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Waldorf Salad
Waldorf salad is a classic dish that is brimming with fresh fruit. This refreshing side dish is made with apples, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing.
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Waldorf salad is a creamy fruit-filled salad recipe made with delicious crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts. A fall favorite, when apples and walnuts are in season, this creamy salad is a favorite for the holidays.
If you love fruit salads then you’ll also want to make Pudding Fruit Salad, Peach Pretzel Salad, and Pistachio Salad.
Waldorf Salad Ingredients
You will need:
Dressing
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Salad
- 1 cup diced Granny Smith apples, cored with the skin left on
- 1 cup diced Gala apples, cored with the skin left on
- ¾ cup finely diced celery
- ½ cup halved green seedless grapes, 3 to 4 extra halved grapes for an optional garnish
- ½ cup halved red seedless grapes, 3 to 4 extra halved grapes for an optional garnish
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
PRO TIP: Make sure you buy seedless grapes for this recipe. If the green or red ones at the grocery store don’t look nice, you can just use one color in the salad as long as the amount of grapes adds up to 1 cup.
Substitutions and Additions
APPLES: Any apples can be used in this classic recipe. The combination of sweet Gala apples and tart green Granny Smith apples makes a nicely balanced salad.
NUTS: Any chopped nuts can be used in this easy Waldorf salad.
SAVORY: If a more savory salad is desired, you can omit the granulated sugar and add kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
How to Make Waldorf Salad
PRO TIP: The Waldorf salad dressing can be made the night before and stored in a mason jar in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
Dressing
STEP ONE: Using a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer at high speed, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
STEP TWO: Gently fold in the mayonnaise. Set it aside.
Salad
STEP THREE: Using a large mixing bowl, add the chopped apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts.
STEP FOUR: Sprinkle the lemon juice and granulated sugar over the apple mixture.
PRO TIP: The lemon juice and sugar will help prevent the apples from turning brown in your salad.
STEP FIVE: Using a large spoon, stir to completely coat the apple mixture.
STEP SIX: Gently fold the mayonnaise mixture into the apple mixture. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour. Just before serving, garnish with the reserved halved grapes.
How to Serve Waldorf Salad
Sweet and creamy, Waldorf Salad is a crowd-favorite side dish. You can even add mini marshmallows or dried fruit to your salad. Refreshing, with a delightful crunch, Waldorf salad can also be served for brunch.
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers of this fruit salad tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
IN THE FREEZER: This salad is not recommended for freezing as the ingredients will not stay crisp once thawed.
Waldorf salad is a classic American salad that is brimming with fresh fruit. Originally served at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, this salad recipe features a medley of different flavors and textures including apples, grapes, and walnuts. A blend of sweet and savory, this favorite salad makes a refreshing addition to any meal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I store this salad?
This great recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
What are the best apples to use for this recipe?
We used Royal Gala and Granny Smith apples for this salad as we like the combination of tart and sweet apples, but any of your favorite apples would also be a great option in this amazing salad.
What kind of grapes are best for this salad?
The best grapes for this easy apple and grape salad recipe are red and green seedless grapes. You don’t want to be using a variety of grapes that have seeds in them for this salad.
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Waldorf Salad
Waldorf salad is a classic dish that is brimming with fresh fruit. This refreshing side dish is made with apples, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Salad
- 1 cup diced Granny Smith apples cored with the skin left on
- 1 cup diced Gala apples cored with the skin left on
- ¾ cup finely diced celery
- ½ cup halved green seedless grapes 3 to 4 extra halved grapes for an optional garnish
- ½ cup halved red seedless grapes 3 to 4 extra halved grapes for an optional garnish
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
Dressing
- Using a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer at high speed, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the mayonnaise. Set it aside.
Salad
- Using a large mixing bowl, add the chopped apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts.
- Sprinkle the lemon juice and granulated sugar over the apple mixture.
- Using a large spoon, stir to completely coat the apple mixture.
- Gently fold the mayonnaise mixture into the apple mixture. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour. Just before serving, garnish with the reserved halved grapes.
Notes
Make sure you buy seedless grapes for this recipe. If the green or red ones at the grocery store don’t look nice, you can just use one color in the salad as long as the amount of grapes adds up to 1 cup.
The Waldorf salad dressing can be made the night before and stored in a mason jar in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
The lemon juice and sugar will help prevent the apples from turning brown in your salad.
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