Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a refreshing, delightfully crunchy salad that balances tart fruit, creamy dressing, and nutty crunch, look no further than this Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe. This timeless dish brings together crisp apples, juicy grapes, and toasted nuts, all wrapped in a luscious whipped cream and mayonnaise dressing. It’s a beautiful medley of textures and flavors that’s been loved for generations, perfect for everything from a light lunch to an impressive side dish at your next gathering. Get ready to fall in love with the playful simplicity and elegance of this easy-to-make salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe couldn’t be more straightforward. Each component plays an important role—from the tart apples adding a crisp bite to the whipped cream and mayonnaise providing that irresistible creaminess. The grapes and nuts bring bursts of sweetness and crunch, making this salad a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Tart apples (2 cups diced): Use a crisp variety like Granny Smith to give the salad its signature tangy crunch.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Just a touch to balance the tartness of the apples.
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Keeps the apples from browning and adds freshness.
- Celery (1 cup diced): Adds a refreshing crunch and bright green color.
- Grapes (1 cup, halved): Sweet bursts of juiciness that complement the tart apple.
- Toasted walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, roughly chopped): Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds satisfying crunch.
- Whipping cream (1/2 cup, whipped): Provides lightness and a creamy texture to the dressing.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds richness and binds the salad together with creamy goodness.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors in the salad without overwhelming.
How to Make Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by dicing two tart apples into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a large bowl with sugar and lemon juice. The sugar mellows the tartness just slightly while the lemon juice prevents the apples from turning brown. Toss everything gently to coat the apples evenly, setting a fresh and flavorful base for your Waldorf salad.
Step 2: Add the Crunchy Vegetables and Nuts
Next, mix in the diced celery, halved grapes, and roughly chopped toasted nuts right into the apple mixture. Each ingredient brings its own special texture—celery’s crispness, grapes’ juicy pop, and nuts’ hearty crunch—all working in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whip the whipping cream until you see soft peaks forming. Gently fold in the mayonnaise to create a light but rich dressing that wraps every ingredient in silky indulgence. The combination of whipped cream and mayo ensures your Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe is luxuriously creamy without being heavy.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Carefully fold the whipped cream and mayonnaise mixture into the bowl with your fruit and nuts. Add kosher salt to bring out the natural flavors and give the salad a subtle savory balance. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed; this is your moment to perfect the sweet, tart, and creamy dance on your palate.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
For the best experience, chill your salad for at least one hour or even overnight. This resting time lets all the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a perfectly chilled and creamy Waldorf salad every time.
How to Serve Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe with a few thoughtful garnishes like fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of extra toasted nuts on top. They add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that makes the salad even more inviting and visually appealing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or turkey for a light meal, or alongside crusty bread and a crisp white wine for an elegant lunch spread. It’s also fantastic as part of a picnic or potluck where fresh, simple dishes shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe on a bed of butter lettuce leaves for individual portions, or hollow out an apple and fill it with the salad for a delightful presentation. You can also stuff it into flaky puff pastry shells to create gourmet Waldorf salad appetizers that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours because the texture of the apples and celery is at its peak freshness right after preparing, though it will stay tasty for up to two days.
Freezing
This Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruits and creamy dressing. Freezing will cause the texture to become mushy and watery, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
Since this salad is served chilled and relies on crisp, fresh ingredients, it is not meant to be reheated. Serve it straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in the Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are traditional, you can experiment with Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter variation. Just keep in mind the flavor balance you prefer.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the whipped cream?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free whipped topping or coconut cream to accommodate dietary preferences. The texture will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
Can I make the salad ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. Preparing the salad a few hours ahead or the night before helps the flavors meld nicely, though it is best to add nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.
What’s the best way to toast walnuts or pecans?
Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning. This brings out their rich flavor beautifully.
Can I add other fruits or ingredients to the Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe?
Feel free to customize! Some people enjoy adding raisins, dried cranberries, or even a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for a fresh twist.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe is a timeless treasure that combines simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s crisp, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a dish you’ll want to keep revisiting. Give this recipe a try—you might just make it a classic in your own kitchen too!
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Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Classic Waldorf Salad is a refreshing and crunchy salad combining tart apples, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing made of whipped cream and mayonnaise. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with a creamy texture.
Ingredients
Fruit and Vegetables
- 2 cups diced tart apples (about 2 apples)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Nuts
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Add the diced tart apples to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle them evenly with the sugar and lemon juice, then toss gently to coat all pieces thoroughly, which helps prevent browning and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Add Remaining Salad Ingredients: To the apples, add the diced celery, halved grapes, and roughly chopped toasted walnuts or pecans. Mix gently to combine all the fresh ingredients.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, whip the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold in the mayonnaise to create a smooth, creamy dressing, ensuring a light texture.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Fold the creamy dressing into the apple mixture, mixing thoroughly but gently. Season with kosher salt, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary to balance the flavors.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavors. Serve chilled as a standalone salad or presented on a crisp lettuce leaf for added freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
- To toast nuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
- The salad can be prepared a day ahead to allow flavors to meld but add the dressing just before serving if you prefer a crunchier texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Serve on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for a classic presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
