Banana Waldorf Salad
A light and creamy fruit salad combining bananas, celery, raisins, and nuts with a coconut cinnamon yogurt dressing, perfect for a refreshing snack or healthy dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine vanilla nonfat yogurt, coconut, and cinnamon; mix well.
- Add chopped celery, raisins, and nuts to the yogurt mixture.
- Mix until well blended.
- Gently stir in the sliced bananas.
- Chill the salad for several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat yogurt or a plant-based alternative if you're looking for a vegan option. You can substitute chopped apples for bananas for a different flavor profile. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can help prevent the bananas from browning too quickly. For a crunchier texture, toast the walnuts or pecans before mixing them in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Banana Waldorf Salad as a refreshing side dish for a summer picnic or barbecue. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it as a light dessert or alongside a hearty dish like Ozark Apple Pie for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bananas may brown slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious. If you plan to make this salad ahead of time, consider adding the bananas just before serving to maintain their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Waldorf Salad contains roughly 387 calories, with 9g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the yogurt mixture and chop the celery and nuts ahead of time. However, it's best to add the bananas just before serving to keep them from browning. This way, the salad stays fresh and visually appealing.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
If you want a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the yogurt with coconut yogurt or a cashew cream. Both options provide a similar creamy texture while accommodating dietary preferences.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely! This Banana Waldorf Salad is a great choice for potlucks. It's easy to transport and can be made in a large batch. Just remember to keep it chilled until serving to maintain its freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).