Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
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Creamy and crunchy at the same time this classic side salad combines fruits and nuts in a creamy sauce that’s perfect for serving with any holiday meal. A classic waldorf salad doesn’t need to be relegated to antiquated menus, it’s time to bring this timeless recipe back!
Do you ever peruse old menus? Look at what the elite ate in times gone bye- what was considered high brow way back when?
Just me?
Well that’s ok, I tend to look and then I can’t help but test them out to see what all the fuss was. That’s how I first heard of this classic waldorf salad recipe.
Once I tried it- I was sold. It’s a simple, but solid, savory and sweet side salad that stands the test of time.
Try it for yourself and see!
Ingredients Needed
Like all our favorite recipes this one has a relatively simple ingredient list.
To make it you’ll need:
- Fruit – Diced Granny Smith apples and halved red grapes form the base of this sweet salad.
- Lemon Juice – Tossed with the diced apples the lemon juice keeps them from browning
- Sugar – A bit of granulated sugar to bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness
- Vegetable – Diced celery
- Nuts – Chopped walnuts
- Yogurt – Plain yogurt, not the Greek kind because it’s too tart
- Mayo – Real mayonnaise is necessary for authentic flavor, do not substitute miracle whip.
- Salt – A bit of salt to balance out the sweetness with a bit of savory
Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients together, you’re ready to whip up a batch of this classic waldorf salad.
How To Make
Making waldorf salad is quick and easy and comes together in under 15 minutes.
Start by adding the apples to a large mixing bowl, then drizzle the lemon juice out overtop and toss to coat.
Add the grapes, celery, and nuts to the bowl. Stir everything again until evenly combined.
In a separate mixing bowl add the yogurt, mayonnaise, and salt stirring again until the sauce ingredients are evenly combined.
Pour the sauce over the fruit mixture using a spatula to scrape out the bowl, because you need all of the sauce. Then stir everything together gently, so that everything is evenly covered without breaking up the fruit.
Cover the mixing bowl with a lid, or tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour to chill.
Gently stir again, then serve and enjoy!
Can I Add A Protein?
Yes! Adding chopped cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken to this side salad will turn it into a protein packed option for a lunch or snack.
Enjoy it as is, with crackers, in a sandwich, or as a healthy lettuce wrap.
Storing
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; however, the longer it’s stored the more the ingredients (especially the nuts) will get soggier.
I recommend making this to serve, and only a couple hours ahead of time at most.
TIPS & TRICKS
- Use real mayonnaise for this recipe, not miracle whip, as it will completely alter the flavor profile.
- Be sure to use plain yogurt and not Greek yogurt here. Greek yogurt is too tangy to work.
- While walnuts are the traditional nuts used in this recipe, pecans make a good substitute.
- While it isn’t necessary, if you want to embrace tradition- serve this on a bed of green leaf lettuce.
Other Easy Vintage Recipes
A sweet and savory combination this simple side dish has a crunchy finish. With a little fancy feel it’s perfect for pairing with an everyday dinner or serving at holiday meals.
Looking for other classic recipes to enjoy?
Try these:
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Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large granny smith apples diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Add the apples to a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with lemon juice. Add the sugar to the bowl and toss everything together to evenly combine.2 large granny smith apples, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar
- Add the grapes, celery, and nuts to the bowl and toss together until evenly combined.1 cup halved red grapes, 1 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- In a separate bowl add the yogurt, mayo, and salt and whisk them together until evenly combined. Pour the mixture over the fruit and toss gently until it's all evenly incorporated.1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup mayo, 1/2 tsp salt
- Cover and chill for 1 hour.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use real mayonnaise for this recipe, not miracle whip, as it will completely alter the flavor profile.
- Be sure to use plain yogurt and not Greek yogurt here. Greek yogurt is too tangy to work.
- While walnuts are the traditional nuts used in this recipe, pecans make a good substitute.
- While it isn't necessary, if you want to embrace tradition- serve this on a bed of green leaf lettuce.
Nutrition
