Waldorf Rice Salad
A fresh and colorful rice salad combining sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing, perfect for light lunches or potlucks with vibrant flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 red delicious apple, unpeeled, chopped ⓘ
- 1 ripe pear, unpeeled, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked long grain, brown and wild rice blend ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup craisins ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted ⓘ
- red leaf lettuce leaves (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mandarin oranges, apple, pear, cooked rice, celery, and craisins in a large bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise and sour cream in a separate small bowl, then add to the rice mixture. Cover and chill.
- Spoon the salad mixture onto individual plates or into a lettuce-lined bowl.
- Sprinkle with toasted chopped walnuts just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider replacing walnuts with pecans or almonds if allergies are a concern. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier twist. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a tablespoon of honey to the dressing. This salad can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld, making it a great choice for gatherings or as a side for dishes like Chicken Salad or Banana Fruit Bread.
Serving Suggestions
This Waldorf Rice Salad is a delightful standalone dish but pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve it on a bed of red leaf lettuce for an elegant presentation. It also works wonderfully as a side for picnics or potlucks, complementing dishes like BBQ or sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside Chocolate Fondue Sauce for dessert to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If the salad appears dry after refrigeration, add a bit more mayonnaise or yogurt before serving to refresh its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Waldorf Rice Salad contains roughly 450 calories, with 8g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 use different fruits in the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like grapes, pineapple, or even dried apricots. Just ensure they complement the flavors of the salad. The versatility of this dish allows for many variations, making it easy to suit your taste or seasonal availability.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just keep the walnuts separate until serving to maintain their crunch. It’s a great option for lunches throughout the week or as a side dish for dinner.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives. There are plenty of plant-based mayo options available, and you can use coconut yogurt or cashew cream as a substitute for sour cream. This way, you can enjoy the salad without any animal products.
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).