This classic Waldorf Salad is a refreshing blend of crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or a light lunch that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. The contrasting textures and flavors create a salad that’s stood the test of time for good reason!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish in just 20 minutes – perfect when you need something fresh but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it earlier in the day for dinner, or pack it for tomorrow’s lunch.
Perfect Balance: The sweet crunch of apples and grapes balances beautifully with the savory celery and walnuts, while the creamy dressing ties everything together.
Versatile: Works as a side dish, light main course, or potluck contribution that always impresses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing that gives this salad its signature richness.
White Sugar: Just enough to add a touch of sweetness to the dressing without overwhelming the natural flavors of the fruits.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Lemon Juice: Serves double duty – prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright, zesty note to the salad.
Apples: The star of the show – choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast.
Seedless Grapes: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness and beautiful color to the salad.
Celery: Provides essential crunch and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
Walnuts: Brings nutty depth and substantial texture – toasting them briefly enhances their flavor tremendously.
Raisins: Optional but wonderful for adding little pockets of concentrated sweetness and chewy texture.

Variations

Modern Waldorf Twists

Protein Boost: Add diced cooked chicken or turkey to transform this into a complete meal.
Yogurt Dressing: Substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
Fruit Variations: Try pears instead of apples, or add some dried cranberries instead of raisins for a festive touch.
Nut Alternatives: Pecans or sliced almonds make excellent substitutes if you’re not a fan of walnuts.

Seasonal Adaptations

Fall Harvest: Add some diced butternut squash (roasted and cooled) and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Summer Fresh: Mix in some halved fresh cherries when in season.

How to Make Waldorf Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and salt until smooth. The dressing should be creamy but not too thick – it needs to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit

Core and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Immediately toss them in the lemon juice to prevent browning. This step is crucial – nobody wants brown apples in their beautiful salad!

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, halved grapes, chopped celery, and chopped walnuts. If using raisins, add those too. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients.

Step 4: Mix and Chill

Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Apple Selection: For the best texture contrast, mix sweet and tart apple varieties – try combining Honeycrisp with Granny Smith.
Toast the Walnuts: A quick 5-minute toast in a dry skillet transforms the walnuts, bringing out their oils and deepening their flavor.
Uniform Cuts: Try to chop all ingredients to a similar size for the best eating experience – no one wants to tackle a huge apple chunk with a tiny fork!
Seasoning Balance: Taste before serving and adjust the salt or add a tiny splash more lemon juice if needed. The apples can vary in sweetness, so occasional adjustments help perfect the balance.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Waldorf Salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, particularly roast chicken or turkey. It’s also excellent alongside:

Grilled salmon or other fish
Sandwiches for lunch
Quiche or frittata for brunch

Presentation Ideas

Serve in lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer
Spoon into a hollowed-out apple half for a fancy individual serving
For a dinner party, arrange on a bed of mixed greens with an extra drizzle of quality olive oil

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. While it’s technically safe to eat for 2-3 days, the texture is best when enjoyed within a day of preparation.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you need to prepare this in advance, keep the dressing separate from the chopped ingredients until about 30 minutes before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming too wet.

Refreshing Leftovers

If your leftover salad seems a bit soggy, add a handful of freshly chopped apple and celery along with a few more walnuts to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Can I make Waldorf Salad without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for a lighter version. You might want to add a touch more sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the tanginess of the yogurt. Some people also enjoy using a combination of yogurt and sour cream for a complex flavor profile.

Why is my Waldorf Salad watery after sitting?
This happens because the salt in the dressing draws moisture from the fruits and vegetables. To prevent this, make sure your grapes are very dry after washing, and consider tossing the ingredients with the dressing just before serving. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate until closer to serving time.

What kind of apples work best in Waldorf Salad?
Crisp, firm apples that hold their shape are ideal. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith all work wonderfully. I recommend avoiding softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious, as they tend to break down too quickly and can make the salad mushy.

Is Waldorf Salad healthy?
Traditional Waldorf Salad contains mayonnaise, which adds fat and calories, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients like fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. For a healthier version, you can reduce the mayonnaise and substitute with Greek yogurt, which provides protein while cutting fat. The apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts all contribute valuable vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Final Thoughts

This Waldorf Salad recipe is a testament to why some classics never go out of style. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements, it’s a refreshing addition to any meal. I encourage you to make it your own with some of the suggested variations, or keep it classic – either way, this 20-minute wonder deserves a regular spot in your recipe rotation!

Waldorf Salad Recipe