Waldorf Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh and timeless salad that’s perfect for any season, you’re going to absolutely love this Waldorf Salad Recipe. It’s that wonderful combination of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and celery all wrapped in a creamy, lightly sweetened dressing that always hits the spot. I discovered this classic when I wanted a salad that was both refreshing and comforting, and let me tell you—this version quickly became a family favorite. Stick with me and I’ll share some tips and tricks that’ll make your Waldorf Salad taste like it came straight from a fancy restaurant!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Waldorf Salad Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create that classic crunch-and-creamy texture we all crave. When shopping, you want crisp apples and fresh celery to keep everything lively, and walnuts that aren’t too bitter to complement the sweetness just right.

• Apples: I like using crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice tart sweetness and firm texture.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh is best here—it helps prevent browning and adds a natural brightness.
• Celery: Crunchy and fresh celery ribs bring awesome texture contrast.
• Walnuts: Toast them lightly if you want an extra nutty depth, but raw works perfectly too.
• Mayonnaise: Choose a good-quality mayo for a smooth, rich base in your dressing.
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance the tangy flavors without making it overly sweet.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to lightness it gives the salad that luscious, airy feel.

Variations

I love how versatile this Waldorf Salad Recipe can be—once you’ve nailed the basic version, feel free to get creative. You can make it your own by swapping out ingredients here and there depending on what you have on hand or your mood.

• Add Grapes: Sometimes I toss in halved red or green grapes for a juicy pop that everyone enjoys.
• Use Greek Yogurt: For a lighter dressing, replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt adds tang and protein.
• Try Different Nuts: Pecans or almonds work great if walnuts aren’t your favorite or if you want a slightly different crunch.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan mayo and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist.

How to Make Waldorf Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toss Apples for Freshness

Start by chopping about 4 cups of apples into bite-sized pieces. I always use a mix of tart and sweet apples to give that perfect flavor balance. Toss them immediately in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice—this citrus splash does double duty by keeping the apples from turning brown and adding a lively tang that wakes up the salad.

Step 2: Mix in Celery and Walnuts

Chop 4 celery ribs and add them along with 1 cup chopped walnuts to the bowl with apples. The celery keeps the salad crisp and fresh, while the walnuts bring a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Here’s a little tip: if you want more depth, gently toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant—but be careful not to burn them!

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and the remaining teaspoon of lemon juice until smooth. This blend balances creamy with just enough sweetness and a hint of tang. Then whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form and gently fold it into your mayo mixture. Whipping the cream separately is key—it lightens up the dressing and makes the salad feel luxuriously smooth rather than heavy.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Carefully fold the creamy dressing into the fruit and nut mixture so everything gets evenly coated without breaking up the apples or walnuts. You want to keep all those textures distinct. Then, cover the bowl and refrigerate your Waldorf Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving—this resting time lets the flavors marry and improves the overall taste.

How to Serve Waldorf Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple with this salad—sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or a pinch of freshly chopped parsley for color contrast. Occasionally, I add a few sliced red grapes or a light dusting of cinnamon for a hint of warmth that surprises the palate and looks stunning on a plate.

Side Dishes

This Waldorf Salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or even a grilled pork chop. I especially enjoy serving it alongside crusty artisan bread or as part of a picnic spread with sandwiches and cold cuts—its refreshing crunch balances out heartier dishes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this salad in crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out apple halves. It’s a charming presentation that adds a touch of elegance and a bit of fun conversation around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. I find it stays fresh for about 2 days, but the apples might soften slightly over time. Give it a quick stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing this Waldorf Salad is not something I recommend because the texture changes drastically—the apples and celery get soggy once thawed. Trust me, it’s best enjoyed fresh and refrigerated only.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to warm up accompanying dishes, just keep the salad chilled and bring it to the table fresh from the fridge—it’s that refreshing chill that really makes it shine.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Waldorf Salad Recipe brings a little crunch, creaminess, and a burst of fresh flavor to any table. Over the years, it’s become a go-to for my family gatherings and casual lunches alike. If you’ve never made it before, I genuinely encourage you to give it a try—it’s straightforward, fresh, and wonderfully nostalgic. Once you’ve experienced how crisp apples and toasted walnuts mingle with that light whipped dressing, you might find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again, just like I do!

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