Waldorf apple celery salad

This fresh and crunchy Waldorf Salad brings a classic blend of sweet apples, crisp celery, and tangy dressing together, making it a perfect light lunch or elegant side dish. Its refreshing balance and colorful mix have made it a family favorite during warm months and holiday dinners alike.

I first made this salad when hosting a summer picnic and loved how everyone kept coming back for second helpings, especially kids who usually avoid salads.

Ingredients

• Red apple (Honeycrisp Gala or Red Delicious): chopped into bite-sized pieces adds sweetness and crunch & choose firm apples for the best texture
• Green apple (Golden Delicious): also chopped for a slightly tart contrast & pick apples free of bruises for freshness
• Celery rib: sliced thin for a bright, crisp flavor & fresh celery should snap when bent
• Red seedless grapes: halved contribute juicy bursts of natural sweetness & pick grapes plump and firmly attached to stems
• Golden raisins: bring chewy texture and warm sweetness & soak in warm water if they seem dry
• Walnut halves: add a toasty nutty crunch & lightly toast them to intensify flavor but avoid bitterness
• Mayonnaise or half mayonnaise half Greek yogurt: creates creamy dressing & Greek yogurt lightens and adds tang
• Granulated sugar: balances acidity in dressing & choose pure white sugar or natural cane sugar
• Red wine vinegar: delivers a mild sharpness & check the label for vintage for a deeper flavor
• Freshly ground black pepper: adds subtle warmth & freshly ground is best for brightness
• Boston Bibb or Romaine lettuce leaves to serve: provide a crisp, tender base

Instructions

Toss the Apples in Lemon Juice:

Pour about one tablespoon of lemon juice over the chopped red and green apples in a large mixing bowl to prevent browning and add a slight tang. Toss gently until all pieces are coated evenly.

Add Celery, Grapes, Raisins, and Walnuts:

Slice the celery thin and add to the bowl along with halved red grapes, golden raisins, and walnut halves. Mix carefully to combine without bruising the fruit.

Prepare the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, red wine vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust by adding a little more mayonnaise if too tart or an extra splash of vinegar if you prefer more zing.

Coat the Salad with Dressing:

Pour the desired amount of dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. You may not want to use all of the dressing depending on your preferred creaminess.

Refrigerate Until Serving:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Serve on Lettuce:

Arrange Boston Bibb or Romaine lettuce leaves on a serving plate and spoon the dressed Waldorf Salad on top. Serve cold for the best texture and freshness.

This salad’s star ingredient for me is definitely the walnuts. Toasting them slightly before adding brings out their aroma and adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy apples. I remember a family reunion where everyone raved about the salad and insisted I bring it every year after that.

Storage Tips

Keep the salad covered tightly in the refrigerator and consume within 24 to 48 hours to preserve freshness and texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat dressing

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Waldorf Salad as a light lunch alongside crusty bread or toasted crostini

This classic Waldorf Salad is both simple and elegant, perfect for any gathering. Enjoy the refreshing crunch and creamy dressing in every bite.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What apples are best for this salad?

Honey crisp, gala, or red delicious for red apples and golden delicious for green apples provide a nice balance of sweetness and crispness.

→ Can I substitute walnuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds work well as alternatives for added crunch and flavor.

→ What type of lettuce is recommended?

Boston Bibb or romaine lettuce leaves are ideal to serve this salad on, adding crispness and freshness.

→ How do I make the dressing?

The dressing combines mayonnaise, sugar, red wine vinegar, and black pepper for a creamy and slightly tangy flavor that complements the ingredients.

→ Can Greek yogurt replace mayonnaise?

Yes, using half Greek yogurt is a lighter option that maintains creaminess without overpowering flavors.

→ How to keep the apples from browning?

Toss the chopped apples in lemon juice to preserve their color and add a touch of brightness.