Waldorf Salad Recipe
Introduction
Waldorf Salad is a classic, refreshing dish combining crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts in a creamy dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side for any meal.

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp. plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- Bibb lettuce, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Step 2: Add the halved grapes, chopped apples, sliced celery, and chopped parsley to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined.
- Step 3: Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top.
- Step 4: Serve the salad over a bed of Bibb lettuce for a crisp, fresh presentation.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, substitute walnuts with toasted pecans or almonds.
- Try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- Use red or green apples depending on your preferred tartness.
- Replace plain yogurt with non-dairy yogurt for a vegan option and swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo.
Storage
Store the Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the walnuts crunchy, add them just before serving. If the salad seems dry after storage, stir in a little extra yogurt or lemon juice. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare Waldorf Salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. For best texture, add the toasted walnuts just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
What types of apples work best in this salad?
Firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well because they hold their shape and add a nice tartness or sweetness depending on the variety.
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Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Waldorf Salad combines the freshness of apples, grapes, and celery with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise and yogurt. Toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch, while parsley brightens the flavors. Served over crisp Bibb lettuce, it’s a refreshing and light salad perfect as a side or a starter.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Salad
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- Bibb lettuce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined, forming the creamy base of the salad.
- Combine the salad ingredients: Add the halved red grapes, chopped apples, sliced celery, and chopped parsley to the dressing. Gently fold all ingredients together until just combined to maintain the freshness and texture of the fruit and vegetables.
- Season the salad: Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- Toast the walnuts: If not already done, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, then let cool.
- Serve: Place Bibb lettuce leaves on serving plates. Top with the Waldorf salad mixture, then sprinkle with toasted walnuts for a satisfying crunch. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- To keep apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- May substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
- For a lighter dressing, use more plain yogurt and less mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Waldorf Salad, apple salad, healthy salad, classic salad, fruit salad, creamy salad, walnut salad, Bibb lettuce salad

