Waldorf Salad is a timeless dish that has charmed diners for over a century with its refreshing crunch and elegant simplicity. First created in the late 1800s at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, it has since become a staple at gatherings, luncheons, and holiday tables. At its heart, this salad is a study in balance, crisp apples, crunchy celery, and sweet grapes brought together with the richness of walnuts and a creamy dressing.
What makes the Waldorf Salad stand out is its texture. Each bite offers a contrast between juicy fruit, crisp vegetables, and the nutty bite of walnuts. Traditionally, red-skinned apples are used for a pop of color and sweetness, but tart varieties like Granny Smith can add a lively twist. Grapes, whether red or green, bring bursts of juiciness, while celery provides that unmistakable refreshing crunch. The walnuts, often toasted for extra depth, round out the dish with their earthy richness.
The dressing is simple yet essential. Classic versions use mayonnaise for creaminess, but modern interpretations sometimes lighten it with Greek yogurt or a blend of both. The creamy element binds the ingredients together without overshadowing their natural flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice is often added to brighten the salad and keep the apples from browning, ensuring every serving looks as fresh as it tastes.
Though traditionally served on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves, the Waldorf Salad adapts easily. It can be presented in individual lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer, served as a side dish alongside roasted meats, or even transformed into a light main course by adding grilled chicken. Its versatility has kept it relevant for generations, appealing to both classic and contemporary palates.
The Classic Waldorf Salad endures because it strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. It is refreshing yet satisfying, making it a dish that feels at home at a picnic just as much as at a holiday feast. With its harmonious mix of flavors and textures, it remains a true classic, proof that sometimes, the simplest combinations are the ones that stand the test of time.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples cored and chopped
- 1 cup celery thinly sliced
- 1 cup red grapes halved
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise adjust to taste
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 head lettuce washed and leaves separated
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts.
- Gently fold in mayonnaise until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves.
Nutrition
I don’t like grapes, can I substitute with raisins? Would that still work? Asking for a friend.
Yeah, I’d say raisins would work just fine! They’ll add some sweetness too. Just chop ’em a bit if they’re too big! Good luck to your friend!
Good salad, but I think the walnuts could be toasted for more flavor. Gonna try that next time!
That’s a great idea! Toasting walnuts definitely adds a nice crunch and flavor. Let me know how it turns out!
I dunno, I think the salad is good as it is! Toasting seems unnecessary. Just my opinion.
My grandma used to make this, but with raisins instead of grapes. Nostalgia hit me hard! ❤️
I was skeptical, but this turned out great! Who knew mayo could work in a salad like this. I’ll definitely make it again.
Too much mayo for my taste. I added lemon instead and it was way better. Not a fan overall.
This salad is a classic! Loved it, so refreshing and fruity. Perfect for summer picnics!
I dunno, I don’t really like mayonnaise. Can it be made without it? Seems kinda soggy with it.
I totally agree! This salad screams summer! 🌞 Fresh fruits always make everything better.
Yuk! Not my cup of tea. Apples and nuts in a salad? No thanks! I’ll stick to my caesar.
I actually love the combo! It’s refreshing and unique. You should give it a try! 😍
Nah, I dont think apple and nuts belong in a salad. Caesar all the way! 🍴
Delicious!! Best side dish for any BBQ. The crunch from the nuts is just perfect.
I dunno, it’s kinda bland. Maybe add some spice or something? I tried adding chili flakes and it was… odd. 🤔
This salad is just okay. The mayo was a bit much for my taste. 3 stars.
I tried this with Greek yogurt instead of mayo and it was awesome! 4 stars, would recommend!
Lettuce salad? No thanks! I’d rather have pizza every time. 🍕
Can I use green grapes instead of red? Asking for a friend who is allergic to red ones.
I think green grapes would be fine! They’ll give a different taste, but it should still work. Just make sure they are sweet enough!
I don’t get why so many love this. It’s just… weird. Apples and mayo? No, thanks.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first. Don’t mix fruit with savory stuff! But this was surprisingly good! Who knew?
Right? I thought the same thing! But it turned out to be a fantastic combination. A total game changer for salads!
This salad is a classic! I love the crunch from the apples and walnuts! 👍
Absolutely! The apples give it a nice sweet crunch. I can’t wait to make it again!
This salad is a classic! Loved the crunch from walnuts and the sweetness of apples. Will make again!
Yummm! Super easy to make and tastes divine! Perfect for a sunny picnic.
Not bad! But why do we need the mayo? Feels heavy to me. Maybe yogurt next time?
So good! But my husband said he wouldn’t eat salad with grapes. What do ya do?!
Ew, grapes in salad? That’s weird! I wouldn’t eat that either.
Just tell him it’s fancy! Grapes add a nice sweetness. Maybe he just needs to try it first.
Absolutely loved it! So refreshing and perfect for summer picnics. 5 stars!
Waldorf salad? Never heard of it. What’s up with the nuts? Sounds weird, lol. 1 star.
It’s just fruit and veggies mixed. My kids didn’t like it. Not sure if I’ll make again. 2 stars.