Waldorf Salad Recipe (2024)

This Waldorf salad is a combination of apples, grapes, celery and walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing. An easy and refreshing salad that’s perfect as a side dish or lighter main course.

You can never go wrong with a fruit based salad, I regularly make Mexican fruit salad, berry fruit salad and this simple yet classic Waldorf salad.

Waldorf Salad Recipe (1)

Waldorf salad is one of those traditional recipes that never goes out of style. That combination of sweet fruit and crunchy walnuts just can’t be beat! Waldorf salad is super easy to make, and you can have it on the table in about 10 minutes. How can you go wrong with that?

What is Waldorf salad?

Waldorf salad is a blend of apples, celery, walnuts and grapes tossed in a mayonnaise based dressing. It is often served over lettuce leaves as a light meal or side dish. This salad got its name because it originated at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in 1896. This salad was not created by the chef at the hotel, instead it was created by the dining room manager!

Waldorf Salad Recipe (2)

How do you make Waldorf salad?

The hardest part of this recipe is dicing all the fruit! This salad consists of apples, grapes, celery and walnuts, which are all chopped into bite sized pieces. I like to use both red and green apples because it adds a nice pop of color and extra flavor. The dressing consists of just 4 ingredients and is tossed with the fruit and vegetables to create a creamy blend. Add a little bit of parsley and chopped fruit for garnish and you’re ready to eat!

Waldorf Salad Recipe (3)

How do you keep apples from browning in salad?

The dressing for this salad contains lemon juice which helps to keep the apples from browning. It’s important to toss the apples in the dressing as soon as they’re cut so that they make contact with the acid in the lemon juice.

Waldorf Salad Recipe (4)

Waldorf salad variations

While I typically make this salad exactly as written, sometimes I switch up the ingredients a bit for a different flavor experience.

  • Protein: This salad is great with grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
  • Dressing: While mayonnaise is the traditional base for the dressing, plain yogurt is also a great choice.
  • Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins would be a great addition to this salad.
  • Nuts: While walnuts are a popular choice for this salad, you can also use pecans or almonds if you prefer.

Waldorf Salad Recipe (5)

Can you make Waldorf salad in advance?

You can make this salad up to 4 hours before you plan to serve it. Store the salad in a covered container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. Add the parsley and any additional fruit you’d like to garnish with right before serving.

There’s a reason why this salad has stayed popular for so many years – it’s totally delicious! This salad is a welcome addition to a potluck, you can serve it in lettuce cups as an appetizer, or even add some chicken and serve it on bread as sandwich. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, this salad will be a hit.

More salad recipes you’ll love

  • Watermelon Salad
  • Creamy Cucumber Salad
  • Ramen Noodle Salad
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad
  • Chopped Greek Salad

This Waldorf salad is a combination of apples, grapes, celery and walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing. An easy and refreshing salad that's perfect as a side dish or lighter main course.

Time

Prep Time10 minutes minutes

Cook Time1 minute minute

Total Time11 minutes minutes

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 1 1/2 cups apples cut into 1/2 inch pieces, I use red and green
  • 3/4 cup celery thinly sliced
  • 1 cup grapes halved
  • 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For the dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Place the apples, celery, grapes and walnuts in a large bowl.

  • In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice and salt.

  • Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley then serve, garnished with additional fruit if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Did you make this recipe?Tag @dinneratthezoo on Instagram and hashtag it #dinneratthezoo

Originally Posted November 29, 2019

CategoriesSalads

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Waldorf Salad Recipe (12)
Waldorf Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does a Waldorf salad contain? ›

A Waldorf salad is a fruit and nut salad generally made of celery, fresh apples, walnuts, and grapes, dressed in mayonnaise, and traditionally served on a bed of lettuce as an appetizer or a light meal. The apples, celery, and grapes can all be green, which harmonizes the color palette of the dish.

What is ambrosia salad made of? ›

Most ambrosia recipes contain canned (often sweetened) or fresh pineapple, canned mandarin orange slices or fresh orange sections, miniature marshmallows, and coconut. Other ingredients might include various fruits and nuts: maraschino cherries, bananas, strawberries, peeled grapes, or crushed pecans.

What's the difference between a Cobb salad and a chef salad? ›

A cobb salad is typically made with chopped green, tomatoes, bacon, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, blue cheese and a vinaigrette dressing. A chef salad is a more generic salad made with more generic salad ingredients such as cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, then meats such as ham, bacon and cheddar cheese.

What is the main ingredient which forms the foundation of the Waldorf salad? ›

Waldorf Salad Ingredients

Created in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York (during the 1800's), the original recipe was made up of only apples, celery, and mayo. This simple combo lived on for quite some time. But as usual, adaptations are made as time goes on.

Why is it called Waldorf salad? ›

The Waldorf salad, originally a simple apple-celery-mayo combo, was introduced on March 14, 1893, at a charity ball honoring St. Mary's Hospital for Children. Its debut coincided with that of the Waldorf hotel, which opened the previous day. The charity ball was the very first event held at the hotel.

What salad is made of apples celery and walnuts? ›

Waldorf Salad Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you'll need to make this restaurant-worthy Waldorf salad recipe at home: For the dressing: mayonnaise, white sugar, lemon juice, and salt. For the salad: apples, celery, walnuts, and (optional) raisins.

What is the history of the Waldorf salad? ›

The salad has quite a long history that dates way back 1893, when it was introduced at a charity ball honoring St. Mary's Hospital for Children, the first event ever held at the newly opened Waldorf Hotel in New York.

Why is it called ambrosia salad in USA? ›

Ambrosia was so named for the food of the Greek and Roman gods. Its region of origin is lost to history. Its ties to the South are strong, though some believe it began in Vermont or elsewhere in New England.

Why is ambrosia so good? ›

For everyone else, the thinner skin just makes eating an Ambrosia apple that much more enjoyable. The love of Ambrosia apples is not only skin deep. The flesh of Ambrosia apples is firm and crunchy. Occupational therapists often recommend chewing crunchy foods because it helps to keep you calm and find focus.

Why is it called ambrosia? ›

The Greek ἀμβροσία (ambrosia) is semantically linked to the Sanskrit अमृत (amṛta) as both words denote a drink or food that gods use to achieve immortality.

What are the 5 types of salads? ›

salad, any of a wide variety of dishes that fall into the following principal categories: green salads; vegetable salads; salads of pasta, legumes, or grains; mixed salads incorporating meat, poultry, or seafood; and fruit salads.

What does a chick fil a cobb salad have in it? ›

Chick-fil-A® Nuggets, freshly breaded and pressure-cooked, sliced and served on a fresh bed of mixed greens, topped with roasted corn kernels, a blend of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled egg and grape tomatoes. Prepared fresh daily.

What are the five basic salad types? ›

The five basic types of salad are green salads (tossed or composed), bound, vegetable, fruit, and combination. The five basic salads that can be served throughout the course of a meal are starter, accompaniment, main course, intermezzo, and dessert.

What are 5 components of a satisfying salad? ›

There are five elements to a perfect salad: greens, sweetness, creaminess, crunchiness, and dressing.

What is a common ingredient in most bound salads? ›

Bound salads are probably not the healthiest option in the land of salads, but they are so delicious! The reason they are a less-healthy option is that the binding agents are typically mayonnaise-based. Some of the most popular bound salads are egg and tuna.

What is the main ingredient of bound salad? ›

Bound salad: ingredients such as meat, poultry, fish, egg, or starch such as potato, pasta, or rice and bound with mayo. Vegetable salad: cooked and/or raw vegetables (coleslaw); can be bound with mayo or mixed with vinegar/oil dressing.

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