Waldorf Salad

What’s In A Waldorf Salad
How to Make Waldorf Salad
Save and Serve Later
Sweet and Savory Salad Recipes

Waldorf salad is a classic side dish with a nostalgic flair. Prep it ahead for your next holiday dinner, or throw this easy salad together in minutes for the perfect side.

This original Waldorf salad recipe was created in New York by the head chef of the Waldorf hotel in 1896. It’s a salad as delicious as it is nostalgic!

Flavor: Waldorf salad is crisp and refreshing with just the right mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.
Prep Note: Chill ingredients before mixing for extra crunch.
Swaps: Try Greek yogurt instead of mayo, or swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
Versatile: It’s make ahead, simple, travelable, and goes perfectly with just about any spread.

What’s In A Waldorf Salad

Apple: Crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, MacIntosh, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady work best. Use Granny Smith apples for a tart Waldorf salad.
Grapes and Raisins: This salad mixes red and green grapes with raisins or tangy dried cranberries. Try other dried fruits like blueberries, goji berries, or cherries for a fun twist.
Walnuts: Walnuts add crunch and flavor, but almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, or sunflower seeds work too. Use unsalted nuts or swap with extra celery to cut calories.
Dressing: Simple mayo with sugar added keeps this salad creamy. Try swapping half the mayo for sour cream, or for a lower-fat option, swap for plain Greek yogurt.
Variations: Make it your own with pepitas, mini marshmallows, poppy seeds, or hemp hearts.

How to Make Waldorf Salad

Wash and chop apples, slice celery, and halve grapes.
Whip mayonnaise with sugar (full recipe below).
In a large bowl, toss the apple mixture with dressing. Chill.

Save and Serve Later

Make-Ahead Tip: Chop the apples and toss them in a quick lemon juice and water mix so every piece is coated. This keeps them from browning and adds a fresh, bright pop of citrus to the salad.

Leftovers: Store salad in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Drain any excess liquid, then stir in a teaspoon or two of fresh mayonnaise, a pinch of sugar, and a little squeeze of lemon. Delish!

What is Waldorf Salad?

This is a classic creamy salad made from celery, grapes, apples, walnuts, raisins, and mayonnaise. It is most often served on a bed of lettuce.

How to Serve Waldorf Salad

Serve on its own on a bed of lettuce. Turn it into a hearty main by adding chopped chicken and onion. For a polished presentation, scoop into small bowls, martini glasses, or lettuce cups.

Sweet and Savory Salad Recipes

Did you enjoy this Waldorf Salad? Leave a rating and comment below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 15 minutes

Chill Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Combine mayonnaise and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside
In a medium bowl, toss together chopped apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and raisins (if using).
Stir in the mayonnaise mixture until fully coated.
Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving again.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

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