Harvest Waldorf Salad
A refreshing blend of crisp apples, sweet pineapple, crunchy celery, and toasted pecans, coated in a tangy sour cream dressing—perfect for light lunches or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving the syrup.
- Prepare the tangy dressing by combining sour cream, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Core and dice the apples.
- Combine the diced apples, pineapple chunks, chopped celery, and toasted pecans in a bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you're looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds can replace toasted pecans. Make sure to use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. To save time, pre-chop your ingredients and store them in the refrigerator until ready to mix.
Serving Suggestions
This Harvest Waldorf Salad makes a delightful side dish or a light lunch. Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for a satisfying meal. It also complements well with a slice of hearty bread or as part of a picnic spread. For a festive touch, serve it alongside the Fillmore Street Oatmeal Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may brown slightly, but the flavor will remain intact. To refresh the salad before serving, add a little extra lemon juice to brighten the taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harvest Waldorf Salad contains roughly 492 calories, with 9g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 7g 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 salad a few hours in advance. However, to prevent the apples from browning, add them just before serving. The dressing can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge, then combined right before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I use instead of pineapple chunks?
If you prefer a different fruit, diced mango or pear can be excellent substitutes for pineapple chunks, adding a similar sweetness. You can also try using canned peaches for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Harvest Waldorf Salad is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or fish. It's a great option for those following vegetarian recipes, providing a healthy mix of fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
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).