Crisp apples and toasted walnuts are the heart of a classic Waldorf Salad, a timeless dish that still feels fresh for lunch or a potluck side. The real secret, though, is the creamy dressing of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt whisked with honey and lemon. Letting it chill for half an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating that perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and creamy in every bite.
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Ingredients for Waldorf Salad
For the salad
- Apples – Crisp and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work best here.
- Red Grapes – Juicy and seedless for the perfect bite every time.
- Celery – Thinly sliced for just the right amount of crunch.
- Walnuts – Toasting them first brings out their nutty richness.
For the dressing
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base that ties everything together.
- Greek Yogurt – Adds a lovely tang and lightens up the dressing.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the tang.
- Salt – Just enough to enhance all the flavors.
- Black Pepper – A little goes a long way for a subtle kick.
Cook Time for Easy Waldorf Salad
I adore a no-bake fruit and nut salad like this one, especially on a bustling weeknight. You can have this creamy apple walnut salad prepped and ready to chill in 20 minutes flat, which is a total win in my book.
| Category | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Chill Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a potluck or a light healthy lunch that gets even better as it sits.
How to Make Classic Waldorf Salad
Making this iconic salad is wonderfully straightforward, and I promise the results are always impressive. Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this crisp celery and grape salad.
Step 1: Combine the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 medium apples diced into 1/2-inch pieces, 1 cup halved seedless red grapes, 1 cup thinly sliced celery, and 1/2 cup roughly chopped toasted walnuts. This toasted walnut apple mix is the foundation of our dish.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until the dressing is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Pour the prepared dressing over the apple mixture in the large bowl. Use a rubber spatula or large spoon to gently toss the ingredients until all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid overmixing to maintain the texture of the fruits and vegetables.
Step 4: Season and Chill
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or honey if needed, according to your preference. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and enhance.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Waldorf Salad chilled, either in individual bowls or on a platter. This step is what makes it a true classic Waldorf salad, with all the flavors perfectly married. Optionally, garnish with additional toasted walnuts for added texture and presentation.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make this Waldorf Salad recipe truly your own. Here are my favorite ways to personalize it based on what’s in my pantry or who’s coming to dinner.
- Flavor Swap: For a different twist, try using pecans instead of walnuts and add a handful of dried cranberries. It gives it a lovely autumnal feel, much like my favorite fall salad recipes.
- Diet Tweak: To make it a bit lighter or sugar-free, swap the honey for a monk fruit sweetener and use a high-quality, light mayonnaise. The dressing will still be deliciously creamy.
- Prep Fix: To keep your apples from browning, you can give the diced pieces a quick toss in a tablespoon of lemon juice before adding them to the bowl. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in presentation.
- Storage Tip: This salad stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need a make-ahead side for a gathering, it’s a fantastic choice, just like a good bean salad.
Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup seedless red grapes halved
- 1 cup celery thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment
- spatula
- medium bowl
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, and toasted walnuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
- Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled in individual bowls or on a platter, garnished with additional toasted walnuts if desired.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
This creamy apple walnut salad is more than just a pleasure to eat—it’s also nourishing. Every ingredient brings something good to the bowl, and together they create a satisfying balance for a light meal or a side.
Apples and grapes offer fiber and natural sweetness, celery provides a hydrating crunch, and walnuts contribute heart-healthy fats. The Greek yogurt in the dressing also adds a boost of protein.
It’s a lovely way to enjoy a no-bake fruit and nut salad that feels both fresh and substantial. For other nutrient-packed sides, you might also love this Greek chickpea salad or my quinoa chickpea salad.
If you want to learn more about the origins of this timeless dish, the history of the Waldorf Salad offers a fascinating look at its creation over a century ago.
A Lighter Version of Waldorf Salad
Even a classic can use a little refresh now and then, especially when you’re looking for something a touch lighter. This Waldorf Salad recipe adapts beautifully with a few mindful tweaks.
To reduce sugar, skip the honey and use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or steira instead. For a dairy-free or lower-fat dressing, you can replace both the mayo and yogurt with a simple blend of mashed avocado and lemon juice—it stays wonderfully creamy.
It’s just as delicious and feels a bit brighter, much like my favorite Mediterranean quinoa salad. Or, if you enjoy crisp vegetable sides, try this simple cucumber salad for another refreshing option.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I firmly believe that good food should be for everyone, no matter your dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve shared meals with friends and family who are sugar-conscious or managing their blood sugar, so I’ve learned a few gentle tweaks to make this Waldorf Salad more inclusive.
For a truly sugar-free version, omit the honey completely—the natural sweetness from the apples and grapes often shines through on its own. You can also use a natural sugar alternative like stevia if you prefer a touch more sweetness without impacting glycemic levels.
Another idea is to increase the proportion of celery and walnuts, which adds more fiber and healthy fats to help with glycemic control. It still feels like the Waldorf Salad we all love, just a little gentler.
How to Serve Waldorf Salad
I’ll never forget the first time I brought this classic Waldorf Salad to a family reunion. My aunt, who’s usually a quiet eater, came back for thirds and asked for the recipe right there at the table. There’s just something about this toasted walnut apple mix that brings people together.
I love serving it over a bed of butter lettuce for a pretty presentation, or alongside simply grilled chicken or turkey for a fuller meal. It also pairs beautifully with other classic sides like my cauliflower potato salad or a refreshing apple cider vinegar coleslaw.
For a casual lunch, I often enjoy it straight from the bowl with a piece of crusty bread. It’s one of those versatile dishes that never feels out of place.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve made my share of mistakes with this creamy apple walnut salad—and learned how to fix them. I want to save you from the same kitchen hiccups so your Waldorf Salad turns out perfect every time.
One common error is cutting the apples too early. They’ll start to brown before you even toss the salad. To prevent this, I chop them last and give them a quick spritz of lemon juice to keep them crisp and bright.
Another misstep is using raw walnuts. Toasting them makes all the difference, bringing out their nutty flavor and adding that wonderful crunch. Just watch them closely in the oven—they can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Lastly, don’t overdress the salad. Start with half the dressing, toss gently, and add more as needed. You want just enough to coat everything lightly without making it soggy.
For more guidance on perfecting salad techniques, BBC Good Food’s Waldorf Salad Guide offers great tips too. And if you love no-bake dishes, my three bean salad is another fuss-free favorite that never disappoints.
How to Store Waldorf Salad
I’ll never forget the time my cousin Sarah asked if she could take some of this Waldorf Salad home after our Thanksgiving dinner. She tucked a container into her purse, and we laughed when she pulled it out the next day—still perfectly crisp and ready for lunch.
To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about two days, though I think it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours when the apples are still at their peak crunch.
If you need to make it ahead, prepare the components separately. Keep the dressing in one jar, the chopped apples tossed with lemon juice in another, and the toasted walnuts in a bag. Combine everything just before serving for that perfect crisp celery and grape salad texture.
This make-ahead trick works wonders for busy weeks, much like my healthy pasta salad or this vibrant Korean cucumber salad that also keeps well when prepared separately.
Try This Waldorf Salad Yourself
There’s something truly special about sharing food that connects us to memories and people we love. This Waldorf Salad recipe has been part of so many gatherings at my table—from casual lunches to holiday feasts—and each time it brings smiles and requests for the recipe.
I hope this classic Waldorf Salad becomes a favorite in your home too. Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish for weeknight dinners or something elegant for company, this toasted walnut apple mix delivers every time.
If you enjoy this fall salad recipe, you might also love my autumn fruit salad with seasonal flavors, this hearty protein-packed snickers salad, or my colorful farmers market tomato salad. For something different but equally delicious, try this wilted lettuce salad with warm dressing or my caprese pasta salad for summer gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Waldorf salad contain?
A classic Waldorf salad contains crisp apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes in a creamy dressing. The original version used mayonnaise, but many modern recipes like mine incorporate Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter twist that still feels indulgent.
Why is a Waldorf salad called that?
It’s named after the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, where it was first created in the late 1800s. The elegant hotel setting explains why this simple fruit and nut salad has always felt rather special and celebratory.
How to make the perfect Waldorf salad?
The perfect Waldorf salad starts with quality ingredients—crisp, sweet apples, fresh celery, plump grapes, and well-toasted walnuts. Toss them gently with just enough creamy dressing to coat, and serve immediately for the best texture. For more inspiration, check out Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s Waldorf Salad Recipe.
What is the most famous salad in the world?
While there are many famous salads, the Waldorf salad certainly ranks among the most recognized worldwide. Its timeless combination of accessible ingredients and elegant presentation has made it a beloved classic across generations and cultures.
More Fresh Salad Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making this classic Waldorf salad, here are more vibrant recipes that bring color and flavor to your table.
Mango Jicama Slaw – A tropical twist on slaw with sweet mango and crunchy jicama in a zesty lime dressing.
Greek Chickpea Salad – Protein-packed with chickpeas, cucumbers, and feta in a lemony oregano vinaigrette.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – Hearty quinoa loaded with olives, tomatoes, and herbs for a satisfying lunch.
Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw – A tangy, crisp coleslaw that perfectly complements grilled meats and sandwiches.
