I have to tell you — the first time I made this Waldorf Salad Recipe, I was honestly surprised at how bright, crunchy, and satisfying it was. After trying it at a friend’s dinner party, I rushed home and recreated it with a creamy lemon-yogurt dressing.
Every bite was packed with crisp apples, juicy grapes, and earthy toasted walnuts. I loved how fresh and light it felt, yet still filling. If you’re looking for a refreshing side or light lunch, this Waldorf salad recipe is one I truly enjoy making again and again.
Ingredients
Note: several servings
- 2 tart apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped — Choose firm, crisp apples so they hold their shape and provide the best crunch.
- 2 cups thinly sliced celery ribs, plus celery leaves — Celery adds that signature refreshing crunch that makes Waldorf salad special.
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved — Juicy grapes bring natural sweetness and balance the tart apples.
- 1 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped — Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and gives a deeper, nuttier crunch.
- 2/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish — Fresh parsley brightens the salad and adds color.
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup whole milk Greek yogurt — Adds creaminess with a slight tang and keeps the dressing lighter.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise — Gives the classic richness associated with traditional Waldorf salad.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice — Prevents apples from browning and adds fresh brightness.
- 1 teaspoon honey — Balances the tart flavors with subtle sweetness.
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt and freshly ground black pepper — Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Variations
This Waldorf salad recipe is easy to customize depending on your taste or dietary needs.
• Dairy-free version – Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or use extra mayonnaise.
• Sugar-free option – Skip the honey if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
• Add protein – Stir in cooked diced chicken or turkey to make it more filling.
• Extra crunch – Add sunflower seeds or extra toasted pecans.
• Fruit additions – Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture.
For a more indulgent meal spread, you can pair this salad with rich desserts like millionaire-brownies-recipe or serve it alongside savory appetizers such as shrimp-stuffed-mushrooms-recipe to create a balanced menu.
Cooking Time
• Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooking/Toasting Time: 8–12 minutes (for nuts only)
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Equipment You Need
• Large mixing bowl – For tossing all ingredients together easily.
• Small bowl – To whisk the creamy dressing smoothly.
• Sharp knife – For chopping apples, celery, and herbs neatly.
• Cutting board – Provides a stable prep surface.
• Baking sheet or skillet – Used to toast the nuts for better flavor.
How to Make Waldorf Salad Recipe?
This Waldorf salad comes together quickly with simple steps. Fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing make it shine. Follow these easy instructions for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables
Start by washing all your produce thoroughly. Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces, slice the celery thinly, and halve the grapes. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures every bite tastes balanced and looks appealing.
Toast the Nuts
Place walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet or oven and toast until lightly golden and fragrant. This step enhances their flavor and adds a richer crunch. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. The lemon adds brightness while the yogurt keeps the dressing fresh and slightly tangy.
Combine Everything
In a large bowl, add apples, grapes, celery, parsley, and toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold everything together. Make sure all ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the fruit.
Chill and Serve
You can serve the salad immediately, but I personally prefer chilling it for 20–30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Garnish with extra parsley and celery leaves before serving.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this recipe several times, here are some helpful tips I always follow:
• I always toast the nuts — it makes a huge difference in flavor.
• I like mixing one sweet apple with one tart apple for better balance.
• I toss the apples in a little lemon juice right after cutting to prevent browning.
• I chill the salad before serving because it tastes fresher and more refreshing.
• I grind fresh black pepper on top just before serving for extra flavor.
How to Serve Waldorf Salad Recipe?
Waldorf salad is best served chilled for maximum freshness. I like serving it in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of apples and grapes. You can also spoon it over crisp lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with grilled sandwiches, roasted chicken, or holiday meals as a refreshing side dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
• Calories: 220–280 kcal
• Protein: 4–6g
• Carbohydrates: 22–28g
• Fat: 15–20g
Note: Values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient choices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Store leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving again to refresh the texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended because fresh fruits and celery lose their crisp texture once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not necessary. Simply serve chilled for the best flavor and crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Waldorf salad is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, fresh, and incredibly versatile.
• Bright and refreshing flavor – Crisp apples and juicy grapes create a lively taste.
• Perfect texture contrast – Crunchy celery and nuts pair beautifully with creamy dressing.
• Quick and easy preparation – Minimal cooking required, mostly chopping and mixing.
• Customizable ingredients – Easy to adjust based on preferences or dietary needs.
• Suitable for many occasions – Perfect for lunches, potlucks, holidays, or light dinners.
Waldorf Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by washing all your produce thoroughly. Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces, slice the celery thinly, and halve the grapes. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures every bite tastes balanced and looks appealing.
- Place walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet or oven and toast until lightly golden and fragrant. This step enhances their flavor and adds a richer crunch. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. The lemon adds brightness while the yogurt keeps the dressing fresh and slightly tangy.
- In a large bowl, add apples, grapes, celery, parsley, and toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold everything together. Make sure all ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the fruit.
- You can serve the salad immediately, but I personally prefer chilling it for 20–30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Garnish with extra parsley and celery leaves before serving.
Notes
- I always toast the nuts — it makes a huge difference in flavor.
- I like mixing one sweet apple with one tart apple for better balance.
- I toss the apples in a little lemon juice right after cutting to prevent browning.
- I chill the salad before serving because it tastes fresher and more refreshing.
- I grind fresh black pepper on top just before serving for extra flavor.