Waldorf Salad
Posted Jul 01, 2024
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This Waldorf Salad Recipe is a light and refreshing salad bursting with flavor and texture. It’s an easy, delicious crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for any occasion.
This Waldorf Salad Recipe, dating all the way back to 1898, is a classic recipe that has stood the test of time.
It was first served at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in NYC, but has since become a household staple being passed on for generations.
This particular recipe is one that I have been making for years. In our version, apples are soaked in orange juice for flavor and to prevent browning. Then, they are tossed with celery, grapes, walnuts, raisins and a simple (but delicious), 5 ingredient homemade dressing.
Serve this Waldorf salad on it’s own or over a bed of lettuce along with your favorite sides like potato salad, broccoli salad and coleslaw.
Waldorf Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apples. I suggest a tart/sweet apple like pink lady or gala.
- Walnuts. pecans are a good substitute for walnuts.
- Raisins. if you don’t prefer raisins, dried cranberries are a good substitute.
- Honey. granulated sugar or maple syrup can be used in place of honey.
How to Make Waldorf Salad
Let’s walk through this Waldorf salad recipe together, and as always you can watch the video for further guidance.
Begin by filling a small bowl with ½ cup orange juice.
Then, chop the apples into ½” to 1” cubes (do not peel), put the apples in the orange juice and turn to coat. Let them sit while preparing the rest of the salad, stirring once or twice.
Next make the Waldorf salad dressing by whisking the ingredients together in a small bowl.
Next, cut each rib of celery in half lengthwise, then slice thin.
Drain the apples and pat dry, then transfer the apples to a large bowl.
Add celery, grapes, walnuts and raisins to the bowl of apples and stir to combine.
Then, add the dressing and stir until it’s evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and chill the Waldorf salad for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Serve
Remove the bowl from the fridge and serve the Waldorf salad chilled, garnished with extra walnuts.
I suggest serving it alongside your favorite barbecue, potluck or holiday recipes like:
- Best Thanksgiving Recipes
- Homemade hamburgers
- Grilled BBQ chicken
- Coleslaw
- Broccoli Salad
- Potato Salad
Store
Store leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Waldorf Salad Recipe FAQS
It contains mayonnaise, orange juice, honey, salt and pepper.
It was first created for and served at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City in 1898.
Apples, grapes and raisins.
Yes, celery adds flavor and crunch!
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Best Waldorf Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound apples 2 medium, (Gala or pink lady preferred)
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 ribs celery (1 cup)
- ½ cup seedless red grapes quartered (3 oz)
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts chopped
- ¼ cup raisins
Waldorf Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp orange juice
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp sea salt or more to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Fill a small bowl with ½ cup orange juice.
- Chop apples into ½” to 1” cubes (do not peel). Put the apples in the orange juice and turn to coat. Let sit while preparing the rest of the salad, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl, set aside.
- Cut each rib of celery in half lengthwise, then slice thin.
- Drain apples and pat dry, then transfer the apples to a large bowl.
- Add celery, grapes, walnuts and raisins and stir to combine.
- Add dressing and stir to coat.
- Chill in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled. You can serve it on top of lettuce, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Apples. I suggest a tart/sweet apple like pink lady or gala.
- Walnuts. pecans are a good substitute for walnuts.
- Raisins. if you don’t prefer raisins, dried cranberries are a good substitute.
- Honey. granulated sugar or maple syrup can be used in place of honey.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What a classic! I haven’t seen a Waldorf on a menu in a long time, although if I remember right, I was served one at an event not to terribly long ago. In any case, I don’t think I’ve ever made one! So that you for the inspiration!
If you make it, come back and let me know how you like it!