Classic Waldorf Salad is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. Made with crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing, this refreshing salad delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. Whether served as a light lunch, holiday side dish, or elegant appetizer, Waldorf salad is simple, fresh, and full of flavor.
Originally created in the late 1800s at the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, this iconic American salad has stood the test of time. While the earliest version included only apples, celery, and mayonnaise, modern versions often add grapes and walnuts for extra sweetness and texture. Today, the classic Waldorf salad recipe remains a favorite for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday menus.
One of the best things about Waldorf salad is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a quick creamy dressing, this salad comes together in about 20 minutes. Crisp apples provide a refreshing bite, grapes add natural sweetness, celery delivers satisfying crunch, and walnuts bring a rich, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
This classic Waldorf salad recipe is also wonderfully versatile. It can be served over crisp lettuce leaves, stuffed into sandwiches or wraps, or even topped with grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish, a quick make-ahead salad, or a nostalgic recipe with a modern twist, this Waldorf salad is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Classic Waldorf Salad
Classic Waldorf Salad is a crisp, creamy fruit-and-nut salad that’s been a favorite for over a century. Traditionally made with fresh apples, celery, grapes, and toasted walnuts tossed in a light mayonnaise dressing, this refreshing dish balances sweet, crunchy, and creamy textures perfectly. It’s simple, elegant, and works beautifully as a side dish, light lunch, or holiday salad.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), diced
1 cup seedless grapes, halved
1 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups butter lettuce or romaine (for serving)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Toast the walnuts (optional but recommended).
Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
Prepare the fruit and vegetables.
Dice the apples, halve the grapes, and slice the celery.
Make the dressing.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine the salad.
Add apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts to the dressing. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Serve.
Arrange lettuce leaves on plates and spoon the Waldorf salad over the top.
Notes
Cooking Tips
Use crisp apples: Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith provide the best crunch.
Prevent browning: Toss apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting to keep them fresh-looking.
Toast the walnuts: This step enhances flavor and adds a deeper nutty aroma.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Variations
Yogurt Waldorf Salad
Substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Chicken Waldorf Salad
Add 1–2 cups diced cooked chicken to turn it into a hearty lunch salad.
Raisin or Cranberry Version
Mix in ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
Pecan Waldorf Salad
Swap walnuts for toasted pecans for a slightly richer flavor.
Apple Pear Waldorf Salad
Replace one apple with a diced ripe pear for a softer, sweeter twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional for toasting walnuts)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
