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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 side dish that originated in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The original Waldorf salad recipe had only four simple ingredients: apples, celery, mayonnaise, and lettuce. A Swiss immigrant by the name of Oscar Tschirky is credited for creating this salad in 1893. It became famous and is still a favorite today.
Waldorf Salad was served often in my husband’s family, along with my mother-in-law’s delicious pork roast, for Sunday and holiday meals. In fact, I had never heard of it until I started visiting his family. It has become a favorite dish of mine ever since.
The classic Waldorf salad is truly the perfect side dish because most of the ingredients you usually 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 a summer day or night.
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. It is a great addition at Thanksgiving and Christmas because it’s colorful and light, a perfect complement to turkey or ham dinners.
Waldorf Salad Ingredients
The original Waldorf Salad recipe contained only apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Dress it up with any of the following:
- Grapes: I always add red or green grapes to my salad. If they are large grapes, cut them in half.
- Turkey or Chicken: For a main course salad, add turkey or chicken. Cut it into cubed, bite-size pieces. This is a great way to incorporate leftovers into a meal.
- Pomegranate Seeds: These seeds add a fresh splash of color and taste to the salad.
- Pineapple Tidbits: Fresh or canned pineapple gives the salad a more tropical taste.
- Raisins, dried cranberries, or dates: Add some sweetness and chewy texture to this salad by adding raisins, dried cranberries or dates. If grapes are not in season, this is the next best option.
- Walnuts: Walnuts have become a traditional ingredient in Waldorf salad. I love the added crunch in addition to the crunchiness of the apples.
- Pecans: Many people have allergy issues with walnuts, making pecans the next best option.
- Broccoli or Cauliflower: Either of these vegetables are great choices because of their mild flavor and health benefits.
Crunchy Apples are a Must
Crisp apples are the most important ingredient in this salad! I like using two different varieties of apples when I make it. I prefer a Granny Smith apple and a red-skinned apple, but if they aren’t in season I will use whatever apples I can find that are crisp. Honey Crisp, Gala, Fuji, Sweet Tango and Pink Lady apples are some of my favorite, but you can use any apples you have on hand.
Waldorf Salad Dressing
This recipe uses the same creamy dressing as the original Waldorf salad recipe – mayonnaise. The sweetness of the apples and raisins complements the mayonnaise without it overpowering their flavor. Variations have been added to this dressing over the years. For a sweeter dressing, mix 2 teaspoons of sugar or 1 teaspoon of honey into the mayonnaise before it is added to the salad. Stir in a little lemon juice for a fresh, citrus flavor. Substitutions for the mayonnaise can be made as well. For example, use non-fat yogurt, Miracle Whip, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or light mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
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.
Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 3 apples crisp (Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala)
- 3 crisp Granny Smith apples crisp
- 1 tablespoon 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.
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Nutrition Information
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Hi guys welcome to get curry I bring to your kitchen today is chicken curry or butter chicken masala . Well this is one of those gems, that we end up ordering in a restaurant every time you place an order well it is ideal. Chicken curry | Chicken butter masala| Chicken Makini
First kitchen in 4 years due to assisted living and stroke…could not remember what went into Waldorf Salad and recipes went with the sale of the house. Thanks for helping me recover a skill that was important to me!
I am so happy you are doing better. I hope you have continued to improve. I love this recipes simplicity.
A big hit at a dinner party with my family at home. Everyone including the children loved the freshness of this salad. And everything just fits great together!
Super yummy! I love a good Waldorf salad! This has all the best stuff in it! Perfect crisp apple, sweet grapes, crunchy protein filled nuts…a lovely dressing! So delightful!
Yum, this was even a hit with my kids, love all the fruit in it!
Thank You. I’ve not had this salad in years….
My husband loves this recipe! I can’t wait to make this again soon! So delicious and yummy!
Waldorf salad is always a good choice, and this recipe is one of the easiest and most delicious!
Light and delicious — perfect for brunch!
Easily my favorite salad. Love this recipe!
Yum! This is my favorite salad!
Nummy, nummy! Made this tonight. Delicious, quick and easy and full of healthy ingredients. Thank you!
Nummy, nummy! Made this tonight. Delicious, quick and easy and full of healthy ingredients.
Thank you!
How far in advance can I make this salad?
I wouldn’t make it very far in advance because the apples will brown!
Grew up with Waldorf salad. Never knew it was related to the Waldorf Astoria. Who knew. Always loved it.
Our family has used this recipe for years and it is so refreshing in the summer as well as a light side anytime.
I agree!
We always add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the mayo. It makes it creamier and taste delicious with apples!
Yum! I love that idea!
Healthy Diet:Calories Guava Apple is claim to assist lower levels of cholesterol and also reduce risk of type-2 diabetes. Calories In Guava | 3 Apple Salad Recipes For a Nutritious Meal|
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.
Yum – thank you.