Easy Waldorf Salad
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Easy Waldorf Salad
When you need a Waldorf Salad that comes together in a flash, this classic recipe is your new best friend. I promise you can have this refreshing apple walnut salad on the table in just 15 minutes, using only a handful of ingredients you likely already have. It’s the perfect solution for a last-minute lunch or a light, crowd-pleasing side dish that feels both elegant and effortless.
You’ll Love This Quick Fix
- 15-Minute Miracle – Seriously, from chopping to serving in under 20 minutes.
- 5-Ingredient Simplicity – A short ingredient list means less fuss and more flavor.
- Kid-Tested & Approved – The sweet crunch wins over even the pickiest eaters.
- Make-Ahead Magic – It gets better as it chills, making it perfect for meal prep.
What You’ll Need for Your Waldorf Salad
For the Salad
- Apples – Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith add the perfect fresh crunch.
- Red grapes – Sweet, seedless grapes halved for bursts of juicy flavor.
- Celery – Thinly sliced to add a satisfying, classic texture.
- Walnuts – Toasted and chopped for that essential nutty flavor.
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise – Creates the creamy, rich base for the dressing.
- Greek yogurt – Adds a lovely tangy creaminess that lightens it up.
- Lemon juice – A squeeze of bright citrus balances the sweetness.
- Honey – Just a touch of natural sweetener ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning for the perfect balance.
Your Waldorf Salad Timeline: 20 Minutes, I Promise!
As a busy parent, I live for recipes with a short total time, and this traditional Waldorf Salad delivers. With zero cook time and just 20 minutes of prep, it’s the definition of a quick weeknight win.
You’ll spend about 15 minutes chopping and mixing, which flies by. Then, a quick 30-minute chill in the fridge is all it takes for the flavors to become best friends. Compared to many salads that require roasting or cooking, this fruit salad with walnuts is effortlessly fast. For another speedy side, check out my easy sweet potato salad that’s also ready in a flash.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I love that this classic Waldorf salad recipe is so adaptable. If you’re sugar-conscious or managing dietary needs, a few simple swaps make it just right for you.
For a lower glycemic index, you can easily reduce or omit the honey. A sugar alternative like stevia works beautifully. You could also use a lime dressing inspired by my winter fruit salad for a different flavor profile. Portion control is another great way to keep things balanced.
My Best Pro Tips for Waldorf Salad Success
After making this apple walnut salad countless times for my family, I’ve picked up a few secrets that make it perfect every single time.
- For a Flavor Twist: Swap half the mayo for whipped cream cheese for an ultra-rich dressing.
- For a Diet Tweak: Make it dairy-free by using all mayonnaise and skipping the Greek yogurt.
- For the Best Texture: Toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice first to keep them from browning.
- For Make-Ahead Ease: The salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic meal-prep option. For more make-ahead magic, my strawberry leek salad is another great choice.
Waldorf Salad
Make a classic Waldorf Salad with crisp apples, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts in a creamy dressing.
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- small bowl
- whisk
- spatula
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 medium apples cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup seedless red grapes halved
- 1 cup celery thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts toasted and roughly chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, and toasted walnuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss with a spatula or large spoon until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
- Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled in individual bowls or on a platter, garnished with additional toasted walnuts if desired.
Notes
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
Why This Waldorf Salad is a Healthy Choice
This isn’t just a tasty side dish; it’s packed with wholesome goodness. The apples and celery provide a great source of dietary fiber, which is fantastic for digestion.
Walnuts contribute healthy fats and protein, making this salad more satisfying than you might expect. Using Greek yogurt in the dressing adds a boost of protein while keeping it lighter. For another nutrient-packed option, explore my winter salad with pomegranate. You can learn more about the health benefits of walnuts from a reliable source like Harvard Health.
How to Make a Lighter Waldorf Salad
If you’re looking to lighten things up, it’s incredibly easy. Simply use light mayonnaise or even substitute all of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a high-protein, tangy dressing.
You can also reduce the walnuts slightly if you’re watching fat intake. For another light meal idea, my refreshing orzo salad is a fantastic option. These small changes create a delicious, healthier version without sacrificing the classic Waldorf salad taste.
Serving Your Waldorf Salad Like a Pro
I love serving this salad on a large platter for a family gathering. It’s the perfect partner for a simple roasted chicken or tucked into a sandwich or pita for a satisfying lunch.
For a fun twist, serve it in individual lettuce cups. It’s also fantastic alongside my cold veggie pizza at a summer picnic. However you serve it, this celery and apple salad adds a refreshing crunch to any meal.
Common Waldorf Salad Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way so you don’t have to. The most common mistake is using soggy apples. Always choose crisp, firm varieties to maintain that signature crunch.
Another pitfall is overdressing the salad. Start with less dressing, toss, and add more only if needed. You can always add, but you can’t take it away! Forgetting to toast the walnuts is another missed opportunity. Toasting unlocks their deep, nutty flavor. Check out my guide on how to toast walnuts perfectly. Also, avoid adding the dressing too far in advance, as it can make the salad watery. For more storage tips, see this food storage guide.
Keeping Your Waldorf Salad Fresh
This salad stores wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead option. Transfer it to an airtight container and it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The flavors actually meld and improve after a few hours. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the apples and celery will suffer. For another great make-ahead side, my classic potato salad is always a hit.
You Have to Try This Waldorf Salad Recipe
This Waldorf salad has saved me on more busy weeknights than I can count. It’s the ultimate no-fuss, flavorful dish that everyone enjoys.
If you love the apple and walnut combo, you might also enjoy my apple walnut parfaits for breakfast or my maple walnut muffins for a cozy treat. For a different apple dessert, try the simple apple dumpling recipe. I promise this easy Waldorf Salad will become a regular in your recipe rotation.
More Easy Salad Recipes You’ll Adore
If you loved the simplicity of this Waldorf salad, you’re going to want to try these other quick and delicious options. They’re all perfect for busy weeknights.
Easy Apple Dumplings – A comforting dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.Maple Walnut Muffins – The perfect grab-and-go breakfast with warm, cozy flavors.
Cranberry Orange Bread – A sweet and tangy quick bread that’s ideal for holiday mornings or a weekend treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waldorf salad made of?
A classic Waldorf Salad is traditionally made with fresh apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes, all bound together with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. This version adds a modern twist by including Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter flavor profile while staying true to the original ingredients.
Why do they call it Waldorf salad?
The salad gets its name from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, where it was first created for a charity ball in the 1890s. The original Waldorf Salad recipe was much simpler, containing only apples, celery, and mayonnaise, with walnuts being added later.
What is a substitute for walnuts in Waldorf salad?
If you need a substitute for walnuts, pecans are an excellent alternative that provides a similar crunchy texture and rich flavor. For a nut-free version, toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work wonderfully. You could even use chopped pretzels for a different kind of salty crunch in your Waldorf Salad.
Can I make Waldorf salad the night before?
Yes, you can absolutely make Waldorf salad the night before! In fact, letting it chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. For the best texture, I recommend storing the dressing separately and tossing it with the salad a few hours before you plan to serve it.
