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 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 a staple at nearly every Sunday or holiday meal in my husband’s family. It’s 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 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.
Waldorf Salad Ingredients
The original Waldorf Salad recipe contained only apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Dress it up with any of the following:
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Pineapple Tidbits
- Raisins
- Dates
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Dried Cranberries
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 salad 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. Substitutions can be made as well. For example, use non-fat yogurt, Miracle Whip, 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.
How to Make 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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Sue S. Loper says
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!
Linda S Church says
I am so happy you are doing better. I hope you have continued to improve. I love this recipes simplicity.
Natasha says
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!
Betsy says
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!
Jen says
Yum, this was even a hit with my kids, love all the fruit in it!
Kay Munroe says
Thank You. I’ve not had this salad in years….
Beth says
My husband loves this recipe! I can’t wait to make this again soon! So delicious and yummy!
Emily says
Waldorf salad is always a good choice, and this recipe is one of the easiest and most delicious!
Tara says
Light and delicious — perfect for brunch!
Stephanie says
Easily my favorite salad. Love this recipe!
Allyson Zea says
Yum! This is my favorite salad!
dorothy vigil-phalen says
Nummy, nummy! Made this tonight. Delicious, quick and easy and full of healthy ingredients. Thank you!
dorothy vigil-phalen says
Nummy, nummy! Made this tonight. Delicious, quick and easy and full of healthy ingredients.
Thank you!
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!
Tara says
Grew up with Waldorf salad. Never knew it was related to the Waldorf Astoria. Who knew. Always loved it.
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!
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!
3apple salad recepice says
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|
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.
Liz says
Yum – thank you.