← BlogJune 28, 2026

How to Make the Perfect Vegan Waldorf Salad

American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings

vegandairy-freeegg-freegluten-free
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This vegan Waldorf salad swaps traditional mayo for a creamy plant-based dressing that coats every ingredient beautifully. It is a refreshing and satisfying vegan dish featuring apples walnuts and celery.

Why this recipe works

This Vegan Waldorf Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.

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What you will need

This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:

  • 2 large apples cored and diced
  • 3 stalks celery sliced
  • 0.5 cup walnuts roughly chopped
  • 0.33 cup raisins
  • 0.5 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Prep the Produce

Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces and toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning. Slice celery and set all prepared produce aside.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Whisk together vegan mayonnaise remaining lemon juice and maple syrup in a large bowl until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

Add diced apples celery walnuts and raisins to the dressing bowl. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled on lettuce leaves or as a standalone side dish.

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Easy substitutions

Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:

  • vegan mayonnaise → plain unsweetened coconut yogurt
  • raisins → dried cranberries for a tart flavor

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:

  • Skipping the lemon juice on apples causing them to brown quickly
  • Overdressing the salad which makes it heavy and overly rich

Nutrition facts

Per serving: 220 calories, 4g protein, 22g carbs, 14g fat, 4g fiber.

Ready to cook?

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