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A salad featuring chopped apples, grapes, walnuts, and diced cheese on a bed of lettuce, served in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe

Mandy I My Reliable Recipes
Waldorf Salad is a fresh, crunchy blend of apples, grapes, and nuts tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s super easy to make, with no cooking required, and perfect for everything from holiday feasts to summer barbecues. The best part is how adaptable it is—you can tweak it to suit your tastes or make it ahead for stress-free prep. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just need a quick side, Waldorf Salad is always a hit.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 304 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 4gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 330mgPotassium: 228mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 131IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Waldorf salad
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