half
- 1 cup celery chopped (about 3 stalks)
- 1 cup walnuts halves
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
- 3 cups Green leaf lettuce or mixed greens
Instructions
- Slice apples then chop into bite-size pieces.
- Place apple chunks in a bowl and toss in lemon juice.
- Mix celery, grapes, and walnuts in with the apples.
- Add mayonnaise or yogurt and stir until the fruit and nuts are well-coated.
- Refrigerate salad until ready to serve.
- Serve on a bed of green leaf lettuce or mixed greens.
Liz says
Yum – thank you.
Angela says
What a lovely, cool, delicious, and refreshing salad to enjoy as a ‘side-dish’ with dinner on a hot summer’s evening! (BTW, your choice of apples is ‘spot-on’!) Also, for those of us who like to eat ‘lite’, I’d cook a chicken breast, cool it, dice it, and add it into the salad. This would also make it a nice & lite luncheon dish. I’m anxious to try it.
Mary says
We always add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the mayo. It makes it creamier and taste delicious with apples!
Echo says
Yum! I love that idea!
Linda says
Our family has used this recipe for years and it is so refreshing in the summer as well as a light side anytime.
Favorite Family Recipes says
I agree!
Tara says
Grew up with Waldorf salad. Never knew it was related to the Waldorf Astoria. Who knew. Always loved it.
Sharon Walker says
How far in advance can I make this salad?
Favorite Family Recipes says
I wouldn’t make it very far in advance because the apples will brown!