Waldorf Salad

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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.

Waldorf Salad in a bowl with a spoon

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 in pieces of lettuce

Waldorf Salad Ingredients & Substitutions

overhead photo of the labeled ingredients in this Waldorf Salad recipe
  • 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.
Waldorf Salad in a bowl with a spoon

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 ยฝ cup orange juice.

orange juice in a bowl

Then, chop the apples into ยฝโ€ to 1โ€ 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.

two photos showing apples being tossed in orange juice to make this Waldorf Salad recipe

Next make the Waldorf salad dressing by whisking the ingredients together in a small bowl.

two photos showing how to make Waldorf Salad dressing

Next, cut each rib of celery in half lengthwise, then slice thin.

two photos showing slicing celery to make Waldorf Salad

Drain the apples and pat dry, then transfer the apples to a large bowl.

two photos showing draining and drying apples to make Waldorf Salad

Add celery, grapes, walnuts and raisins to the bowl of apples and stir to combine.

two photos showing how to make Waldorf salad - combining ingredients

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.

two photos showing how to make Waldorf salad - stirring in dressing

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:

Waldorf Salad Recipe in a bowl with a spoon

Store

Store leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Waldorf Salad Recipe on top of lettuce

Waldorf Salad Recipe FAQS

What is Waldorf dressing made of?

It contains mayonnaise, orange juice, honey, salt and pepper.

Why is it called Waldorf salad?

It was first created for and served at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City in 1898.

What fruit does a Waldorf salad typically contain?

Apples, grapes and raisins.

Does Waldorf salad contain celery?

Yes, celery adds flavor and crunch!

Waldorf Salad Recipe in a bowl with a spoon

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Best Waldorf Salad Recipe

Laura
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.
5 from 2 votes
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 131
Prep Time15 minutes
Chilling30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 pound apples 2 medium, (Gala or pink lady preferred)
  • ยฝ cup orange juice
  • 2 ribs celery (1 cup)
  • ยฝ cup seedless red grapes quartered (3 oz)
  • ยผ cup toasted walnuts chopped
  • ยผ cup raisins

Waldorf Salad Dressing

  • ยผ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ยผ tsp sea salt or more to taste
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions 

  • Fill a small bowl with ยฝ cup orange juice.
  • Chop apples into ยฝโ€ to 1โ€ 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

Waldorf Salad Ingredients Notes:ย 
  • 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.
Store
Store leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
ย 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cups | Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. 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!