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This Waldorf Salad is crisp, crunchy, and so refreshing. The lighter yogurt dressing keeps things bright and tangy, and it comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for holiday tables, or anytime you need an easy, crowd-pleasing side!
For more sweet sides, try my Cranberry Fluff Salad or Pistachio Salad, or check out my complete collection of side dishes.
What Is Waldorf Salad?
The original recipe was created at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in the 1890s. The original recipe called for apples, celery, and mayonnaise, with grapes and walnuts added later. Today, it’s best known as a creamy fruit and nut salad that’s become a classic for holidays and special occasions.
3 Tips For A Great Waldorf Salad
- Choose crisp, sweet apples. Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best. Soft or mealy apples won’t give you the right crunch.
- Slice grapes in half. This makes them easier to eat and helps them mix evenly with the other ingredients.
- Toss apples with lemon juice first. This keeps them from browning if you’re prepping ahead or if the salad will sit out.
RECIPE WALK-THROUGH
How To Make Waldorf Salad
See the recipe card below for full, detailed instructions
This simple fruit salad recipe comes together in just a few minutes. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Whisk together vanilla Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning. The lemon juice brightens everything and balances the richness, so don’t skip it.
- Plain Yogurt: Vanilla Greek yogurt adds a subtle sweetness; feel free to swap for plain Greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Classic Waldorf Salad: For a fully classic Waldorf salad, you can skip the yogurt altogether and use all mayonnaise.
Step 2: Prep the Fruits and Vegetables
Apples: Peel and dice into bite-sized pieces. Use crisp, sweet varieties like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best texture. Soft or mealy apples won’t give you the same satisfying crunch.
Grapes: Slice red or green grapes in half. This makes them easier to eat and helps them mix evenly with the other ingredients.
Celery: Chop into small pieces for a fresh, mild crunch that balances the fruit’s sweetness.
Walnuts: Roughly chop. For extra flavor, toast them briefly in a dry skillet until fragrant. Pecans are a great substitute if you prefer.
- Pro Tip: Toss the diced apples with a squeeze of lemon juice right away to prevent browning, especially if you’re prepping ahead or the salad will sit out for a bit.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Add the apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overmix. You want the ingredients coated, not mashed. A few gentle folds will do it.
Step 4: Serve
Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to eat.
Serving options: Spoon into Boston or Bibb lettuce cups for a lighter, elegant presentation. Serve in small individual cups for parties and potlucks. Or simply dish it up in a serving bowl for a classic family-style side.
- Pro Tip: For holiday gatherings, the lettuce cups or individual portions make it easy for guests to grab and go. It looks impressive but takes no extra effort.
Variations
- Classic Mayo Version: Skip the yogurt and use all mayonnaise for a richer, more traditional dressing.
- Add-ins: Dried cranberries, raisins, or diced pears for extra sweetness. Chicken or turkey for a heartier main-dish salad.
- Nut Swaps: Pecans or candied walnuts instead of regular walnuts. For nut-free, try sunflower seeds.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
- Waldorf Salad Cups: Spoon into Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb presentation.
- Individual Portions: Serve in small cups or mason jars for potlucks and parties.
- Classic Bowl: Serve family-style in a large bowl alongside your holiday spread.
Storage Tips
Storage, Freezing, Make Ahead
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may release some liquid as it sits; just give it a gentle stir before serving.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the dressing and chop the ingredients a day ahead. Toss the apples with lemon juice or wait to add them just before serving so they don’t turn brown. Store separately and toss together just before serving for the freshest texture. Wait to add the walnuts until just before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Freezing: Not recommended. The texture of the apples and celery won’t hold up after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Toss the diced apples with a little lemon juice right after cutting. The acid prevents browning and adds a nice brightness to the salad.
Can I use plain Greek yogurt instead of vanilla?
Absolutely. Plain Greek yogurt gives the dressing a more savory, tangy flavor. Vanilla adds a touch of sweetness, so choose based on your preference.
Is Waldorf salad healthy?
This version is lighter than traditional recipes thanks to the Greek yogurt, which adds protein and cuts some of the richness. It’s full of fruit, vegetables, and nuts, making it a balanced side.
Can I make Waldorf salad without nuts?
Yes. Simply leave out the walnuts or substitute sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
More Easy Salad Recipes
Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 cup grapes sliced in half
- 2 sweet crisp apples Pink Lady or Gala peeled and diced
- 1 cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Boston lettuce leaves for serving if desired
Dressing
- ⅔ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely minced parsley
- Salt and pepper a pinch of each to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until well combined. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper.
- Add apples, grapes, celery, walnuts and parsley to the bowl and stir to coat well.
- Serve in small cups or in lettuce cups.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
