Classic Waldorf Salad
A timeless American classic, the Waldorf Salad features crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts, all coated in a light, tangy mayonnaise dressing. Originally created at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 Apples(Medium-sized, firm varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp are recommended. Core and dice into 1/2-inch pieces.)
- 4 stalks Celery(Wash and thinly slice.)
- 1 cup Walnuts(Roughly chopped. Toasting optional but recommended for enhanced flavor (see tips).)
- 1 cup Seedless Grapes(Red or green, halved.)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise(Full-fat mayonnaise provides the best creamy texture and flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice(To prevent apples from browning and add a touch of brightness.)
- 1/4 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- Optional Lettuce Leaves(For serving (e.g., butter lettuce or romaine).)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the apples: Core the apples and dice them into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Place the diced apples in a medium bowl. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the apples and gently toss to coat. This step is crucial to prevent the apples from oxidizing and turning brown, and it also adds a subtle brightness to the salad.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Prepare the other fruits and vegetables: Wash the celery stalks and slice them thinly. Wash the grapes and cut them in half. If you are toasting the walnuts, do this now in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, until fragrant, then roughly chop them.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Combine and mix: Add the sliced celery, halved grapes, and chopped walnuts to the bowl with the lemon-tossed apples. Pour the mayonnaise dressing over the ingredients. Gently fold everything together until all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the apples mushy.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Chill and serve: For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, traditionally on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toasting walnuts: Spread chopped walnuts in a single layer on a dry baking sheet. Toast in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-8 minutes, or in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool before adding to the salad.
- ✓Preventing browning: The lemon juice is key. Ensure all diced apple pieces are coated.
- ✓Variations: The original Waldorf salad did not include walnuts. For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- ✓Additions: Cooked, diced chicken breast can be added for a more substantial salad.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cooked, diced chicken breast for a heartier meal.
- Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Include dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and chewiness.