Can I make Waldorf Salad without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for a lighter, tangier version. You could also try a combination of yogurt and sour cream, or even a light vinaigrette if you prefer something completely different.

Why is my Waldorf Salad watery after sitting?

This happens because the salt in the dressing draws moisture from the fruits and vegetables. To prevent this, you can salt the salad just before serving, or drain any excess liquid before serving leftover salad.

What are the best apples to use for Waldorf Salad?

The best apples are ones that stay crisp and don't brown quickly. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith are all excellent choices. Using a combination gives you a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Can I freeze Waldorf Salad?

I wouldn't recommend freezing this salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate when thawed, and the fresh fruits and vegetables will become mushy, significantly changing the texture that makes this salad special.

Waldorf Salad Recipe

Name: Waldorf Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp white sugar; 1/8 tsp salt; 1 tsp lemon juice; 3 apples, cored and chopped; 1 cup seedless grapes, halved; 1 cup celery, chopped; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

This classic Waldorf Salad is a refreshing blend of crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and walnuts, all brought together with a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or a lovely addition to your holiday table. The combination of textures and flavors creates a delightful experience that’s both satisfying and light!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish in just 20 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need something fresh but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Perfectly Balanced: The crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables complement the creamy dressing and crunchy walnuts beautifully, creating a symphony of textures in every bite.
Versatile: Works equally well as a light lunch, a side dish with dinner, or even as a refreshing addition to your holiday spread.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it earlier in the day and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing that binds everything together while adding richness.
White Sugar: Just enough to add a touch of sweetness that enhances the fruit flavors without making the salad too sweet.
Salt: A small amount balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
Lemon Juice: Serves double duty – prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright, zesty note to the salad.
Apples: The star of the show! Choose firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
Seedless Grapes: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness throughout the salad – red or green varieties both work beautifully.
Celery: Provides that essential crunch and a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness of the fruits.
Walnuts: Brings richness, protein, and that wonderful nutty flavor that’s signature to a Waldorf salad.
Raisins: An optional ingredient that adds chewy texture and concentrated sweetness – I think they’re worth including!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Boost: Add diced chicken or turkey to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course.
Yogurt Dressing: Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing.
Fruit Swaps: Try pears instead of apples, or add dried cranberries instead of (or alongside) the raisins.
Nut Alternatives: Pecans or sliced almonds make excellent substitutes if you’re not a fan of walnuts.
Blue Cheese Waldorf: Crumble in some blue cheese for a sophisticated flavor upgrade.

How to Make Waldorf Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Core and chop the apples into bite-sized chunks. Immediately toss them with the lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the halved grapes, chopped celery, walnuts, and raisins (if using) to the bowl with the apples.

Step 4: Mix and Chill

Pour the prepared dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Apple Selection: Choose crisp, firm apples that hold their shape when cut. A mix of sweet and tart varieties creates the most interesting flavor.
Even Cutting: Try to cut all ingredients to a similar size for the most pleasing texture and balanced bites.
Toast the Walnuts: For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before adding to the salad.
Proper Chilling: Allow at least 30 minutes of chilling time for the flavors to meld together before serving.
Texture Preservation: For maximum crispness, add the walnuts just before serving if you’re making the salad well in advance.

How to Serve

This Waldorf Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Meal Pairings

Pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty sandwich for lunch or dinner.

Presentation Ideas

Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation, or in individual radicchio cups for an impressive appetizer.

Holiday Meals

Makes a refreshing counterpoint to rich holiday fare – it’s particularly delightful alongside Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may soften slightly but will still taste delicious.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare all the components separately up to a day in advance: chop the fruits and vegetables (toss the apples with lemon juice), make the dressing, and store everything separately in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving.

Refreshing Leftovers

If your leftover salad seems a bit watery or has lost its crunch, add a few fresh chopped walnuts or celery pieces to restore some texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Waldorf Salad without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for a lighter, tangier version. You could also try a combination of yogurt and sour cream, or even a light vinaigrette if you prefer something completely different.
Why is my Waldorf Salad watery after sitting?

This happens because the salt in the dressing draws moisture from the fruits and vegetables. To prevent this, you can salt the salad just before serving, or drain any excess liquid before serving leftover salad.
What are the best apples to use for Waldorf Salad?

The best apples are ones that stay crisp and don’t brown quickly. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith are all excellent choices. Using a combination gives you a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Can I freeze Waldorf Salad?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate when thawed, and the fresh fruits and vegetables will become mushy, significantly changing the texture that makes this salad special.

Final Thoughts

This Waldorf Salad recipe combines simplicity with incredible flavor – exactly what we need in our busy lives! The balance of sweet fruits, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing creates something truly special that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re serving it as a quick side dish on a weeknight or as part of a holiday spread, this timeless classic is sure to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try – I think you’ll find it becomes a regular in your recipe rotation!