Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe: Crisp Apples and Creamy Dressing
Make the perfect Classic Waldorf Salad every time. This recipe delivers the ideal balance of crunchy apples, celery, toasted walnuts, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It is a refreshing side dish ready in under 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook Salad Recipe
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups mixed greens or lettuce
- 2 cups crisp apples, chopped (like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup seedless red or green grapes, halved
- 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the walnuts: Spread the chopped walnuts on a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare the apples: Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Immediately toss them with 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Make the creamy dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creates the best Waldorf Salad dressing base.
- Combine salad components: In a large bowl, gently combine the mixed greens, prepared apples, celery, grapes, and cooled toasted walnuts.
- Dress and serve: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture. Fold everything together gently until all ingredients are lightly coated. Serve immediately for the best crisp salad recipe texture.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken to make a Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe.
- To achieve the perfect crunch, do not overmix the salad once the dressing is added.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a Healthy Waldorf Salad Variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 27
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 15