How to Make the Perfect Waldorf Salad
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This classic Waldorf Salad is ready in just 15 minutes and combines crisp apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes in a creamy dressing. It is a quick and timeless recipe that works as a light lunch or an elegant side dish.
Why this recipe works
This 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 290 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 whole crisp apples, cored and diced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 0.5 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 0.33 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the produce
Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces, slice the celery, and halve the red grapes, adding everything to a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the dressing
In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and toss
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients along with the chopped walnuts and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve or chill
Serve immediately over lettuce leaves, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- mayonnaise → Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangier dressing
- walnuts → pecans or slivered almonds
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not adding lemon juice to the apples immediately which causes browning and discoloration
- Overdressing the salad which makes it heavy and masks the fresh crisp flavors
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 4g protein, 24g carbs, 21g fat, 3g fiber.
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