Cheese Apple Salad(Waldorf Salad With Cheese)
A refreshing Waldorf-inspired salad combining crisp apples, Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and walnuts, perfect for light lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend lemon juice and salt into sour cream.
- Chill the sour cream mixture.
- Cut unpared apples into thin slices and sprinkle with additional lemon juice.
- For a more colorful salad, use a combination of red and green apples.
- Add Swiss cheese, Cheddar cheese, chopped celery, grapes, and walnuts; toss everything together.
- Just before serving, fold in the sour cream to blend.
- Serve on salad greens, garnished with apple slices and grapes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you might consider adding a bit of Greek yogurt to the sour cream. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, swap the tart apples for sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala. Experiment with nuts by using pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch. Chilling the salad for an hour before serving enhances the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheese Apple Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside hearty dishes like Buttermilk Buns for a delightful contrast. For a more filling meal, consider adding a side of quinoa or a slice of crusty bread to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become watery as it sits due to the apples releasing juices, so give it a gentle stir before serving again. Avoid freezing as the texture of the apples and cheeses will change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Apple Salad(Waldorf Salad With Cheese) contains roughly 533 calories, with 25g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (52% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2240mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but for the freshest taste, mix the sour cream dressing and combine everything just before serving. Chilling the salad for a short while enhances the flavors, but avoid letting it sit too long to prevent browning of the apples.
What if I don't like Swiss cheese?
If Swiss cheese isn't your favorite, feel free to substitute it with Gouda or Monterey Jack, which will still provide a nice creaminess. Each cheese will bring its own flavor profile, so choose one that you enjoy. You can also skip the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add diced pears or chopped pineapple for a tropical twist. Dried cranberries or raisins also make excellent additions, providing a chewy texture that complements the crunchy apples and nuts. Just be mindful of balancing the sweetness if you add additional fruits.
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).