Classic Waldorf Salad is a refreshing blend of crisp apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy nuts tossed in a creamy dressing that’s both tangy and slightly sweet. It’s quick to throw together, and the combination of fresh, simple ingredients makes it a favorite for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it as versatile as it is delicious.
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I love making Waldorf Salad because it’s one of those dishes that fits just about any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday like Thanksgiving or a casual summer barbecue, it’s always a reliable go-to. It’s quick, doesn’t need any cooking, and can be prepped ahead of time, which makes life easier when juggling a busy schedule or hosting guests. What’s great is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes, making it a perfect addition to any spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Waldorf Salad with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Making Waldorf Salad is simple if you follow these easy steps.
Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, and kosher salt. This will be your creamy dressing base that ties all the ingredients together.
Add the Fresh Ingredients
Toss in the diced apples, celery, grapes, and toasted nuts. Stir everything until it’s well coated with the dressing.
Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed for the perfect bite every time.
Chill and Serve
Pop the salad in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together.
When you’re ready to serve, give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Best Apple Choice: For a crunchy, refreshing bite, opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties balance the creamy dressing without turning mushy.
- Stop Browning: To keep your apples looking fresh, toss them in a little lemon juice as soon as you dice them.
- Nut Selection: Toasting the nuts (whether you choose walnuts, pecans, or both) enhances their flavor and adds a nice, toasty crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry pan or the oven will do the trick.
- Chilling Time: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to come together and the dressing to set. It also helps keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
- Small Celery Pieces: Dicing your celery into small, bite-sized pieces ensures an even distribution in the salad. This way, each bite has the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
- Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can adjust the sugar to your liking. Alternatively, using naturally sweeter apple varieties, like Gala or Fuji, can add extra sweetness without needing more sugar.
- Grape Variety: You can use either red or green seedless grapes, depending on your preference. Red grapes add a pop of color, while green grapes offer a slightly tangier bite. Both work beautifully in this recipe.
How to Store Leftover Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
What to Serve With Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s an excellent side for roasted or grilled chicken, turkey, or pork, as the creamy, crunchy salad balances out the savory flavors of the meat.
It’s particularly well-suited to serve alongside holiday dishes, like roast turkey or ham, where its fresh ingredients can cut through the richness of the main meal.
You can also serve it as a lighter side dish with sandwiches or wraps, especially those made with smoked meats, like turkey or ham, or mild cheeses. Waldorf Salad’s sweet and tangy flavors complement smoky, salty meats beautifully.
It’s also great for picnics, potlucks, or as part of a buffet where you want to offer something fresh and crunchy alongside heartier dishes.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you love our Waldorf Salad, then you should try these easy recipe ideas.
- Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies
- Pineapple Ham
- Cauliflower Casserole
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Thanksgiving Casserole
Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups apples cored and diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup seedless grapes halved
- 1 cup walnuts and/or pecans toasted and chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-mixed to create the dressing.½ cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Add the diced apples, celery, halved grapes, and toasted nuts to the bowl with the dressing. Stir the ingredients thoroughly, making sure everything is evenly coated.2 cups apples, 1 cup celery, 1 cup seedless grapes, 1 cup walnuts and/or pecans
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to blend.
Notes
- Best Apple Choice: For a crunchy, refreshing bite, opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties balance the creamy dressing without turning mushy.
- Stop Browning: To keep your apples looking fresh, toss them in a little lemon juice as soon as you dice them.
- Nut Selection: Toasting the nuts (whether you choose walnuts, pecans, or both) enhances their flavor and adds a nice, toasty crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry pan or the oven will do the trick.
- Chilling Time: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to come together and the dressing to set. It also helps keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
- Small Celery Pieces: Dicing your celery into small, bite-sized pieces ensures an even distribution in the salad. This way, each bite has the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
- Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can adjust the sugar to your liking. Alternatively, using naturally sweeter apple varieties, like Gala or Fuji, can add extra sweetness without needing more sugar.
- Grape Variety: You can use either red or green seedless grapes, depending on your preference. Red grapes add a pop of color, while green grapes offer a slightly tangier bite. Both work beautifully in this recipe.
