Waldorf Salad
A refreshing and light salad combining crisp apples, crunchy celery, nuts, and sweet raisins, coated in a creamy dressing. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or as a side dish, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 c. chopped apple ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped walnuts or pecans ⓘ
- 1/4 c. raisins or whole dates, snipped and pitted ⓘ
- 1/4 c. seedless green grapes, halved (optional) ⓘ
- 1/3 c. whipping cream or 2/3 c. frozen whipped dessert topping, thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 c. mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss chopped apple with lemon juice.
- Stir in chopped celery, nuts, raisins, and if desired, halved grapes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use whipped cream instead of whipped dessert topping. If you want to cut calories, consider using low-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing. You can also substitute apples with pears for a different flavor profile. A sprinkle of nutmeg enhances the overall taste, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Waldorf salad is a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or can be served as a light lunch on its own. Pair it with Green Beans With Red Pepper And Shallots for a colorful plate. For a sweet finish, consider serving it with a slice of Neapolitan Cake or enjoying it with a scoop of Citrus Sherbet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may brown slightly, but the flavor will remain intact. To refresh the salad, add a bit more lemon juice before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the apples and cream may degrade.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Waldorf Salad contains roughly 432 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g 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 Waldorf salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Waldorf salad a few hours in advance. However, for the best flavor and texture, it's ideal to add the cream and mayonnaise just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming too soggy.
What type of apple is best for Waldorf salad?
For Waldorf salad, a crisp and slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Fuji works best. These varieties hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the raisins and dressing.
Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the Waldorf salad by adding other fruits such as diced pears, sliced strawberries, or even some citrus segments. Just ensure that the flavors complement the existing ingredients.
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).