Introduction

Oh, the Waldorf Salad! Just saying the name brings back so many cozy memories, doesn’t it? Like family picnics on a sunny afternoon or a special treat at a holiday gathering. It’s one of those classic recipes that just feels like coming home. And guess what? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, perfect for when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is so easy, even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll nail it on the first try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a quick lunch or side dish.
Easy: Minimal chopping and no cooking required, making it super beginner-friendly.
Giftable: While best served fresh, the components can be prepped and assembled just before serving, making it a lovely dish to bring to a potluck or a friend’s house.
Crowd-Pleasing: The sweet, tart, and crunchy combination is a hit with everyone, from kids to grandparents.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of this salad is its freshness and simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup chopped Granny Smith apple: For that perfect tartness that balances everything out.
1 cup chopped sweet apple (Fuji, Cosmic Crisp, Red Delicious, or Ambrosia): Pick your favorite sweet apple for a touch of natural sweetness.
1 tablespoon fresh or bottled lemon juice: This little trick keeps our apples from browning and adds a bright zing!
1 cup diced celery: For that delightful, refreshing crunch.
1 cup halved green seedless grapes: Sweet and juicy, these are little bursts of happiness.
1 cup halved red seedless grapes: Adding a pop of color and more sweetness!
1 cup toasted and chopped walnuts: Toasted nuts add such a fantastic depth of flavor and crunch.
3 tablespoons heavy cream: For a touch of luxurious creaminess in our dressing.
3 tablespoons mayonnaise: The classic base for that signature Waldorf dressing.
1 tablespoon strained honey: Just a touch of sweetness to bring all the flavors together.

How to Make It

Alright, apron on, let’s get this party started! It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…

Start with the apples: Grab a nice big bowl. Toss in your chopped Granny Smith apple and your chopped sweet apple.
Brighten things up: Sprinkle that lemon juice over the apples and give them a gentle toss. This is our little secret to keeping them looking fresh and vibrant!
Add the crunch and chew: Now, let’s add the diced celery, those lovely halved green grapes, and the beautiful halved red grapes.
Bring on the nuts: Stir in those toasted and chopped walnuts. Oh, that aroma already!
Whip up the dressing: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, mayonnaise, and that lovely strained honey until it’s all smooth and dreamy.
Dress it up: Pour that delicious dressing over all the ingredients in the big bowl. Gently toss everything together until every single bite is coated in that creamy goodness.
Serve and enjoy: That’s it! Your gorgeous Waldorf Salad is ready to be served immediately. Isn’t that amazing?

Substitutions & Additions

While this recipe is perfection as is, I love playing around with it! Here are a few ideas:

Nut Swap: If walnuts aren’t your jam, pecans or even slivered almonds would be wonderful.
Fruit Fun: Feel free to add a cup of fresh pineapple chunks for an extra tropical twist, or some dried cranberries for a chewy, tart bite.
Creamy Dreamy: For a lighter dressing, you could substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. It adds a lovely tang!
Herbal Touch: A tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives can add a subtle herby note if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make your Waldorf Salad absolutely stellar:

Toast Your Nuts: Seriously, don’t skip this step! Toasting walnuts brings out their nutty flavor and makes them wonderfully crunchy. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat is all it takes. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!
Dice Evenly: Try to chop your apples and celery into similar-sized pieces for the best texture and visual appeal.
Gentle Toss: Be gentle when you’re mixing everything. We want to coat the ingredients, not mash them!
Prep Ahead (Almost!): You can chop all your fruits and veggies ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Toast the nuts and whisk the dressing separately too. Then, just combine everything right before you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness and crunch.

How to Store It

Waldorf Salad is truly best when it’s fresh and crisp! However, if you have any leftovers:

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. I find the texture is best enjoyed the day it’s made, as the apples and celery can soften over time. If you do store it, give it a good stir before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can definitely whisk together the heavy cream, mayonnaise, and honey in a separate container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good whisk again before pouring it over your salad.

What kind of apples should I use?

A mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp) apples gives the best flavor balance. The key is to use apples that hold their shape well and don’t turn mushy.

Can I add chicken to this salad?

Absolutely! Cooked, shredded chicken or diced chicken breast would be a fantastic addition to make this a more substantial main course salad. Just fold it in with the other ingredients.

Waldorf Salad

A classic and easy Waldorf Salad recipe, perfect for any occasion. This refreshing salad combines apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts with a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. Ready in under 20 minutes!

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Prep Time 15

Servings 4

Equipment

Large bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Dry skillet For toasting walnuts (optional but recommended)

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

1 cup Granny Smith apple chopped
1 cup sweet apple chopped (Fuji, Cosmic Crisp, Red Delicious, or Ambrosia)
1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh or bottled
1 cup celery diced
1 cup green seedless grapes halved
1 cup red seedless grapes halved
1 cup walnuts toasted and chopped

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons heavy cream
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey strained

Instructions

Toss the chopped Granny Smith apple and chopped sweet apple in a large bowl.
Sprinkle lemon juice over the apples and toss to coat, preventing browning.
Add the diced celery, halved green grapes, and halved red grapes to the bowl.
Stir in the toasted and chopped walnuts.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, mayonnaise, and honey until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl and gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, toast your walnuts to enhance their flavor and crunch. Dice apples and celery into similar-sized pieces for optimal texture. Be gentle when tossing to avoid mashing the ingredients. Components can be prepped ahead and assembled just before serving.