Description

Waldorf Salad is a classic and refreshing dish combining crisp apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and a creamy tangy dressing. This vibrant salad perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it ideal as a light lunch, side dish, or elegant appetizer. Easy to prepare with simple, wholesome ingredients, it offers a delightful medley of textures and endless customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups crisp apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), cored and diced
1 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1/3 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

1/2 cup grapes or raisins
Cooked chicken breast or turkey (for protein boost)
Sliced pears, dried cranberries, or orange segments
Pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds (nut alternatives)
Fresh parsley, mint, or baby spinach (herbs and greens)
Vegan mayonnaise or plant-based yogurt (for vegan twist)

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Instructions

Prepare the Apples and Celery: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Core and dice them into bite-sized pieces, keeping the skin on for color and nutrients. Slice the celery thinly to ensure optimal crunch.
Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to achieve a smooth and tangy dressing that coats the salad ingredients evenly.
Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the diced apples, sliced celery, toasted walnuts, and any optional add-ins like grapes or raisins. Pour the dressing over the mixture and mix carefully until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Waldorf Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve chilled for optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp apples for the best crunch.
Toast nuts gently to enhance flavor without burning.
Do not skip lemon juice; it prevents apple browning and adds brightness.
Chill the salad before serving to improve flavor fusion.
Adjust dressing amount for a lighter or creamier salad according to preference.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Avoid freezing as it deteriorates texture and flavor.
Serve chilled and avoid reheating to maintain salad freshness and crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No cooking / stovetop for toasting nuts
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 210
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg