If you’re searching for the best Waldorf salad recipe, you’ve landed in the right place. This timeless American salad has been delighting taste buds for more than a century. With its crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and perfectly toasted walnuts folded into a creamy dressing, it’s no surprise that Waldorf salad remains a crowd favorite at dinners, gatherings, and holiday tables.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn the history of Waldorf salad, the best ingredients, expert preparation tips, variations, and of course, a step-by-step Waldorf salad recipe you can make at home today.
What Is Waldorf Salad?
Waldorf salad is a refreshing, fruit-and-nut salad that originated at the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in 1896. The original version contained only apples, celery, and mayonnaise, but over the years it has evolved into a richer, more flavorful dish with the addition of grapes and walnuts, and sometimes even chicken.
Today’s modern Waldorf salad balances:
- Sweetness from apples and grapes
- Crunch from walnuts and celery
- Creaminess from a mayo or yogurt dressing
- Freshness from lemon juice and herbs
This perfect harmony of flavors makes it a versatile side dish for almost any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Waldorf Salad Recipe
There are many Waldorf salad versions out there, but this recipe stands out because:
- It uses fresh, crisp ingredients for maximum flavor.
- The dressing is light, creamy, and balanced—not too sweet, not too heavy.
- It’s easy to customize if you prefer a healthier or sweeter variation.
- Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for quick lunches or last-minute company.
Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday dinner, a summer BBQ, or a simple weekday lunch, this Waldorf salad recipe never disappoints.
Waldorf Salad Recipe (Classic & Creamy)
Below is the complete, detailed recipe including ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious), diced
- 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional for sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit and Vegetables
Start by washing your apples, grapes, and celery thoroughly.
- Dice the apples into small bite-sized cubes.
- Slice the celery thinly for maximum crunch.
- Halve the grapes to ensure they mix evenly through the salad.
To keep the apples from turning brown, immediately toss them with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts (Highly Recommended)
Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and makes the salad more aromatic.
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add walnuts and toast for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let them cool before chopping.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Salt and pepper
Taste and adjust—add more lemon juice for brightness, or honey for sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl:
- Add apples, celery, grapes, and raisins (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the top.
- Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add the toasted walnuts last to keep them crunchy.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let the Waldorf salad chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Serve it:
- Over crisp lettuce leaves
- As a side dish
- In a wrap or sandwich
- As a light lunch on its own
Tips for Making the Best Waldorf Salad Recipe
1. Choose Fresh, Crisp Apples
Crisp apples bring the perfect sweetness and crunch. The best varieties include:
- Honeycrisp
- Fuji
- Gala
- Granny Smith (for a tangy option)
Avoid apples that bruise easily.
2. Balance Sweet and Tangy Flavors
Lemon juice keeps apples fresh and adds acidity to balance the creamy dressing.
3. Toast the Nuts
Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and prevents a “raw” taste.
4. Don’t Add Walnuts Too Early
They can become soggy if mixed too far in advance. Add them just before serving.
5. Customize the Dressing
For lighter options:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar
- Reduce or skip the honey
Waldorf Salad Recipe Variations
1. Healthy Waldorf Salad
- Replace mayonnaise with all Greek yogurt
- Add diced pears for extra fruit
- Use unsweetened dried cranberries instead of raisins
2. Chicken Waldorf Salad
A protein-packed version perfect for lunch.
Add:
- 1–2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
3. Waldorf Salad Without Nuts
For nut-free households, simply omit walnuts or replace them with:
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
4. Vegan Waldorf Salad
Replace dressing ingredients with:
- Vegan mayo
- Maple syrup instead of honey
- Plant-based yogurt
What to Serve With Waldorf Salad
This Waldorf salad recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted turkey
- Sandwiches
- BBQ dishes
- Holiday meals
- Picnic spreads
Its refreshing crunch makes it a great contrast to heavy or savory main dishes.
Storage Instructions
Waldorf salad stays fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Tip: Add the walnuts just before serving to maintain crunch.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 220–250
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
The nutrition may vary based on dressing choices and added ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Waldorf salad recipe is simple, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. With its perfect combination of crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and creamy dressing, it’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Whether you want a quick lunch, a nutritious side dish, or a beautiful addition to your holiday table, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
