Fresh Orange Waldorf Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad combining juicy oranges, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet marshmallows, all lightly flavored with cinnamon. Perfect for a light lunch, brunch, or a festive side dish, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the peel of 1/2 fresh orange.
- Peel and cut the oranges into bite-size pieces.
- Cut the apple (do not peel) into bite-size pieces.
- Combine the orange pieces, apple, mayonnaise, chopped walnuts, mini marshmallows, sliced celery, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
- Chill well before serving.
- Serve on salad greens if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also add diced grapes or raisins for additional sweetness and texture. If you prefer a crunchier salad, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them. Adjust the cinnamon to your taste, or even try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a different flavor profile. This salad pairs beautifully with Ruby'S Cinnamon Rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Waldorf salad chilled for a refreshing treat, perfect as a side dish for grilled meats like Grilled Ribs or as a light lunch. It can also be garnished with additional walnuts or orange zest for a vibrant presentation. This salad pairs well with a glass of New English Mulled Cider for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld together as it sits. However, the salad may become watery over time due to the oranges releasing juice. For best results, avoid freezing as the texture may change significantly when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Orange Waldorf Salad contains roughly 731 calories, with 7g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 526mg per serving (23% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the mayonnaise just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. If you need to prepare it a day ahead, consider keeping the orange pieces and apples separate until you're ready to mix them.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply don't like walnuts, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Dried cranberries or additional fruits can also enhance the flavor without nuts.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan mayonnaise or a simple dressing made from blended silken tofu and lemon juice. Additionally, ensure that any marshmallows used are vegan-friendly, as some brands contain gelatin.
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).