๐ Waldorf Salad Recipe (Classic Creamy Apple, Celery & Walnut Salad)
Waldorf Salad Recipe | Classic Creamy Apple Walnut Salad
Make the best Waldorf Salad with crisp apples, celery, grapes, walnuts, and a creamy homemade dressing. This easy New York-inspired salad is perfect for lunch, holidays, and family gatherings.
Waldorf Salad Recipe
The Waldorf Salad is a timeless American classic that originated at the famous Waldorf Hotel in New York City. Made with crisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, toasted walnuts, and a creamy dressing, this refreshing salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Whether you're serving it as a light lunch, elegant side dish, or holiday favourite, this recipe is simple, delicious, and always impressive.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional for toasting walnuts)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American, New York
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Crisp, fresh, and refreshing
- Sweet and savoury flavour combination
- Perfect for holidays and brunches
- Easy to prepare ahead
- Packed with fruit and crunchy vegetables
- Customisable with your favourite add-ins
- Great for picnics and potlucks
- Elegant enough for special occasions
- A classic New York favourite
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), diced
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup chopped toasted walnuts
- ½ cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
Toss the apples with fresh lemon juice to help prevent browning.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5
Chill for 20–30 minutes if desired.
Serve over crisp lettuce leaves or enjoy on its own.
Pro Tips
- Use firm, crisp apples for the best texture.
- Toast the walnuts to enhance their flavour.
- Chill the salad before serving for a fresher taste.
- Add the dressing shortly before serving to keep everything crisp.
- A mixture of sweet and tart apples provides the best flavour.
- Pecans can be substituted for walnuts.
- Add cooked chicken for a complete meal.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice keeps the apples vibrant.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Waldorf Salad with:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Roast turkey
- Ham sandwiches
- New York Strip Steak
- Soft Pretzels
- Garlic bread
- Fresh croissants
- Soup such as tomato or butternut squash
- Sparkling lemonade
- Iced tea
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Total Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Potassium: 320 mg
- Fibre: 3 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Calcium: 70 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
- Vitamin A: 220 IU
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waldorf Salad?
Waldorf Salad is a classic American salad made with apples, celery, grapes, walnuts, and a creamy dressing. It was first created at New York City's Waldorf Hotel.
Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and add the dressing shortly before serving for the freshest texture.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Absolutely. Pecans provide a delicious alternative.
How long does Waldorf Salad last?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
Similar Recipes
- Chicken Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Coleslaw
- Caesar Salad
- Apple Salad
- New York Cheesecake
- Black and White Cookies
- New York Crumb Cake
Final Thoughts
This Waldorf Salad Recipe is a refreshing combination of crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and a creamy homemade dressing. It's quick to prepare, packed with texture and flavour, and versatile enough for everything from casual lunches to elegant holiday meals. Once you try this classic New York favourite, it's sure to become a regular part of your recipe collection.

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