Tropical Waldorf Salad
A vibrant tropical salad combining sweet pineapple, apples, coconut, and crunchy pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or lively entertaining with fresh, uplifting flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. can crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1 red apple, unpeeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flaked coconut ⓘ
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 cans white Shoe Peg corn, drained
- 16 oz. can small size English peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimentos
- 1 small bunch green onions, white and green parts trimmed and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup light cooking oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup white cider vinegar ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Serve chilled, ideal for holiday meals, entertaining, or busy days.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also add diced bananas or mango for extra tropical flavor. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try adding some chopped apples just before serving to maintain their crispness. Make sure to rinse the canned corn and peas thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tropical Waldorf Salad as a refreshing side dish at summer gatherings or holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light protein, such as rotisserie chicken or shrimp. It also complements dishes like Cole Slaw To Freeze for a colorful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste. If you find the salad has become too thick upon refrigeration, you can stir in a bit of additional mayonnaise or yogurt to loosen it before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Waldorf Salad contains roughly 1595 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 159g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1120mg per serving (49% 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, this salad is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving to incorporate any liquid that may have separated.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, walnuts or sliced almonds are great alternatives to pecans. For a nut-free option, consider adding sunflower seeds for crunch and texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Tropical Waldorf Salad is gluten-free as long as you ensure that all canned products, like corn and peas, are free from gluten contamination. Always check labels if you are concerned about cross-contamination.
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).