Summer Waldorf Rice Salad
A light, fruity rice salad with crunchy celery, sweet apples, and walnuts, flavored with cinnamon and a creamy mayonnaise dressing—perfect for summer gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice in water with salt according to package directions. When cooking is complete, transfer to a shallow pan.
- Cover and chill.
- Fold whipped topping and sugar into mayonnaise.
- Fold topping mixture, celery, apples, raisins, and walnuts into chilled rice.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier salad, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them for a nut-free version. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can speed up the process. For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing or toss in some diced grapes. This salad pairs beautifully with Pink Pineapple Punch.
Serving Suggestions
This Summer Waldorf Rice Salad makes a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish and can be a delightful addition to a potluck spread. Serve it chilled and consider garnishing with additional walnuts or fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. If the salad thickens too much, add a little water or extra mayonnaise to loosen it before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Waldorf Rice Salad contains roughly 33 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 499mg per serving (22% 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 this salad a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, but you may want to add a little extra dressing before serving to refresh the taste.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and use a dairy-free whipped topping. The remaining ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for those following a plant-based diet.
What can I add for more protein?
To increase the protein content of this salad, consider adding cooked chicken, chickpeas, or even diced tofu. These additions will complement the existing flavors while making the dish more filling and nutritious.
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).