California Waldorf Salad
A refreshing and creamy fruit salad featuring apples, oranges, and avocado, blended with a lemon-honey yogurt dressing—perfect for a light, healthful meal or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the apple chunks in half the lemon juice.
- Combine the rest of the lemon juice with yogurt, avocado, grated lemon rind, and honey in the jar of a blender.
- Puree until very smooth.
- Toss the apple chunks, orange sections, celery, and raisins together with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust lemon-honey balance as needed.
- Serve immediately or chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for a crisp texture. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt. For added crunch, walnuts or pecans can replace the raisins or currants. This salad also pairs well with sides like Corn Pudding Souffle for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the California Waldorf Salad as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish at barbecues and picnics. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Baked Cinnamon French Toast for a brunch gathering. Garnish with extra lemon zest for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may brown slightly, so it's best to serve this salad fresh. If reheating, consider gently warming the salad in a bowl over a pot of hot water to maintain the texture without cooking the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Waldorf Salad contains roughly 296 calories, with 4g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 6g 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 use other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! You can mix in fruits like grapes, pears, or even cranberries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the fruits you choose are firm to maintain the salad's texture.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, to make the salad vegan, simply replace yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey. This will maintain the creaminess and sweetness without using animal products.
How can I make the salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas. This will not only boost the protein content but also add a delightful texture. You can also serve it on a bed of greens for a more substantial meal.
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).