Janet'S Waldorf Salad
A refreshing and creamy fruit salad featuring crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts, perfect for brunches, picnics, or light summer desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Mix sour cream and lemon juice in a separate bowl.
- Whip the cream and sugar until soft peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the sour cream mixture.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the fruit and nut mixture.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Sprinkle with ground nutmeg before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more sour cream or using Greek yogurt as a substitute. If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the sugar slightly or add a drizzle of honey. For added crunch, try substituting pecans for walnuts or mixing in some dried cranberries. This Waldorf salad can also be made vegan by using coconut cream instead of whipping cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Janet's Waldorf Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or as a light lunch option. It pairs beautifully with 'Chewier' Brownies for dessert or can be enjoyed alongside a simple green salad. For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispness of the apples and celery, avoid mixing the dressing with the fruit mixture until you're ready to serve. If the salad becomes too watery, simply drain excess liquid before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Janet'S Waldorf Salad contains roughly 434 calories, with 10g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 9g 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 prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit and nut mixture a few hours ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the creamy dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and the apples from browning. For optimal taste, store the dressing separately.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you're allergic to walnuts or prefer a different nut, pecans or sliced almonds work great as substitutes. For a nut-free version, you can use sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether, maintaining the salad's delightful crunch with just the celery and apples.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
While the traditional recipe isn't vegan, you can easily adapt it. Use coconut cream or a plant-based whipped topping in place of the whipping cream, and substitute Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of the Waldorf salad.
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).