Easy Waldorf Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A refreshing and sweet Waldorf Salad combining crisp apples, crunchy pecans, juicy pineapple, and creamy whipped topping, perfect for light lunches or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

  • 2 red apples, cored and diced
  • 1/4 cup broken pecans
  • 1 small can pineapple tidbits
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup chopped celery
  • 1 small can fruit cocktail, drained

Instructions

  1. Drain pineapple well and also drain fruit cocktail.
  2. Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  3. Stir in Cool Whip and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for Cool Whip. You can also use walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor. If you prefer a fresher taste, add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning. Feel free to customize the mix by adding grapes or swapping in other fruits for variety.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Easy Waldorf Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great addition to your summer meals. For a dessert twist, try serving it alongside a scoop of strawberry cream for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become a bit watery over time due to the fruits releasing their juices, so give it a good stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits will not hold up well once thawed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Waldorf Salad contains roughly 216 calories, with 3g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

216 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 11g 14% DV
Carbs 31.3g 11% DV
Fiber 3.7g 13% DV
Sugar 19.7g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 105.1mg 5% DV
Potassium 379mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 4.4mg 5% DV
Calcium 43.3mg 3% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Tree nuts

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 salad a few hours in advance. However, for the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to mix in the Cool Whip just before serving. This will help maintain the freshness of the ingredients. If made too early, the fruits may become mushy.

What can I substitute for the fruits in the salad?

You can easily customize the fruits in this salad. Substitute the apples with pears or add in some grapes for added sweetness. Seasonal fruits like berries or citrus segments can also work well. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness according to your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

The original recipe includes Cool Whip, which is not vegan. You can substitute it with a vegan whipped topping or a mixture of coconut cream and sweetener for a delicious plant-based alternative. This way, it can easily fit into vegan recipes while still being tasty.

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).

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