If you’re craving something refreshingly crisp, colorful, and deliciously nostalgic, the Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe is your go-to crowd-pleaser. This vibrant salad blends the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweetness of grapes, the crunch of celery and toasted walnuts, all tied together by a creamy, tangy dressing that elevates every bite. Whether it’s a family gathering or a light lunch, this salad never fails to impress with its perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role. Every element adds distinct taste, crunch, or creaminess, making this salad a refreshing and balanced treat.
- Granny Smith and Gala apples (2 cups, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces): A perfect mix of tart and sweet apples that add vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Red grapes (2 cups, sliced in half): Juicy pops of sweetness that brighten every forkful.
- Celery (2 cups, sliced into thin bite-sized pieces): For that unmistakable crunch and fresh, green flavor.
- Toasted walnuts (1 cup, chopped): Adds a satisfying nutty crunch with a hint of warmth from toasting.
- Bibb or Buttercup lettuce: Used to line the serving bowl for a lovely presentation and an extra leafy bite.
- Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Brings creamy tang while keeping things lighter than heavy creams.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Gives the dressing richness and a smooth consistency.
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Enhances brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances acidity with a gentle sweetness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors subtly.
- Pepper (â…› teaspoon): Adds a mild hint of spice to round out the dressing.
How to Make Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing the apples, grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts together in a large bowl. This ensures that each bite will have a lively mix of sweet, tart, crunchy, and nutty elements. Getting this step right lays the foundation for the salad’s classic texture and flavor combination.
Step 2: Prepare Your Serving Bowl
Line your serving bowl with tender Bibb or Buttercup lettuce leaves. This not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also adds a delicate crispness that complements the more robust salad mix within. Plus, it keeps the salad off the bowl’s surface, preserving its fresh crunch.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. The balance of tangy yogurt and rich mayo creates a velvety coating that clings perfectly to the fruits and veggies.
Step 4: Toss the Salad with Dressing
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and gently fold everything together. Be careful to mix just enough to coat all the pieces without bruising the apples or grapes. This step ensures every forkful has those luscious, creamy flavors integrated seamlessly.
Step 5: Serve it Up
Transfer the dressed salad into your lettuce-lined bowl, arranging it nicely to showcase the different colors and textures. Your Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe is now ready to enjoy — fresh, crunchy, and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a handful of extra toasted walnuts or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a little extra crunch. A few thin apple slices artfully placed on top can also heighten the visual appeal while inviting guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced meal. It also shines as a refreshing side at barbecues, picnics, or holiday tables alongside roasted meats or hearty sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish twist, serve the Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe in individual glass cups or over a bed of baby greens as a plated starter. You can also stuff it into crisp cucumber boats or hollowed-out avocados for a fun finger-food variation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days to retain the fresh crunch of the apples and celery without them becoming soggy.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh fruits and creamy dressing. Freezing would compromise the texture and flavor, making the apples mushy and the dressing watery once thawed.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for the best taste and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in the Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Gala apples are traditional choices for their tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples to slightly vary the flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes! Replace the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives such as vegan yogurt and vegan mayo. The salad will still be creamy and delicious while accommodating a vegan diet.
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Definitely. Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be toasted and used instead of walnuts to add a different but equally delightful crunch and flavor.
How long before serving should I prepare the salad?
For the freshest taste and texture, prepare the Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe just before serving. If needed, you can combine the fruits and veggies ahead but add the dressing shortly before serving to avoid sogginess.
What’s the best way to keep the apples from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning, but if you’re prepping in advance, toss the apples in a bit of lemon juice water separately before mixing with other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
The Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings joy and freshness to any table with little effort. Its delightful balance of crisp fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing makes it a personal favorite that I’m thrilled to share with you. Give this salad a try soon, and watch it become a staple in your recipe collection as well!
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Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Waldorf Salad combining crisp apples, juicy grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, served on a bed of fresh Bibb or Buttercup lettuce. This refreshing and nutritious salad is perfect as a light meal or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Granny Smith and Gala apples, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups red grapes, sliced in half
- 2 cups celery, sliced into thin bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- Bibb or Buttercup lettuce for serving
Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the apples, grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts. Toss gently to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Prepare Serving Bowl: Line a serving bowl with Bibb or Buttercup lettuce leaves to create a fresh and attractive base for the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and gently stir until everything is well coated and blended.
- Serve: Spoon the dressed salad into the prepared bowl lined with lettuce and serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Gala apples for a balanced flavor.
- To toast walnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- For a lighter version, you can reduce the mayonnaise and increase Greek yogurt proportionally.
- Adjust sugar amount according to your preference for sweetness.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp freshness of the apples and celery.
- Can be refrigerated for up to 1 day, but dressing may slightly brown the apples over time.
