What is a traditional Waldorf Salad made of?

A traditional Waldorf Salad includes apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts, all mixed with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise. In many modern versions, like this Waldorf Salad recipe, whipped cream is added to create a lighter and fluffier texture.

Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time?

Yes, Waldorf Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. Preparing it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to blend together beautifully. For the best texture, consider adding the nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.

How do I keep apples from turning brown in Waldorf Salad?

To prevent browning, toss the diced apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting them. This step is essential in any Waldorf Salad recipe, as it preserves both the appearance and freshness of the apples.

Is Waldorf Salad healthy?

Waldorf Salad can be a healthy option depending on how it is prepared. It contains fresh fruits, nuts, and celery, which provide fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. To make a lighter Waldorf Salad, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a reduced-fat dressing.

Waldorf Salad Easy Classic Recipe

Name: Waldorf Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups diced tart apples (about 2 medium apples); 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 cup diced celery; 1 cup grapes, halved; 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup whipping cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Description

This Waldorf Salad is a creamy, refreshing classic made with crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a light whipped cream and mayonnaise dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it delivers a balanced mix of sweetness, texture, and richness.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups diced tart apples (about 2 medium apples)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup diced celery
1 cup grapes, halved
1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

Place the diced apples in a large mixing bowl and toss them with sugar and lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
Add the diced celery, halved grapes, and chopped toasted nuts to the bowl and mix gently.
In a separate bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the mayonnaise into the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth.
Fold the creamy dressing into the apple mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Season with kosher salt and adjust to taste.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Stir gently before serving and serve chilled, optionally over a bed of lettuce.

Notes

Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance.
Toast the nuts lightly to enhance their crunch and aroma.
Add nuts just before serving if making ahead to maintain crispness.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 245 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg