Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing and timeless salad that bursts with crisp textures and delightful flavors, the Classic Waldorf Salad is your perfect go-to dish. This iconic salad brings together crunchy green apples, juicy grapes, and toasted nuts all lovingly coated in a creamy yet tangy dressing that balances sweet and savory in every bite. It’s a harmonious medley that’s as visually appealing as it is satisfying—whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, festive side, or the star of your picnic spread. Once you make this Classic Waldorf Salad, it’s hard not to fall in love with its charm and versatility!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you; each element here plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes the Classic Waldorf Salad truly timeless. From crispness to creaminess to a touch of sweetness, the ingredients come together effortlessly.

• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with a slight tang, and you can choose dairy-free for a lighter twist.
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise: Brings richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides a zesty brightness that lifts all the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Offers a natural sweetness that balances the tartness of apples and lemon.
• 2 green apples (diced): Crisp and slightly tart, they’re the star fruit of this salad.
• 1 cup diced celery: Adds a satisfying crunch and fresh, slightly peppery notes.
• 1 cup grapes (halved): Sweet and juicy bursts of flavor that complement the apples beautifully.
• 1 cup whole walnuts or pecans (toasted and roughly chopped): Toasting amplifies their nutty aroma and gives a great crunch.
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
• Optional: butter lettuce leaves for serving: Perfect for making pretty, edible cups for the salad.

How to Make Classic Waldorf Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

Start by combining the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. Stir it gently until everything melds into a smooth, creamy dressing. This blend creates the perfect balance of tangy and sweet that will coat your salad beautifully without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

Step 2: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Dice the green apples into bite-sized pieces, chop the celery finely, halve the grapes, and toast your walnuts or pecans just until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Toasting the nuts really takes the texture and flavor up a notch in your Classic Waldorf Salad, making each bite wonderfully crunchy.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, celery, grapes, toasted nuts, finely chopped parsley, and kosher salt. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently toss everything until each piece is evenly coated. The salad should look vibrant and inviting, with the dressing uniting all the colorful ingredients flawlessly.

How to Serve Classic Waldorf Salad

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add a touch of elegance, place portions of your Classic Waldorf Salad on crisp butter lettuce leaves. The tender, buttery texture of the lettuce contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the salad, making it a perfect handheld or plated appetizer. Sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or a few walnut halves on top for a polished finish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with light mains like grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even flaky fish. It also shines alongside hearty sandwiches or as part of a brunch spread. Its crisp, fresh qualities provide a much-needed brightness that balances richer dishes effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Classic Waldorf Salad in hollowed-out apples or melon bowls to impress your guests. You can also layer it in clear glass jars or cups for trendy, individual servings that show off the vivid layers of texture and color—ideal for picnic baskets or potluck parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have some leftover Classic Waldorf Salad, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since the apples might start to brown, a quick squeeze of lemon juice right before mixing helps keep their freshness. Enjoy within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This salad is not well-suited for freezing. The fresh fruits, celery, and creamy dressing lose their crispness and structure once thawed, resulting in a watery, mushy texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or shortly after preparation.

Reheating

The Classic Waldorf Salad is intended to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. The crisp ingredients and creamy dressing taste and feel best when fresh, keeping the salad lively and delicious.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with another ingredient?

Absolutely! While Greek yogurt adds tanginess and creaminess, you can swap it for sour cream or a vegan yogurt alternative if you prefer. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor profile of the dressing.

Which nuts work best in Classic Waldorf Salad?

Traditionally, walnuts are used for their rich flavor and crunch, but pecans make an excellent substitute. Toasting either nut before adding them enhances their aroma and adds a delightful texture contrast to the salad.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Tossing the diced apples with a little lemon juice before mixing into the salad helps prevent browning. The acidic lemon juice slows down oxidation keeping your Classic Waldorf Salad looking fresh and appetizing.

Is this salad dairy-free?

The classic version contains Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, which usually have dairy ingredients. However, you can easily make it dairy-free by choosing plant-based yogurt and vegan mayonnaise without compromising the creamy texture.

Can I add other fruits to the Classic Waldorf Salad?

While the traditional recipe focuses on green apples and grapes, feel free to experiment by adding pears or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture. Just remember to maintain the balance of flavors that make this salad so special.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting yet refreshing about the Classic Waldorf Salad that keeps me reaching for it time and again. Its blend of crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy nuts, and a luscious dressing is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and endlessly delicious, don’t hesitate to try the Classic Waldorf Salad—you might just find your new favorite go-to!

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