Waldorf Salad With Cream Cheese Dressing
A creamy, crunchy salad blending sweet apples, crisp celery, and toasted pecans, all coated in a tangy orange-flavored cream cheese dressing—perfect for refreshing gatherings or casual lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese, orange juice, grated orange rind, and sugar, mixing until well blended.
- Add chopped apples, chopped celery, and chopped pecans; mix lightly to combine.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator.
- Serve on lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
To soften cream cheese quickly, cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. For a lighter dressing, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts can be a great substitute for pecans. You can also add a handful of raisins for extra sweetness, which pairs beautifully with other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Waldorf salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for an attractive presentation. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside Pineapple Cream Cheese Sandwiches to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed cold, so avoid reheating it. If the salad becomes watery after a day, drain excess liquid before serving to keep it fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Waldorf Salad With Cream Cheese Dressing contains roughly 229 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. 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 make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese dressing a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, mix in the chopped fruits and nuts for the freshest taste.
What type of apples are best for Waldorf salad?
Crisp and tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for Waldorf salad. Their flavor and texture hold up well in the dressing and provide a nice contrast to the creaminess.
Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in grapes, dried cranberries, or sliced bananas for added flavor and variety. Just be mindful of balancing the sweetness in the dressing.
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).