Name: Waldorf Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 crisp apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), chopped; 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced; 1 cup red or green seedless grapes, halved; 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice (plus more for dressing); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)

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Waldorf Salad is a crisp, refreshing classic that combines apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, and I love how it feels both retro and timeless. Whether I’m serving it as a light lunch, a side dish, or part of a holiday spread, it always adds a fresh, elegant touch to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this salad is to prepare, yet how fancy it feels when I serve it. The combination of textures and flavors is perfectly balanced—crunchy apples and celery, juicy grapes, and the richness of walnuts all tied together with a tangy dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crisp apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), chopped
Celery stalks, thinly sliced
Red or green seedless grapes, halved
Walnuts, toasted and chopped
Lemon juice (to keep apples from browning)
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (or a mix of both)
Honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Salt and black pepper
Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)

Directions

I start by chopping the apples into bite-sized pieces and tossing them with a splash of lemon juice to keep them from browning.
I slice the celery and halve the grapes, then place them in a large mixing bowl with the apples.
I add the toasted walnuts and give everything a gentle toss.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayo or yogurt, a little lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
I pour the dressing over the salad and mix until everything is evenly coated.
I serve it chilled, either on its own or over a bed of crisp lettuce leaves.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings as a side dish. It takes only 10–15 minutes to prepare, and I like to chill it for another 15–30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the grapes for raisins or dried cranberries for a sweeter, chewier texture. When I want a more savory twist, I add chopped chicken or turkey to turn it into a full meal. I’ve also made it with pecans or almonds instead of walnuts, and even added blue cheese crumbles for extra punch. For a dairy-free version, I stick with just mayo and leave out the yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apples may soften a little, but the flavor stays great. I don’t recommend freezing this salad—it’s best enjoyed fresh and crisp. If the dressing separates slightly in the fridge, I just give it a quick stir before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve. I wait to add the nuts until just before serving to keep them crunchy.

What apples work best for this salad?

I like using crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold up well and give the salad a nice tart-sweet balance.

Is Waldorf Salad healthy?

It can be. I often lighten it up by using Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo. The fresh fruit and nuts add nutrients and fiber, making it a wholesome choice.

Can I use a dairy-free dressing?

Absolutely. I’ve made the dressing with just mayo or used a plant-based yogurt alternative with great results.

What should I serve it with?

It pairs well with grilled chicken, sandwiches, or as part of a brunch or picnic spread. I also like serving it alongside roasted meats during the holidays.

Conclusion

Waldorf Salad is a timeless dish that brings together fresh, crisp ingredients with a creamy, tangy dressing I can adjust to my liking. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and always adds a refreshing note to any meal. Once I started making it from scratch, it became a staple in my recipe rotation year-round.