The Waldorf salad stands as one of America’s most beloved and enduring salad creations, combining the perfect balance of crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts bound together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. This classic Waldorf salad recipe captures the essence of the original dish first served at the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City over a century ago. With its refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness, this salad serves 6 people as a side dish or 4 as a light lunch. It’s the perfect addition to holiday gatherings, summer picnics, or any meal that calls for something fresh and satisfying.
Serving Size: 6 servings as a side dish, 4 servings as a main course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 medium crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup walnut halves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- Butter lettuce leaves for serving
Choosing and Preparing the Apples
The foundation of any great Waldorf salad lies in selecting the right apples. Choose firm, crisp varieties that won’t turn mushy when mixed with the dressing. Honeycrisp apples provide natural sweetness and excellent crunch, while Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast that balances the creamy dressing perfectly.
Wash the apples thoroughly and pat them dry. Leave the skin on for added color, nutrition, and texture. Core the apples using an apple corer or sharp knife, then cut them into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1/2 inch in size. Try to keep the pieces uniform so every bite has the perfect balance of ingredients.
Preparing the Celery and Walnuts
Wash the celery stalks and trim off any leaves and the tough bottom ends. Cut the celery into small pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. The celery should be roughly the same size as your apple pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
For the walnuts, you can use them straight from the package, but toasting them lightly will bring out their natural flavor and add extra crunch. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the walnut pieces. Toast them for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad.
Making the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and honey until smooth and well combined. The lemon juice serves two important purposes: it adds brightness to the dressing and helps prevent the apples from browning.
Season the dressing with salt and white pepper. White pepper is traditional in Waldorf salad because it provides flavor without the black specks that would affect the salad’s classic appearance, but regular black pepper works fine if that’s what you have on hand.
Assembling the Salad
Add the cubed apples to the bowl with the dressing first. Toss them gently but thoroughly to coat each piece. This step is important because the dressing will help protect the apples from browning while adding flavor.
Next, add the chopped celery, toasted walnuts, and halved grapes to the bowl. If you’re using fresh chives, add them now as well. Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chilling and Final Preparation
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and helps the salad hold its shape better when served.
Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. You may want to add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice depending on your preference.
Serving Your Waldorf Salad
Traditional Waldorf salad is served on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. Butter lettuce works wonderfully because its mild flavor and tender leaves complement the salad without competing with it. You can also use Boston lettuce or even crisp romaine if you prefer more crunch.
Arrange clean, dry lettuce leaves on individual plates or a large serving platter, then spoon the Waldorf salad on top. For an elegant presentation, you can also serve the salad in hollowed-out apple halves or small bowls lined with lettuce leaves.
Variations and Additions
While the classic version is perfect on its own, there are several popular variations you might enjoy. Some people add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness, while others include diced chicken or turkey to make it a more substantial main course salad.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This reduces the calories while adding protein and maintaining the creamy texture that makes Waldorf salad so appealing.
Storage Tips
Waldorf salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when stored in a covered container. The apples may soften slightly over time, but the salad will still be delicious.
If you’re making the salad ahead of time, consider keeping the walnuts separate and stirring them in just before serving to maintain their crunch. You can also add a little extra lemon juice to help keep the apples looking fresh.
Perfect Occasions for Waldorf Salad
This versatile salad works beautifully as a side dish for holiday meals, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. It’s also perfect for summer picnics, potluck gatherings, and light lunches. The combination of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children.
This classic Waldorf salad recipe brings together simple, quality ingredients to create something truly special. With its satisfying crunch and refreshing taste, it’s a timeless dish that never goes out of style and always brings a touch of elegance to any meal.
